Put the devices down, and let’s go outside and have some fun!
Hopefully, your kids jumped up with joy and said, let’s goooooo!
That’s most likely what didn’t happen, but I’m sure you weren’t surprised.
These days, kids are stuck on their devices, and that’s not because of the pandemic.
Things don’t have to be that way, though, so don’t give up hope, and let’s see what we can do to get them outside of the house.
There are many outdoor activities for kids, but sometimes, it’s not so easy to think about until someone else tells you.
As a parent, you’re already busy enough paying bills and worrying about the coronavirus and its madness.
Thankfully, I have created this list of outdoor activities for kids so that you, the busybody parent, can pick and choose what they’re going to do, all while sounding like a genius.
You will probably already know some of these activities, but we forget many things about old age and parenting.
So, here is a simple solution that might help.
Outdoor Activities For Kids
This list of outdoor activities for kids is not dull.
Some of you might have a brattier kid than others, but be patient and show them how to have fun without a device.
These activities are in no specific order, as I just wrote whatever came to mind.
Your kids might like some of them, and of course, they’ll probably find a lot to complain about, too.
That’s the life we live as parents, so give it time and give these activities for kids a try.
1. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
During the pandemic, my kids’ teachers would always have a scavenger hunt around the house, and that was pretty fun.
It was fun but got redundant because every single one of them had the same dang lesson plan.
What’s better than a Zoom scavenger hunt?
An outdoor scavenger hunt!
Get them to find things in the yard or even a little into the woods if you live around them.
2. Tag/Hide n Seek
There’s nothing better than a game of tag besides a game of tag.
It never gets old and is one that will have your kids burning calories faster than you can think.
It might sound lame at first until that little competitive spirit comes out.
Then, you’ll be running all over the place without thinking.
By the time you know it, you’ll be ready to go back into the house without needing to do any other outdoor activities.
3. Get an App
I know I said to put the devices away, but sometimes those kids won’t abide.
So, what do you do?
You download an app used outdoors and one that will have them moving all over the place.d
You might remember the Pokemon Go craze that had everyone and their mothers climbing all over the place just to “catch ’em all.”
Other similar apps are supposedly better, but you can go to the App Store or Google’s Play Store to see what is there.
I have never gotten into it, but I know my kids did, and it was pretty interesting.
4. Take Them to a Park/Playground
If you don’t have a playset at home, taking your kids to the park is your next best bet.
The park is a great place to relax, and it’s also an excellent way for the kids to get some outdoor fun.
My kids love to go to the park.
They like to climb on a rock wall, slide down the slide a million times, and do whatever else there is that is on the playground.
Yours will, too, so use your local playground as your next outdoor activity.
5. Play Catch
I don’t care what kind of ball you use.
There’s no better outdoor activity for kids than to play a good old game of catch.
If you have a toddler or young child, you can use any soft-feeling ball.
If you have an older child, now is an excellent time to introduce them to a football, some gloves, or a baseball.
Not to say you’re going to set them up for a professional career, but this is an excellent way to help with their hand-eye coordination and a way to get them out of the house.
6. Water Gun Fight
Water guns are fantastic.
They aren’t dangerous, and kids love them.
Water guns will never go out of style, and they are coming up with better ones every single year.
And, if you don’t know what a super soaker is, you might want to check them out.
Then again, do they still sell Super Soakers?
Nerf is always on top of things, so I’m sure they have them or possibly something better.
7. Get a Cool Nerf Toy
Since we’re on the topic, I might as well get into this next outdoor activity for kids.
The Nerf company has a lot of toys to choose from that are better off playing with outside.
The problem is not many people know about the cool stuff they have.
Sure, different types of Nerf guns will work just fine, but there are other cool things.
They have these Nerf frisbees and balls with which you can soak water, and they make a great start to an incredible outdoor game.
8. Fly a Kite
Kites are one of the best outdoor activities for kids.
I don’t know about you, but it still blows my mind to see a kite go way up in the sky, knowing it’s attached to the string you are holding.
The problem with kites is that we won’t use them unless we see someone else doing it.
So, be that someone and go to Amazon and get any dang kite there.
Your kids will love them, and you will reminisce about your days when you were that brat kid that your parents spoiled.
9. Frizbee
When was the last time you threw a frisbee?
This little disc gets thrown around for a bit and eventually gets thrown out of style, just like everything else.
Then, someone brings one to the beach, and wuddya know, it’s “hey, who brought the frisbee” day.
Frisbees are incredible, and although they may go out of style for a bit, they will always come back around.
So, get one and show your kids how horrible you are at throwing them.
10. Sack Race
The last time I did a sack race was when I was in elementary.
I know, I’m telling you that this is one of the best outdoor activities for kids, yet I don’t do it myself.
Well, that’s why I recommend it!
