My family and I recently visited some family in Louisiana. During our trip, my daughters went for walks, collected rocks, and cleaned them with soap, water, and a toothbrush. An activity that is so simple ended up being the highlight of their trip. It got me thinking about other simple activities that my kids would enjoy with the summer quickly approaching.
Here are some cheap, simple, and fun outdoor activities for children you can do as a family.
Rock Collecting / Painting
Go on a walk as a family and collect your favorite rocks. You could turn it into a craft project and paint them or decorate them. Get creative! This activity alone keeps my children entertained and gives us something to do together. Some people in my small town often hide rocks in our community and write motivational quotes on them. Even adults get joy in finding these decorated rocks unexpectedly, so this could be something you and your family start in your community.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Think about the area you want to explore and come up with a nature scavenger hunt. This not only gets your child active but also allows them to actually observe their surroundings. If you do not want to create your own, there are really cute ones that you can print online for free.
Make a Fairy/Gnome Garden
This is personally next on my list to do with my children, but I have found little fairies and gnomes at the Dollar Tree, as well as other things we could add to our fantasy garden. For your boys (or my dinosaur-loving little girl), you could make their own Jurassic Park using little toy dinosaurs. You could always make things or find sticks, or leaves. Use your imagination and, most importantly, have your child use theirs!
Create a DIY Mud Kitchen
Your childhood was fun if you remember making mud pies. If you have any old cookware, let the kiddos add it to their outdoor “kitchen.” Put them in play clothes and let them get messy. I have seen tons of ideas for outdoor DIY play kitchens, but these can be as simple or as extravagant as you want to make them. At the end of the day, your child will love making their mud creations.
Plant a Flower
Let your child pick out a flower to plant and help them decorate a pot to plant it in. Teach them about properly caring for the plant they choose- be sure to research together how much sunlight, water, etc., it may need
Sidewalk Chalk
Chalk is an oldie, but there is always something new you can create with chalk. Interactive chalk art is so fun and allows your child to have fun creating, but then get to be active when following the prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions About the best, cheap, simple, and fun outdoor activities for children:
What are the best outdoor activities for children?
Some of the best outdoor activities for children include nature scavenger hunts, bike riding, playing tag, and visiting local parks. These activities help kids stay active, explore their surroundings, and build social skills while having fun.
What are the outdoor activities for children?
Outdoor activities for children range from simple games like hide-and-seek to more structured options like soccer or nature walks. Gardening, flying kites, and creating sidewalk chalk art are also popular choices that encourage creativity and physical movement.
How to keep kids entertained outdoors?
To keep kids entertained outdoors, mix physical activities with imaginative play. Set up obstacle courses, organize group games, or provide tools for exploring nature. Rotating activities and inviting friends can also keep outdoor time fresh and engaging.
What are fun physical activities for kids outside?
Fun physical outdoor activities for kids include jumping rope, playing hopscotch, riding scooters, and climbing on playground equipment. These types of movement-based play help children develop strength, coordination, and confidence—all while enjoying the fresh air.
