39 Outside Activities for Kids to Do Independently This Summer

These outside activities for kids provide hours of independent play in the summer.

(This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.) 

The summertime is a chance for kids to relax, explore, play, and best of all – spend time outside in warm sunny weather.

Research shows that having kids spend time outdoors has many benefits for kids. Time outdoors:

• encourages exercise.
• reduces anxiety.
• improves focus.
• raises kids’ interest in the environment.

But sometimes, finding outside activities for kids can be challenging.

Letting kids experience a bit of boredom can be beneficial for kids since it can push kids to think creatively.

But there moments when our children will come to us claiming they can’t find “anything to do”. It’s in those moments that having a list of outdoor activities kids can choose from can be handy.

Outside activities kids can do by themselves in the summer

The majority of the activities on this list are designed to only use common items found in most family homes. They’re also activities that kids ages 6+ should generally be able to do independently, with minimal help or guidance from you.

Click on the links below to see suggestions, resources, and ideas for each activity.

1. Create an obstacle course
2. Plan a scavenger hunt (or use one of these printable scavenger hunts)
3. Catch and release butterflies and bugs
4. Have a 3-legged race
5. Camp in the backyard (pretend play)
6. Run through sprinklers
7. Slide down a slip and slide
8. Blow bubbles
9. Jump rope
10. Play hopscotch
11. Play freeze tag
12. Play hide and go seek
13. Play capture the flag
14. Play red light green light
15. Play charades
16. Play truth or dare
17. Play Simon Says
18. Have a picnic in your yard
19. Build a fort
20. Ride bikes
21. Ride scooters
22. Ride skateboards
23. Roller skate or rollerblade
24. Play frisbee
25. Set up a lemonade stand
26. Do a leaf rubbing
27. Take photos outdoors
28. Record a video outdoors
29. Climb trees
30. Make a dandelion chain
31. Play soccer
32. Play catch
33. Create your own outdoor game
34. Have a water balloon fight (try these biodegradable balloons)
35. Draw a picture of something in nature
36. Play on the playset
37. Dig in dirt
38. Plant a garden
39. Finger paint outside