Outdoor Activity Ideas For Kids
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Ready to turn your garden into a wild safari? Make a list of things like leaves, rocks, and that one flower you always forget the name of, and set your kids loose on a nature scavenger hunt. Watch them race around like mini explorers, discovering the wonders of the natural world right in your own garden. It’s not just fun; it’s a stealthy way to teach them about nature while they’re too busy having a blast to notice.
2. DIY Obstacle Course
Make your garden or local park the ultimate playground with a DIY obstacle course. Use chairs to crawl under, ropes to balance on, hula hoops to jump through—it’s all fair game. Tailor the course to your little ones’ age and make it fair for everyone racing through the course. It’s a guaranteed way to burn off that endless energy and add a dose of friendly competition to the day.
3. Water Balloon Toss
What’s more fun on a hot day than a water balloon toss? Fill up those balloons, pair up the kids, and let the splashy games begin. The further they stand, the bigger the challenge—and the louder the laughter! It’s the perfect recipe for staying cool and having a blast.
4. Chalk Art
Hand over the chalk and let your kids turn the driveway into their own personal canvas. Double the fun by getting them to draw out games, like hopscotch or a checkerboard. Plus, when they’re done, with a quick rinse of the hose, it’s back to a blank canvas for their next masterpiece.
Have a look at our range of kids' chalk and let their imaginations run wild!
5. Garden Camping
Forget the hassle of packing up and driving to the woods - just pitch a tent in the garden, and you’ll have all the fun of camping with none of the hassle. Roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and gaze at the stars right from your own patch of grass. It’s the perfect way to give your kids a taste of adventure without leaving home.
6. Gardening
Get the kids involved in gardening, whether it’s planting flowers, veggies, or just playing with the soil. They’ll learn about nature, patience, and responsibility, all while having a messy good time. Plus, when those plants start to grow, they’ll feel like they’ve accomplished something amazing.
Inspire your little ones to explore outside with their very own gardening tools from our Get Set Grow range.
7. Bubble Blowing
Sometimes, all you need is a bottle of bubbles to turn an ordinary day into something special. Watch as the kids chase and pop bubbles all over the place, giggling and running around like crazy. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it keeps them entertained for hours - what more could you ask for?
8. Bike Rides
Get the whole family on their bikes and hit the road for an adventure. Whether it’s a ride around the neighbourhood or a trip to the local park, it’s a great way to stay active, explore, and spend quality time together. And who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new favourite picnic spot along the way.
9. Rock Painting
Next time you’re out for a walk, have the kids collect some smooth stones. When you get back, break out the paints and let them turn those rocks into colourful creations. It’s a fun, creative activity that doesn’t require many materials, and once they’re done, you can use the painted rocks to decorate the garden or give them as thoughtful gifts.
Check out our range of craft supplies for everything you need to get creative!
10. Sponge Relay Race
Get ready for some wet and wild fun with a sponge relay race! Set up two buckets—one filled with water and the other empty. The aim of the game is to soak a sponge in the water, run to the empty bucket, and squeeze out as much water as possible before racing back. The team that fills their bucket with water first wins!
11. Nature Art
Turn a walk in the park into an art project. Have the kids collect leaves, flowers, sticks, and other natural materials, then use them to create nature-inspired art on a piece of paper or cardboard. Whether it’s a collage, a picture frame, or even a nature crown, the possibilities are endless. It’s creative, eco-friendly, and a great way to bring the outdoors inside.
12. Picnic in the Park
Pack up a simple picnic and head to your local park for a meal al fresco. Lay out a blanket, enjoy some tasty snacks, and let the kids run around in the fresh air. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to spend quality time together, and the change of scenery makes everything taste just a little bit better.
13. Shadow Tag
Give the classic game of tag a fun twist with Shadow Tag. Instead of tagging each other’s bodies, players have to step on each other’s shadows. It’s a great way to keep the game interesting, especially when the sun’s out and casting long shadows.
Looking for indoor activities? Check out our post on fun creative indoor activities for rainy days.
14. Mud Kitchen
If you don’t mind a bit of mess, set up a mud kitchen in the garden. All you need are some old pots, pans, and utensils, plus a patch of dirt. The kids can “cook” up mud pies, dirt stew, and more while engaging in some hands-on, imaginative play. It’s dirty, it’s fun, and it’s a surefire way to keep them busy for hours.
15. Kite Flying
On a windy day, there’s nothing more exhilarating than flying a kite. Grab a simple kite (or make your own) and head to an open area where the kids can let it soar. It’s a peaceful, timeless activity that gets everyone outdoors and enjoying the breeze.
