Screen Free, Outdoor Fun Ideas for All

AD Sponsored | Parents are always looking for ways to get the kids away from the screens and play outside. Why? Because, spending time outside is good for the mind, body and spirit. Getting outside as a family offers opportunity for connection, togetherness and improves well-being for everyone.

If you’re looking for creative ways to spend time outdoors with your extended family, start with this list of 7 Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family. Bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. Once you get started, you’re sure to be inspired to do more together!

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1. Start A Small Garden

There’s power in growing your own food. Watching a garden come to life is a very fulfilling activity. Whether you choose to grow flowers, plants or food, starting a garden gives you kids something they can be proud of.

As a family, choose a variety of plants, work together to till the soil or use a raised bed, and plant the harvested crops. Since they’re the gardeners, your kids may even be more willing to try different vegetables. As a bonus, gardens are a great way to teach responsibility to children of all ages and keep them working on their projects in the months and years to come.

2. Go Hiking

Taking a hike or going for a simple walk is as easy as opening the door and walking outside. Start with a walk through the neighborhood after dinner. When you have more time, head to the park or the mountains to explore the scenery around you.

Depending on your child’s hiking ability, choose a local trail and take a nice walk. If you want to keep it simple, choose flat terrain and short distances. Increase length and height for a greater challenge. Remember the water bottles and a couple of snacks to keep the energy levels up. And, always make sure that someone knows where you’re going before you head out.

3. Get Creative with Sidewalk Chalk

Hopscotch anyone? Or how about turning your driveway or patio into a work of art? All you need to turn your yard into a canvas is a simple bucket of sidewalk chalk.

Create a mural and invite friends and family to contribute. Make it a contest with a theme and go crazy! The best part is that your creations will live on until rain or time wash them away. This is definitely an activity that even the littlest ones can enjoy with ease.

4. Read A Good Book Outdoors

One of our favorite things to do in the summer time is go to outdoor story time at our local library. Stories take on a different energy when enjoyed out in the fresh air.

Grab a few books from an existing collection or pop into your local library before heading to the shade under the trees with blankets, drinks and snacks. If all your children are not old enough to read, take turns reading to each other. It’s a great activity to enjoy when taking a break from running around or after getting a full belly from your picnic.

5. Get Active for a Good Cause

When it comes to raising charitable children, doing something active is a great way to get the whole family involved. As a family, talk about the kinds of groups/ organizations that you want to help. Then see if there’s a way that you can participate in 5K, bike-a-thon, rugby match, dance-a-thon or local charity walk.

If that’s not your thing, volunteer to clean up or maintain the trails in your local park. Make it even more fun by having everyone wear the same shirt and enjoy accessories to let others know you’re a proud family team. Contact a rugby team kit designer for matching jerseys. This is also a great way to bolster relationships and get more practice in the weeks leading up to the event.

6. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

What do you get when you combine a little competition with adventure and exploration? A scavenger hunt, of course! Create an adventure that fits with your personality. Make it simple with a list of items to find. Or plan ahead and create clues that take you from one item to the next.

If you really want to get creative, give the kids a map to follow! Let mom, dad, or an older sibling come up with a list of natural objects you can definitely find in your backyard. Aim for around 15 to 25, depending on how ambitious you are, and go out with yourself and try to remove as many items as possible from your list.

7.Picnic in the Park

A classic picnic is always a great time. When you’re out and about running errands, plan for a surprise, pop-up picnic before you head home. Pack the car with snacks, sandwiches and drinks (but don’t tell the kids).

Head off to the park, lake or the beach to enjoy some lunch or dinner. Or, why not have a breakfast or dessert picnic for a fun change. But, don’t feel like you have to “go” somewhere for your picnic. Just head out to the backyard with a blanket, some pillows and some food and you’re all set!

There You Go: 7 Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family

There is no limit to the types of fun you can have outdoors with your family. Not only will you have fun, but time outdoors is an affordable self-care activity for healthy families.

We hope that the 7 Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family shared above will inspire fun and bonding for the whole family. Do something that you love, or try something new. Enjoy screen free, fresh air and exercise to fuel your well-being. The memories you create can be cherished now but is also something you will remember fondly when your children grow up.

Do you have a favorite outdoor activity that you enjoy with your family? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.