31 Outdoor Activities for Kids Aged 4 that take 15-30 mins
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Pumpkin hunt
Head outside at dusk for a slightly spooky pumpkin hunt! Hide mini pumpkins, hand out torches, and let children search within set boundaries. It’s a safe, confidence-boosting autumn adventure that builds teamwork, problem-solving, and big smiles.
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Magic Potion Mixing
Create fizzing, glittering “potions” using safe household ingredients and a big dose of imagination.
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Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Gather soft toys, lay out a blanket, and enjoy a pretend picnic together — perfect for imaginative play and a little outdoor (or indoor!) fun.
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Beach Bowling
Turn the beach into your own bowling alley with just a beach ball and some plastic cups — perfect for a breezy bit of fun in the sand.
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Rockpooling
Explore tide pools and discover tiny sea creatures hiding between the rocks — perfect for curious little beach adventurers.
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Rock and Shell Hunt
A calming and mindful seaside activity where children collect beautiful shells and stones — perfect for quiet exploration and discovery.
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Pebble Towers
A mindful stacking challenge that explores balance and height using simple pebbles—great for focus, patience, and tiny engineering wins.
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What’s the Time Mr. Wolf
A classic outdoor running game that combines counting, listening and lots of giggles. Perfect for parks, gardens or school playgrounds.
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Sand Volcanoes
Shape your own volcano from beach sand, then pour water into the top to watch your ‘lava’ flow!
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Duck Duck Goose
Simple, energetic and full of laughter, Duck Duck Goose is a brilliant game for groups of children. Great for burning off energy indoors or out.
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Anything Boules
Play a fun, unpredictable game of pétanque using everyday items like socks, toy bricks, or crumpled paper! A great way to get kids laughing and aiming indoors or out.
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Water Play Tub
A shallow tub, some toys, and a bit of water is all it takes to keep little hands busy. Water play supports sensory development and endless pretend fun.
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Make a Mud Pie
Let children dig, mix, and decorate their own pretend pies using soil, water, and whatever nature offers. It’s a joyful, sensory-rich activity that celebrates mess and creativity.
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Fly a Kite
Flying a kite is a joyful, low-cost way to enjoy the outdoors together. It encourages movement, coordination, and a sense of calm focus while watching the kite dance across the sky. Materials Tools Steps Why It’s Great Safety Tips
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Ride a Bike
Head outside for a cycle! Whether on a balance bike, stabilisers, or full-sized wheels, bike riding boosts confidence, coordination, and independence.
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Hopscotch
All you need is some chalk and a bit of pavement for this throwback favourite. Hopscotch builds balance, number recognition and plenty of giggles.
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Make a Bird Feeder
Help local birds thrive by crafting your own feeder from natural or recycled materials. A simple way to support wildlife and spark curiosity.
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Pavement Chalk
Use chunky chalk to turn your driveway or pavement into a masterpiece. A bright, creative outdoor activity that washes away with the next rain!
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Puddle Jumping
Pop on some wellies and go splashing! Puddle jumping is a joyful way to turn grey skies into giggles and make the most of wet weather.
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Water Bucket Relay
A fun and splashy beach race where kids scoop water from the sea and run it back in buckets or cups — first to fill their target wins!