16. Outdoor Science Experiments
Turn your garden into a science lab with simple experiments like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, homemade slime, or even growing your own crystals. These hands-on activities are not only fun but educational too, encouraging curiosity and a love for learning in your little scientists.
17. Sensory Play Garden
Create a sensory play area in your garden with different textures, smells, and sounds. Include a sandpit, a water play station, and plants with different scents like lavender and mint. Let your little ones explore the area with their senses while they play and discover.
Check out our range of sensory toys if you need some extra inspiration!
18. Outdoor Movie Night
Set up an outdoor movie night in your garden. All you need is a projector, a white sheet or wall, and some cosy seating, like bean bags or a soft blanket. Add some popcorn and you’ve got a movie experience under the stars that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
19. Treasure Hunt
Organise a treasure hunt in your garden or local park. Hide small toys, treats, or coins and create a map or a series of clues for the kids to follow. It’s a fun way for them to use their imagination and keep them active as they search for hidden treasures.
20. Paint with Water Guns
For a unique way to get your kids to express their creativity while enjoying the thrill of a water gunfight, get them painting with water guns! Fill water guns with washable, non-toxic paint, hang up large pieces of paper or an old white bedsheet, and let the kids go wild spraying their colourful designs. It’s a great way to combine art and play that’s perfect for a sunny day.
Plus, clean-up is a breeze - just hose everything down when you’re done!
21. Garden Games
Whether it’s classic croquet, a competitive round of ring toss, or the thrill of giant Jenga teetering on the edge, garden games are great for keeping kids engaged and active. They’re easy to set up, get the whole family moving, and add just the right touch of friendly competition to your day. Perfect for get-togethers, birthdays, or simply making the most of a sunny afternoon, garden games turn your outdoor space into the ultimate playground.
22. Paper Airplane Contest
Ready to turn a simple piece of paper into a high-flying masterpiece? Have the kids design, fold, and decorate their own paper planes - then it’s time to hit the great outdoors. The challenge? See whose plane can soar the farthest or stay aloft the longest. It’s creative, it’s competitive, and best of all, it’s super easy to set up. Let the sky-high battles begin!
For more paper-based activities, have a look at our collection of paper crafts.
23. Stick Maze
Got a garden full of sticks? Perfect. Turn those sticks into a challenging maze on the ground. The kids can navigate their way through it, or for an added twist, blindfold them and see if they can make it out with just a guide to help. It’s all about strategy, a little bit of luck, and a whole lot of fun.
24. Leaf Rubbing Art
Here’s an art project with a twist, straight from Mother Nature herself. Send the kids on a leaf hunt, then place the leaves under a sheet of paper and rub over them with crayons. Watch as the textures and patterns of the leaves appear like magic. It’s the perfect way to blend art with a little nature exploration.
Have a look through our range of colouring pencils to find the perfect leaf-rubbing accompaniment!
25. DIY Water Slide
When the temperature rises, nothing beats a DIY water slide. Roll out a tarp, add some water, toss in a bit of soap, and you’ve got an instant garden water park. Kids of all ages will be slipping, sliding, and laughing all the way through those hot summer days. It's easy, refreshing, and guaranteed to be a hit.
26. Hula Hoop Challenges
Ready to see who can keep a hula hoop spinning the longest? Set up a few hula hoops and challenge the kids to master the spin. Go classic around the waist, or mix it up with some arm or leg action. Or, if you’re feeling creative, set up an obstacle course and see who can hoop their way through it. It’s all about fun and getting those bodies moving.
For more ideas, check out our range of activity toys that will keep their bodies moving and minds sharp all summer long.
27. Bug Hunt
Turn the garden into a safari zone with a bug hunt. Arm the kids with magnifying glasses and send them on a mission to discover the mini creatures living in your garden. They’ll learn, they’ll explore, and maybe even start a bug journal to track their finds. Just make sure they leave their critter friends where they found them!
Back Garden = Big Adventure
While the sun’s still playing nice, it’s the perfect time to soak up the great outdoors. With this jam-packed guide to fun and affordable outdoor activities, you’ll keep the kids busy, happy, and full of beans—while giving yourself a well-earned breather (and without spending a fortune!).
From crafty games to simple DIY fun, these ideas are brilliant for firing up young imaginations and burning off all that extra energy. Plus, a good dose of fresh air and sunshine is just the ticket for some healthy vitamin D and gives your child a chance to explore the world around them.
After more outdoor action? Have a peek at our collection of outdoor toys and turn your garden into your little ones’ favourite place to play.
