Spending summer outdoors helps your kids stay active, healthy, and happy. Taking part in outdoor activities lets your child connect with nature, burn off energy, and make great memories. Whether it’s exploring local parks, riding bikes, or trying creative games, there are plenty of fun options to choose from.
You can plan family hikes, visit splash pads, or get inspired by new ideas like a pool noodle obstacle course or nature scavenger hunts. Many families enjoy places like the Children’s Museum in Phoenix, but there are also many simple outdoor games that you can play right in your backyard.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, you’ll find lots of ways to keep your child engaged with these outdoor activities for kids. This guide will help you discover fun and easy ways to spend time outside together all summer long.
Classic Outdoor Games and Sports
Outdoor games help kids stay active, work together, and enjoy the fresh air. Many classic games require little or no equipment and are ideal for a range of ages and group sizes. These activities can be played in parks, fields, or your own backyard.
Organized Team Activities
Team games like Capture the Flag and Kickball teach teamwork, competition, and fair play. Capture the Flag splits kids into two teams, each protecting a flag on their own side. The goal is to grab the other team’s flag and get it back to your own side without being tagged.
Kickball is easy to set up on grass or pavement with bases and a rubber ball. It combines skills from soccer and baseball, making it familiar and fun. Kickball is great for groups of all ages because the rules are simple and teams can be adjusted as needed.
Relay races are also popular and can use cones, spoons, or batons. These organized games can be rotated to keep everyone involved and excited. Each one focuses on participation and fair play, making them ideal for larger get-togethers or neighborhood fun.
Backyard Sports Ideas
Backyard sports don’t need much space or any fancy gear. Classic choices like tag and freeze tag let kids run around and burn energy. For a change, try hide and seek, which encourages kids to use strategy as they search and hide in outdoor spaces. Games like Cornhole and frisbee are easy to set up and play with just a few players.
Backyard soccer is a favorite because it can be played with as few as two kids. You can use cones for goals or even set up makeshift goals with shoes or sticks. These types of games let kids practice skill, balance, and teamwork.
If you want more options, check out this list of backyard games from one of our other articles.
Field Day Challenges
Field day challenges make outdoor play exciting and a bit competitive. Sack races, three-legged races, and egg-and-spoon races are classics that can include everyone. You only need common items like pillowcases or spoons to get started.
Set up a simple table like this to track winners and games:
Rotate between events so every kid gets a chance to try each one. These challenges combine fun, physical movement, and friendly competition. The games can be adapted for different age groups by changing the rules or length of the course.
Nature Exploration Adventures
Getting outside gives you the chance to learn about nature in hands-on ways. Activities like hiking, scavenger hunts, and observing wildlife help your child grow curiosity and appreciation for the outdoors.
Hiking With Kids
Hiking is an easy way for kids to see new places and learn about the environment up close. Choose local parks and nature trails with short, safe paths. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats for sun protection.
Use hikes as a time to talk about the plants, trees, and rocks you pass. Encourage kids to ask questions and share their observations. Let your child lead the way sometimes to boost confidence.
Short hikes work best for young children, but older kids can handle longer trails. Some families like to bring field guides to identify leaves, birds, or insects. For more ideas, check out these nature activity suggestions from scouting experts.
Nature Scavenger Hunts
Nature scavenger hunts make time outside feel like an adventure. All you need is a printed or hand-written list of items to find, such as leaves, pinecones, bird feathers, or rocks. You can create your own list or use a ready-made checklist like this outdoor scavenger hunt.
Give each child a bag or basket to collect their items. Some families enjoy working as a team, while others like a friendly competition. Keep safety in mind and remind kids not to touch unknown plants or insects.
You can add challenges, such as finding something of every color or spotting animal tracks. The key is to encourage curiosity and exploration, not just finishing the list.
Wildlife Observation
Watching wildlife in its natural habitat teaches patience and respect for animals. Start by finding a quiet spot near water, a meadow, or wooded area. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for seeing birds, bugs, or small mammals.
Bring a pair of binoculars, a magnifying glass, or even a camera for better observation. Ask your child to describe what they see, hear, or smell. Making simple notes or drawings in a nature journal helps kids remember their experience.
You do not need to travel far—city parks and backyards are full of living things. Identify birds or bugs using simple guides, or try a nature-inspired activity list for more ideas to observe wildlife closely.
Water Play and Aquatic Activities
Outdoor water activities help kids stay cool and active during the hottest months. These activities encourage movement, hands-on learning, and time spent with friends or family.
Swimming Pool Fun
Swimming is one of the best ways for kids to exercise and have fun at the same time. You can visit a local public pool, join swimming lessons, or host family swim days at home. Bring along pool noodles, beach balls, and diving rings to keep play interesting and support swimming skills.
If you want to add more excitement, try pool games like “Sharks and Minnows,” relay races, or underwater treasure hunts. Floating toys or inflatables often make the experience even better. Always make sure there’s adult supervision, and follow all pool safety rules.
Regular trips to the pool help children improve their swimming ability and gain water confidence. Swimming also boosts coordination and endurance. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, towels, and plenty of water to drink.
Pond And Lake Exploration
Many ponds and lakes offer a different kind of adventure. Bring a net or bucket and see what kind of small fish, tadpoles, or insects your kids can discover. Exploring nature in these habitats teaches children about animals, plants, and the importance of keeping water clean.
