Outdoor activities encourage family bonding, develop a kid’s sense of adventure, build his/her physical and social education, and improve overall health. Toddlers love playing with water and with their hands. As such, they will enjoy most water-based outdoor activities appropriate for their age. For the older kids, yes, we know you think nothing surpasses the rush of trying to overcome hurdles and pass levels in video games. But maybe they have not been exposed to fun outdoor activities! And by outdoors, a garden definitely counts!
Bike Riding
Bike riding is an exhilarating fun activity for any child. Bicycles, tricycles, or motorized bikes can be used depending on the kid’s age and skills. An example of a great practical motorbike is the MotoTec Gas Pocket Bike. This single rider bike is a must-have if your kid enjoys being on wheels and appreciates the outdoor experience that it offers. It is for kids up to 13 years old and can cover 20 miles with its 1.2-liters filled gas tank. Since most bikes are budget-friendly, you can get one for each kid, and they can race one another from one end of the street to the other. Just ensure that the terrain is safe and child-accommodating. Also, kit the kid with the necessary safety gear to forestall injury in the case of a fall.
Scavenger Hunt
Write out some things such as various kinds of plants, animals, and signs you know are available within the neighborhood. Then take a walk and ask the children to point out each one they see. The kid that discovers most of the things listed out wins the game. Another way is to hide several objects around the house and ask the kids to run around and find them.
Backyard Camping
You can buy a tent together with enough sleeping bags and set them up in the backyard. As night draws close, the whole family can build a fire, make S’mores, and tell stories. You can also decide to add stargazing on a starlit night and teach the kids about the different constellations they can see. Camping is an excellent way to build memories and may become a family tradition.
Outdoor ChalkBoard/Wall
Make an outdoor wall or buy a large chalkboard for younger kids to discover their creative art side. They can draw to their heart’s content while you watch them or draw along. Ensure they know the chalk is not a food item and should not be ingested.
Ball Game
If you have a field nearby or a large yard, your kids can practice their soccer skills and learn teamwork, while an adult encourages and coaches them. The whole family can partake in this activity, and for more fun, the teams could be divided as either male versus female sides or one with the parents playing against the kids. In the case that soccer is not your thing, there are many other gentleman sports that are fun include baseball, softball, and handball, among others.
Flying kites
On a good windy day, lead the kids out to a park so they can have a kite flying competition and enjoy themselves. A kite has wings, with a tail and bridle, to guide the face of the kite, so it is lifted easily by the wind. Another fun activity for the kids includes making the kites themselves. Obtain the necessary materials for kite making and allow everyone to have fun creating unique designs of their own. If this is not possible, you can also purchase the kites online or at a store.
Rope skipping
With many techniques such as the crisscross, alternate foot jump, double under, or even the basic jump, rope skipping/jump rope is fun for all ages. Skipping ropes come in many sizes; some are for individual skipping while others are for a group of persons jumping over the rope at the same time. You can watch the kids jump or join in. As most people know, rope skipping is an excellent form of physical workout too. If you have only one kid that cannot skip yet, a trick is to tie one end of the rope to an end and then swing it from your end while the kid jumps.
Plan a picnic
Prepare and pack some foods the kids love eating, go to a park, a playground, or even your lawn, and have a picnic. Healthy snacks are preferable as clean-up of the picnic ground will be easier for you. Also, you may decide to take the kids for a walk around the park or play some games before everyone gathers to eat.
