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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 outside 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
Outdoor 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.
- Create an obstacle course
- Plan a scavenger hunt (or use one of these printable scavenger hunts)
- Catch and release butterflies and bugs
- Have a 3-legged race
- Camp in the backyard (pretend play)
- Run through sprinklers
- Slide down a slip and slide
- Blow bubbles
- Jump rope
- Play hopscotch
- Play freeze tag
- Play hide and go seek
- Play capture the flag
- Play red light green light
- Play charades
- Play truth or dare
- Play Simon Says
- Have a picnic in your yard
- Build a fort
- Ride bikes
- Ride scooters
- Ride skateboards
- Roller skate or rollerblade
- Play frisbee
- Set up a lemonade stand
- Do a leaf rubbing
- Take photos outside
- Record a video outside
- Climb trees
- Make a dandelion chain
- Play soccer
- Play catch
- Create your own outdoor game
- Have a water balloon fight (try these biodegradable balloons)
- Draw a picture of something in nature
- Play on the playset
- Dig in dirt
- Plant a garden
- Finger paint outside
Tired of hearing your kids say: “There’s nothing to do!”? These printable 101+ Boredom Buster Cards can help. Each card contains a suggested activity that kids ages 6+ can do with little or no guidance from you. The activities listed on these cards only use materials frequently found in most family homes. So there’s usually no need to buy special supplies. Check them out here.
You may also like:
10 Free and Cheap Things to do in The Summer as a Family