59 Outdoor Activities for Kids Aged 9
Refine your search
Activity Type
Location Type
Energy Level
Mess Factor
Age
Time Duration
-
Forty-Forty
A classic hide-and-seek chase game where one child counts to forty, then tries to spot others before they dash to “base” and shout “Forty-forty in!”
-
Morse Code Messaging
A playful way to send secret messages with light or taps, building rhythm, spelling, and patient turn-taking.
-
Constellation Hunt
A calm, cosy night-time activity that helps families learn simple star patterns together while practising observation and patience.
-
Knots
A hands-on way to learn useful knots through simple challenges, building confidence for shoelaces, den-building, and everyday problem-solving.
-
Skimming Stones
A timeless outdoor challenge — find the perfect flat stone and see how many times you can make it bounce across the water.
-
Sand Mummy Wrap
Sculpt something silly in the sand by gently burying arms or legs — a fun and creative way to turn someone into a sand mermaid, dinosaur or superhero!
-
Make a DIY Compass
Learn how to find North by making a simple compass from household items — a fun and hands-on introduction to magnetism and navigation.
-
Join a Local Scouts or Guides Group
Scouting and Guiding groups offer fun, friendship and adventure. From Rainbows to Cubs to Explorers, there’s something for every age and interest.
-
Elderflower Cordial
A lovely seasonal activity that starts with foraging and ends with a refreshing homemade drink. Get outside, pick some elderflowers, and make something delicious together.
-
Junior ParkRun
Junior ParkRun is a brilliant, free way for kids to enjoy running in the great outdoors — all while building confidence, friendships and healthy habits.
-
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.
-
Go Foraging
Foraging is a hands-on way for children to connect with nature, learn about the seasons, and discover wild food — all with close adult supervision.
-
Rockpooling
Explore tide pools and discover tiny sea creatures hiding between the rocks — perfect for curious little beach adventurers.
-
Join a Forest School Group
Forest school sessions give children the chance to explore the outdoors, learn practical skills, and grow in confidence through nature-based play.
-
Pebble Towers
A mindful stacking challenge that explores balance and height using simple pebbles—great for focus, patience, and tiny engineering wins.
-
Sign Up for Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons help children stay active, build water confidence and learn essential safety skills — all while having fun with their peers.
-
Rock Painting
Grab some smooth stones, paint, and let kids turn rocks into mini works of art. Perfect for creative outdoor or indoor fun—and lovely to hide for others to find!
-
Geocaching
Head outdoors with your phone or GPS and hunt for hidden treasures! Geocaching is a brilliant way to explore new places, get active, and add a bit of adventure to your walk.
-
Sand Volcanoes
Shape your own volcano from beach sand, then pour water into the top to watch your ‘lava’ flow!
-
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.