Outdoor activities for kids: Fun adventures beyond screens
Inspire a love for fresh air, movement, and imagination with these easy, screen-free outdoor activities. Perfect for backyards, parks, or anywhere under the sun!
There’s something magical about kids playing outside. The laughter, the energy, the endless creativity. But in a world of screens and busy schedules, it can sometimes feel tough to come up with simple outdoor ideas that keep kids engaged.
Whether you have five minutes or a whole afternoon, these activities are easy to set up, fun for a range of ages, and require little to no special equipment. You’ll find plenty of screen-free ways to turn ordinary days into extraordinary memories.
Refine your search
Activity Type
Location Type
Energy Level
Mess Factor
Age
Time Duration
-
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.
-
Elderflower Fritters
Pick fresh elderflowers and turn them into a tasty treat! These light, crispy fritters are a hands-on way to explore seasonal cooking with kids.
-
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!
-
Naughts and Crosses
Quick to learn, easy to play, and perfect for filling little pockets of time. All you need is paper and a pencil to enjoy this classic game of strategy.
-
Ring a Ring o’ Roses
Hold hands, sing the rhyme, and fall down laughing! Ring a Ring o’ Roses is a timeless game that gets children moving, singing, and smiling together.
-
Blindfold Maze
Guide a blindfolded partner through a simple obstacle maze using only your voice. A fun way to build trust, communication, and giggles!
-
Leaf Rubbing Art
Use crayons and paper to uncover the beautiful textures of leaves. A calming, creative activity that blends nature exploration with simple art.
-
Nature Bingo
Turn a walk in the park or garden into an exciting adventure with Nature Bingo! A brilliant way to boost observation skills and encourage outdoor exploration.
-
Make Daisy Chains
Pick fresh daisies and learn to weave them into beautiful flower chains. A calm, creative outdoor activity perfect for sunny days in the garden or park.
-
Build a Bug Hotel
Help local insects by building a bug hotel using natural materials. A brilliant outdoor project that encourages kids to support wildlife and explore nature up close.
-
Bark Rubbings
Get hands-on with nature and discover the unique textures of trees by making bark rubbings using crayons and paper. A simple, creative outdoor activity.
-
Have a Picnic
Grab a blanket, pack a basket, and head outdoors for a classic picnic! It’s a simple way to enjoy good food and even better company.
-
Plant a Mini Garden
Create a mini garden in a pot, tray, or window box! This hands-on activity is a brilliant way for kids to learn about plants, nature, and responsibility.
-
Musical Statues
A timeless party game where kids dance to music and freeze when it stops. Move while frozen, and you’re out!
-
Musical Chairs
Get kids moving, laughing, and thinking fast with a game of Musical Chairs! A timeless favourite that’s perfect for parties, playdates, or rainy days indoors.
-
Nature Collage
Gather leaves, petals, and twigs on your next nature walk, then turn them into beautiful collages! A perfect mix of outdoor exploration and creative expression.
-
Go for a hike
Explore nature, get active, and spark curiosity with a family hike! Every trail offers a chance to discover new sights, sounds, and moments together.
-
Beach Cricket
Take cricket to the sand with this simple, action-packed version! Draw a circle, grab a bat and ball, and enjoy some sunny, sporty fun at the beach.
-
Beach scavenger hunt
Turn a day at the beach into an exciting adventure with a scavenger hunt! Search for shells, driftwood, footprints, and more while soaking up the sun and fresh air.
-
Build a sandcastle
Get creative at the beach with a classic sandcastle build! Whether it’s a simple tower or an elaborate fortress, sandcastle building is pure, hands-on fun for kids of all ages.