No one ever thinks of a sack race, but it will surely give you the workout you didn’t plan on doing.
Your kids might think it’s lame, but throw their little behind in a sack, and they’ll see that it’s not as easy as it looks.
Oh, and I believe I lost my first sack race.
Don’t judge.
11. Hacky Sack
Let’s throw in a good old hacky sack since we’re on the “sack” topic.
I always loved to play with a hacky sack while in school, even if I sucked at it.
As parents, we might suck, but when it’s time to show the kids how to do something, we all of a sudden become some professional.
They think you’re great at it, and all of a sudden, you think you are too.
Then you start trying to teach them, and they believe every single word you say.
Don’t forget that you can make your hacky sack, so don’t be so quick to pull out that credit card.
12. Kick a Soccer Ball Around
Kicking a soccer ball around is similar to playing catch; you are using your legs this time.
Soccer is the most played/watched sport in the world.
I guess it would’ve been better if I said, “Soccer is the most popular sport in the world,” but again, I managed to complicate something so simple.
It was like how we had to choose a baby name for each of the four kids we had.
We survived, and they’re doing just fine with what they have.
But, back to soccer, or football, or futbol, or whatever it is that you want to call it.
It is the most popular sport globally, and it’s also one of the better outdoor activities for kids.
You can get a cheap soccer ball at any sporting goods store, and it will work just fine.
13. Water Balloon Fight
Now, this is where things get fun.
Water balloons are always fabulous, and they will bring life to any outdoor activity.
They are very affordable, and kids and adults will always enjoy a great game of water balloon fight.
Don’t be one of those parents who take things too seriously, though, as you need to remember that they are just kids.
14. Play With Bubbles
For those of you who have a daughter, bubbles will be a great outdoor activity for her.
My boys don’t care for it so much now, but they did when they were a lot younger.
Don’t be lame.
Get them something more extraordinary than a regular bottle of bubbles.
They have wands and bubble machines that can spruce things up, so consider those before you are that lame, boring parent you are.
15. Red Light, Green Light
Now, this is a game that your kids probably know.
You’ll know what I’m talking about if you’ve ever watched Squid Game.
These contestants have to play many games, and “red light, green light” is one of them.
I’ve played this as a kid, but that show has given this game a new twist.
Don’t get too crazy here, and maybe throw a water balloon to whoever moves.
16. Keepy Uppy
Keepy Uppy is a game that my daughter taught me.
You blow up a balloon and try to keep it from falling.
It sounds simple (because it is), but it’s a lot of fun and something we usually play indoors.
Give this a try outdoors, and you’ll have all kinds of space to jump and dive to keep that balloon from touching the ground.
17. Paint
Painting doesn’t help get rid of your dad bod, but it will be fun.
Outdoor painting is one of the best things you can do for your child.
Of course, you get to paint, but you also get to show them what a wonderful place the Earth is.
You get them to have fun, you get them to appreciate the place we call home, and you can maybe sneak in a spiritual lesson on how God created everything.
18. Dodge Ball
I should’ve put “friendly” in there because I forget how competitive some parents are.
But dodgeball is always a great outdoor activity for the kids and one way to give them a workout.
You don’t always have to wait until you go to Skyzone to play dodgeball, so get them up and start a game right outside your home.
19. Go on a Picnic
Forget about setting the table and eating all proper like you’re on some TV show.
Get a picnic basket (or plastic bag), load some sandwiches, and take your kids to a picnic.
My parents never did this for us, so I figured it was time I did it for my kids.
You can go to a park, a beach, or somewhere safe and convenient for your family.
20. Go on a Bike Ride
Riding a bike around the house is already fun.
How about taking your kids to a park?
Or, if they’re old enough, how about a bike trail?
If your kids are already riding a bike like a champ, they’ll enjoy a nice, beginner-friendly bike trail.
Be careful, though, as they might end up wanting to upgrade to one of those super expensive bikes.
Then again, you might be the one wanting the upgrade.
Just don’t forget to wear a helmet and always put safety first.
21. Throw a Family BBQ
In my house, barbecuing is done by me, and it’s usually just me outside.
I know it sounds pretty lonely.
For a fun-filled outdoor activity, take every single family member out to the yard.
Let them see how fun it is to barbecue, and let them enjoy the beautiful smells, too.
Barbecuing is one of my favorite outdoor activities for kids and one that you should do at least once a month.
And if you don’t even own a grill, you can always check out our BBQ grill buying guide to see what fits your needs.
Conclusion – Get Up and Get Out
These days, getting outside is almost a chore.
It doesn’t help with this stinkin’ pandemic and all the restrictions.
However, you have your backyard, your front yard, and for you apartment people, you have your balcony.
There is no time for excuses, so get your kids up and enjoy one of these simple yet fun outdoor activities for kids.