Top 10 Outdoor Activities for Kids This Summer

Summer is here, and it’s time to soak up the sun and make the most of these long, glorious days. But sometimes it can be so hard to keep the kids occupied and entertained while battling the heat and boredom. It can be so easy to just turn on the screen and stay inside in air-conditioned heaven. This is why I’m always on the lookout for fun outdoor activities that will keep my kids entertained and away from their screens. Here are the top 10 outdoor activities for kids that will have them laughing, exploring, and creating memories all summer long.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

One of our favourite activities is a nature scavenger hunt. Armed with a list of items like a pinecone, a feather, or a specific type of leaf, the kids go off on an adventure around the park or even our backyard. Not only does it get them moving, but it’s also a sneaky way to teach them about the environment. I usually create a visual guide on Canva or a similar program to make it more interactive for her because she looooves crossing the items out as she finds them.
Sometimes we even create a specific scavenger hunt for example we will be only hunting for flowers to put on her tape bracelet or to create an artwork.

Water Balloon Fights

What screams summer more than a good old-fashioned water balloon fight? We fill up a bunch of colourful balloons, split into teams, and let the chaos begin. It’s a fantastic way to cool off, and the laughter is absolutely infectious even neighbourhood kids come to join. Because we are trying to teach the kids the importance of sustainability we try to use eco-friendly alternatives for water balloons such as cotton balls or those refillable silicone water balls. You can even use water guns for your water warfare.

DIY Obstacle Course

Creating a DIY obstacle course in the backyard is a fantastic way to encourage them to be physically active and engage their creativity and problem-solving skills. We use whatever we have on hand—pool noodles, jump ropes, chalk and even their vehicles—and set up a course that tests their speed, agility, and balance. And let’s be honest, it’s a great workout for us parents too! This is also our favourite activity to do during the rainy days. I use masking tape to create an obstacle course or even a laser maze.

Backyard Camping

I am not that great with the idea of camping because I am terrified of bugs and other crawlies. But, I don’t want my girls to miss out on the experience. So I found a way for them to have the camping experience while at the same time not leaving our backyard. We pitch a tent, make some s’mores, and tell stories under the stars. Emily is still too young for typical campfire stories, so we tell stories about scary things such as broccoli ice cream. For me this is the perfect way to introduce little ones to camping but without the logistical nightmare of packing for a real trip.

Gardening

Gardening with kids is a surprisingly rewarding activity. We plant flowers, fruit, or herbs and watch them grow over the summer. It’s amazing to see their excitement when they spot the first sprout. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to teach responsibility and the basics of where our food comes from. So far, they were most impressed with salad, strawberries and raspberries.

Bike Riding

This is one of our favourite summer outdoor activities for kids. A simple bike ride around the neighbourhood can turn into an adventure with a little imagination. We explore new paths and sometimes discover some new areas of the city. Thankfully, the bike paths in the Netherlands are so great that they always lead somewhere great and I am not terrified for Emily while she is practising her biking skills and riding next to me. The bike rides are also fun for the baby; she enjoys watching everything from her throne on top of my bike. Don’t forget the helmets, of course!

Chalk Art

Going crazy with chalk art is a must-have for summer fun. The kids can spend hours drawing elaborate murals, creating hopscotch games, or even making a chalk city for their toy cars. With us, the baby just prefers to put chalk in her mouth, while Emily likes to draw some flowers, hearts and to create a chalk version of the “Simon says” game. The best part? A bit of rain or a hose down and the canvas is ready for the next masterpiece.

Picnics

Pack up some sandwiches, snacks, and a blanket, and head to your local park for a picnic. The Netherlands has so many beautiful forests, beaches and lakes that are amazing spots for picnics that we try to somewhere different every time. We love finding a shady spot, spreading out our feast, and enjoying some family time in the great outdoors. Bonus points if you bring along a Frisbee, ball or a kite! Pro tip: always choose outdoor toys that are in bright colours in case you have to fish out your Frisbee from the sea.

Water Play

From running through sprinklers to setting up a slip ‘n slide, water play is a surefire way to keep cool. We even have a small inflatable pool for those really hot days. Pro tip: set up some toys or buckets for water-based games and watch the hours slip away. You can always buy a water/sand table for more fun, but I always try to use the things I already have. The girls love it when I make them a foam party in their pool with just a bit of water, dishwashing liquid and a hand mixer. You can always add a bit of food colouring to make it more exciting.

Bird or Bug Watching

With a pair of binoculars and a simple bird guide, bird watching can become a fascinating hobby. We sometimes visit a nearby nature reserve, trying to spot and identify different birds. When we do not feel like taking a trip to the forest or nature reserve we go on a bug hunt in the neighbourhood ( I knoow, creepy) without out magnifying glass and try to find different bugs. Surprisingly, the ladybug is the favourite one for both of us. Recently she even got a magnifying insect container for a present, and she loves it. It’s a wonderful way to teach her patience and appreciation for wildlife.

These outdoor activities for kids are not only great for keeping them entertained, but they also create lasting memories. So, slather on some sunscreen, grab your hats, and let’s make this summer the best one yet!