You might find walking trails nearby or picnic areas for taking breaks. Some lakes allow wading or safe, shallow swimming, so always check posted safety signs. Bring life jackets for small kids if you plan to go out on a boat or dock.
Pond and lake visits can also include skipping stones, watching birds, or even taking simple nature walks to spot frogs and turtles. Each trip offers new things to see, making every visit interesting and unique.
DIY Water Games
You don’t need a pool to have fun with water. Simple games in your backyard can turn a hot day into a special memory. Set up a sprinkler, fill a few water balloons, or build a “car wash” for bikes or ride-on toys. Create a water obstacle course or organize a friendly water balloon toss.
When the temperature rises, nothing beats a good old-fashioned water gun fight. It’s a fun, high-energy way for kids to stay active, cool off, and enjoy time with friends or family. Whether it’s a backyard battle or a park showdown, water gun games spark laughter, teamwork, and endless outdoor excitement. Just grab a few refill buckets and let the soaking fun begin!
For more ideas, you can find lists with dozens of creative water activities and even backyard water Olympics with stations like sponge relays and sprinkler races. All you need is a hose, some buckets, or a few sponges.
Water games encourage teamwork, keep kids active, and can be set up in minutes. Quick clean-up with towels or old clothes helps make it stress-free for parents.
Creative Outdoor Projects
Kids love making things, and outdoor projects keep them active while inspiring imagination. These activities encourage hands-on creativity and can use everyday materials from nature or home.
Nature Crafts
You can gather leaves, sticks, flowers, and rocks to make simple crafts in your backyard or a local park. Try making leaf rubbings by placing paper over a leaf and rubbing the side of a crayon across it. Rock painting is another fun idea—decorate rocks with bright colors and patterns, then use them as garden markers or decorations.
Pressed flower art requires picking flowers and flattening them between heavy books for a few days. Once dried, you can glue the flowers onto cards or picture frames. Stick frames, where you use twigs to build a border around a photo, are another easy nature craft.
Nature crafts help you appreciate your outdoors while building fine motor skills. For more inspiration, check out lists of nature-inspired summer activities.
Outdoor Art Stations
Set up an outdoor space where your child can paint, draw, or make things without worrying about mess. Use a plastic table, an old sheet, or even a fence as a surface for art. Sidewalk chalk is popular and lets you draw big, bold pictures on driveways or walkways. You can also try making an obstacle course with sidewalk chalk patterns and lines.
Fill spray bottles with colored water and spray paper taped to a fence. Create sun prints by placing objects like leaves or toys on special sun-sensitive paper and watching the shapes appear. These art stations encourage creativity and allow kids to express themselves outside. Explore more outdoor crafts and activities for different options.
Building Forts And Shelters
Building forts gets kids moving, thinking, and working together. Start with simple materials like blankets, sticks, or large cardboard boxes. Drape a sheet over patio chairs to make a quick fort, or use sticks and twine to build a small shelter in your yard.
If you want a bigger project, try a DIY tent or teepee using poles or branches tied at the top and covered with a tarp or fabric. Kids enjoy planning the structure and decorating it with pillows, flags, or lights.
This activity helps with teamwork, problem-solving, and imagination. For step-by-step guides, you can look into fun outdoor DIY projects for kids.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Events
Spending time together outside can help strengthen family bonds and give everyone a break from screens. You can find plenty of fun, affordable, and memorable options close to home.
Community Festivals
Many towns and neighborhoods host local festivals during the summer. These events often feature food stands, live music, craft booths, and games for kids. Some festivals have parades that you and your family can watch or even join. If you want to try something new, look out for cultural festivals that teach about different traditions.
Many community festivals are free or low cost, making them budget-friendly. Bring blankets or chairs to stay comfortable if events run long. Kids can have fun exploring the activities and meeting other children.
Parents often enjoy the chance to catch up with neighbors and try local treats. To find out what’s happening nearby, check your town’s event page or local social media groups. Festival schedules may fill up quickly, so mark your calendar early.
Outdoor Movie Nights
Outdoor movie nights are becoming more popular. Parks, schools, and community centers set up big screens for movies at dusk. You can bring your own snacks and a blanket or lawn chair to watch under the stars.
Most events show family movies that are suitable for all ages. Some towns even host themed nights, like costume contests or sing-alongs. Tips for a great movie night experience:
- Bring sweaters or jackets, as it can get cool in the evening
- Pack bug spray
- Arrive early to get a good spot
- Double-check if tickets are required
You can also set up your own movie night in your backyard with a simple projector and white sheet. Watching a movie outside gives kids a new way to enjoy a story together.
Family Camping Excursions
Camping is a classic way to spend quality time outdoors as a family. You don’t need to travel far—many families set up a tent in their own yard. Local, state, and national parks offer campgrounds with trails, lakes, and playgrounds.
Essentials for a family camping trip:
Camping gives kids the chance to explore nature, look for wildlife, and learn new skills such as building a campfire or making s’mores. Even a short trip can create important family memories. If you’re new to camping, look for guided programs or setup tips at local parks or through family centers. For more ideas, check out these budget-friendly summer activities for families.
