The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

10 Exciting Outdoor Activities to Enjoy with Your Kids this Summer

Screen Time to Green Time!

With summer officially here, there couldn’t be a better time to trade in that screen time for some time in the sun!

In a world dominated by digital devices and constant connectivity, it’s essential to encourage our children to spend more time outdoors, connecting with nature. Not only does it provide them with a chance to explore, discover, and have fun, but it also offers a multitude of benefits for their overall well-being and development.

If you’d like to know more about the benefits of spending more time in nature for children, check out our recent blog.

As parents, caregivers, and guardians, we hold the power to shape the future, not just for our children but for the planet as a whole. In today’s ever-changing climate landscape, building climate resilience has become a pressing need. Raising children who are not just aware but also passionate about environmental issues and sustainability is more important than ever.

We have the opportunity to nurture the next generation of eco-warriors who will carry forward the mission of preserving and protecting our planet.

When kids spend time outdoors, they learn firsthand about the natural world around them. They develop a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, gain a sense of wonder and curiosity, and cultivate a connection that fosters a desire to protect it.

We’ve put together ten fun and affordable ways to spend quality time outside with your children this summer. From adventurous outdoor activities to creative projects and nature-inspired playtime, we’ll provide you with a range of ideas that will ignite their imagination and create lasting memories.

10 Exciting Outdoor Activities to Enjoy with Your Kids this Summer

1 – Organise a Nature Scavenger Hunt

Unleash the spirit of adventure by organizing a nature scavenger hunt with your children.

Create a list of items to find, such as leaves of different shapes, stones of various colours, or specific types of flowers or insects.

Encourage your kids to use their observation skills and explore their surroundings to discover the wonders of the natural world. Not only does this activity promote outdoor exploration, but it also fosters a sense of curiosity and teaches children to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature.

This will keep your eager explorers busy for hours!

2 – Planting a Vegetable Garden

Engage your kids in a long-term project that teaches them about food systems and the importance of sustainable living.

Set aside a small patch of land in your backyard or create a container garden on your balcony.

Get your little ones involved in every step of the process, from selecting seeds or seedlings to preparing the soil, watering, and nurturing the plants.

As they witness the miracle of growth and harvest their own fresh produce, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and the benefits of eating locally and sustainably.

This is a great activity as it encourages them to spend more time outdoors every day as they’ll need to care for the plants they’ve planted by watering them and checking up on them.

It’s also so rewarding for them to be able to harvest their first crops!

3 – Garden Campout

Create lasting memories by planning a magical garden campout with your children.

Pitch a tent in your backyard and spend the evening roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and gazing at the stars.

Camping outdoors not only allows your kids to disconnect from screens but also instils a sense of appreciation for the natural environment and the simple joys of outdoor living.

This one-night camping activity is less time-consuming to plan than a real camping trip and can be a lot more affordable. You’ll also have all your creature comforts easily on hand, which makes it a stress-free introduction to camping for your children.

4 – Nature-Inspired Art Activity

Tap into your children’s creativity and encourage them to express themselves through nature-inspired art.

Gather materials like leaves, flowers, twigs, and pebbles, and challenge them to create artwork using these natural treasures.

They can make leaf rubbings, create flower petal collages, or design rock paintings. This activity not only enhances their artistic skills but also deepens their connection with the textures, colours, and patterns found in the natural world.

5 – Spontaneous Beach or Nature Area Clean-Up

Teach your children the value of environmental stewardship by either joining a beach or nature area clean-up or simply taking a rubbish bag with you on a beach walk or forest walk and collecting litter as you go.

Spend a day at the local beach or a nearby forest, equipped with gloves, trash bags, and a sense of purpose!

Engage your kids in collecting litter, sorting recyclables, and restoring the beauty of these natural spaces.

Through this hands-on experience, they’ll develop a sense of responsibility for the environment and learn about the importance of reducing waste and preserving our ecosystems.

6 – Set Up an Outdoor Science Experiment

Spark your children’s curiosity and encourage their love for scientific exploration by conducting an outdoor science experiment.

Here are a few fun ideas:

• • Teach them how to make a soil battery! You only need a few simple items and it’s a great way to get their hands dirty while learning a thing or two about electricity!

• • Create a DIY wind turbine. You can use recyclables you have at home for this experiment that is a great way to teach your kids about green energy!

7 –  Foraging Trip in the Woods

Venture into the woods or a nearby nature area for a foraging expedition with your children.

Before heading out, educate yourself about the local flora and its edible components.

Depending on your region, you may be able to forage for items like wild berries, edible mushrooms, or herbs.

For example, elderflowers are a common find in many areas and they have so many great uses!

Teach your children how to identify elderflowers and use them to make delicious elderflower syrup or elderflower-infused drinks.

Remember to forage responsibly, only picking what you will use and leaving enough for the ecosystem to thrive.

8 –  DIY Bird House or Insect Hotel

Foster a welcoming habitat for wildlife in your backyard by building a DIY birdhouse or insect hotel.

For a birdhouse, you’ll need a small wooden box, nails or screws, and some creativity. Ensure it has a small entrance hole and a secure place to hang it. Research the specific requirements for birds in your area to provide a suitable nesting space.

To create an insect hotel, gather materials such as bamboo sticks, twigs, pinecones, and old flower pots. Stack and secure these items, leaving small cavities for insects to take shelter. Hang the insect hotel in a quiet area of your yard. These structures provide safe havens for birds or beneficial insects, contributing to the local ecosystem.

9 –  Join in on Citizen Science With a Mini Wildlife Survey in Your Backyard

Transform your backyard into a mini wildlife sanctuary and conduct a wildlife survey. Set up a designated observation area where your children can sit quietly and observe the animals that visit.

Encourage them to record their findings, noting the different species they see, their behaviours, and any patterns they observe. Provide binoculars and field guides to help with identification.

This activity not only enhances their observation skills but also fosters an appreciation for the diverse wildlife that can be found right in their own backyard.

10 – Nature Photography Adventure

Embark on a nature photography adventure with your children and capture the beauty of the natural world through their lenses.

Provide them with a camera or a smartphone with a camera function, and encourage them to explore their surroundings, focusing on details like flowers, insects, textures, or landscapes.

Teach them about composition, lighting, and perspective, and let their creativity shine as they document their favourite elements of nature.

This activity not only allows them to develop their artistic skills but also cultivates a deep appreciation for the intricacies and wonders of the outdoors.

Embrace the Great Outdoors: Nurturing Nature-Loving Eco Warriors

By engaging in these outdoor activities, you’ll cultivate a deeper understanding of the natural world within your children. Each experience will nurture their sense of wonder, curiosity, and connection with the environment, ultimately shaping them into compassionate and knowledgeable stewards of the Earth.

If you want to get your hands on more resources like this to help teach your future eco-warrior all about our natural world, sign up to access our new app where we have a wealth of free resources just like this!