Outdoor Fun for Kids: Ideas for Keeping Them Entertained and Engaged
Keeping your kids entertained and engaged can be challenging. Most parents would agree it's hard enough to find an activity to enjoy. Luckily, there are several things you can do to pull your kids away from the television. Here are a few engaging and fun outdoor activities for kids!
Apple Picking
Fall is apple season, so head out to your favorite farm or orchard to get the kids involved in apple picking. Apple picking is fun for kids of all ages, especially those who can climb ladders and pick their own apples. It also gives them a reason to enjoy nature, which is especially crucial for those who spend too much time indoors. Additionally, walking through rows upon rows of trees to find the best apples can help kids learn how to make decisions and feel the happiness of finding their own food.
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is about more than letting your kids find goodies; it's a fun activity that allows them to learn problem-solving skills they'll need later in life. Of course, you can do a scavenger hunt just about anywhere, including the local park or your home, but you should consider your child's age. For example, your scavenger hunt should be easier for a five-year-old than for a nine-year-old.
Beach or Pool Day
Summer is every kid's favorite season because there's no school so they can sleep in as late as they want. However, that doesn't mean they should spend all day sleeping! Instead, let them beat the heat and soak up some rays (while wearing sunscreen, of course!) with a beach or pool day. If your child doesn't know how to swim, consider enrolling them in classes as soon as possible to give them a healthy physical activity they can enjoy while they relax and cool off.
Bird Watching
Bird watching may sound boring, but you can teach your kids about the different types of wildlife in your local area; it doesn't have to be limited to birds. Consider giving your kid a set of binoculars, crayons, and a blank sketchbook to draw all the animals they see. Then, when they get older, you can teach them the proper names of the animals and quiz them when they return from their adventures in the yard.
Sprinkler
The best way to cool off in the summer is by running through a sprinkler, and they can be incredibly fun for kids who don't have access to a pool at home. There are many different types of sprinklers kids can enjoy, including one that whips water in different directions for kids to dodge. The first one to get wet is out!
Picnic
Enjoy a family day together with a picnic containing your child's favorite foods. Even better, let them choose which foods to bring for the picnic. This could be a good learning opportunity that helps kids understand the importance of nutrition. Let them pick an option from every food group and see what they come up with.
Lemonade Stand
Teach your children the value of hard work by helping them set up their very own lemonade stand. Show them how to make fresh lemonade and let them calculate their customers' change to teach them how to run their own business! Of course, check with local laws and regulations because some areas require your child to have a permit to start a lemonade stand in your area.
Tag
Running is one of the best physical activities because it requires no equipment. Unfortunately, running isn't always fun for kids, but you can make it more entertaining by engaging in a fun game of tag. Chasing your child around the yard is a fun activity that can benefit both of you, and it can teach children the importance of an active lifestyle.
Car Wash
Even adults enjoy washing their own cars because they get to make suds. Set your child up with a bucket full of water and soap, and let them wash your car to cool down on a hot day.
Drawing With Chalk
Let your child showcase their creativity by decorating your sidewalk or driveway with chalk! Available in several vibrant colors, drawing with chalk is a fun activity for any age and allows them to decorate your home's exterior.
I Spy
You can play the game I Spy just about anywhere, but it's more challenging outside. With so much stuff to see and do, you can keep your child guessing for hours. What makes I Spy so popular is that you can tailor it based on your child's interests and age. For example, young children can have more obvious clues, while older children may enjoy a more challenging puzzle.
Bathe the Dog
Young children aren't old enough to walk the dog on their own, but the entire family can enjoy bathing your dog! Grab a kiddy pool and fill it with water, then let it sit in the sun for a few minutes to warm up. Don't spray your dog directly with the hose because the water might be too cold for them, making the experience unpleasant. Instead, bathe them in water warmed by the sun, and use dog-friendly shampoo.
Build a Snowman
So far, we've talked about activities you can enjoy in warm weather, but what should you do during the cold, snowy winter? Of course, there's no better winter activity than letting your kids build a snowman in the yard. So gather all the essentials— a carrot for a nose, buttons for the eyes and mouth, and sticks for the arms— and watch your child build a snowman as big as possible.
Video Games
Video games might seem like indoor activities, but you can get a projector and have a family game night outside. Just remember to wear gaming headsets so you don't bother the neighbors! You can also make it fun by letting your kids invite friends to play. And don't think that video games are bad for kids. On the contrary, they can actually teach children valuable skills, such as problem-solving, reading, and hand-eye coordination with games like flight simulations.
Entertaining Your Kids
Being a parent sometimes requires you to get creative with how you keep your kids entertained and out of your hair. Hopefully, this list of activities can help you find something new to enrich your children's lives and spark their interest.
Ashley Nielsen
Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.