If you want your family to take more opportunities to go outside with your kids, here are a few ideas to consider. While most family activities are year-round, outdoor ones are a great way to stay away from social media and unplug with the whole family. 

Go On A Hike 

This is a simple activity to do: just remember that younger kids may easily get tired and hungry, so pack plenty of water and snacks. Hiking can be a whole-day activity and can even include a picnic. 

Go On A Bike Ride

Family bike rides can range from going around the block a couple of times, or if you have older kids, you can take them to a mountain bike trail or greenway. Harder biking routes challenge older children to push themselves, while younger kids can learn how to ride bikes closer to home. 

Classic Outdoor Games

Teach your kids classic games you played as a kid. These might include Red Light Green Light, Red Rover, Tag, Capture The Flag, and Duck, Duck, Goose. Some children don’t know these games, so teaching them something from your childhood is always a great bonding experience.

Scavenger Hunts  

You can make a scavenger hunt out of anything. Here are some simple steps to get started: 

1. Make a list of things to find such as pine cones, dark rocks, orange leaves, sticks, bugs, etc.
2. Give your kids a bag for their findings, a net, and a journal to check off everything they find.
3. Start hunting!

Scavenger hunts can take place anywhere: the beach, the woods, or in your backyard. Regardless of where they take place, scavenger hunts are another great way to get outside, have fun as a family, and learn something new about the things you find.

Drawing with Chalk and Blowing Bubbles

On sunny days, drawing with chalk on your driveway and sidewalk with your kids is a wonderful outdoor activity. Blowing bubbles is a great addition, since everyone loves chasing and popping bubbles. This activity is also easy to clean up as you can simply wash away the chalk with water. 

Go to the park

Go to parks in your neighborhood and explore other neighborhood parks to keep from becoming bored.

Splash Pad

While this is not a year-round activity, going to the pool or using your splash pad is a perfect spring and summer outdoor activity for both younger and older kids. Kids can spend hours in the water and tire themselves out, making for a peaceful car ride home. 

Frisbee Golf

This activity is great for older kids: simply take them to a park that has a frisbee and disc-golf area. To add a competitive element, you can pair up into teams. Most frisbee golf courses are made up of 9 to 18 holes. The rules are identical to golf.

Baseball Game

Go out and watch a baseball game as a family, even if your team isn’t playing that day. For kids who have never been to a game, you will make fantastic memories with them, and you can start a family tradition if they enjoy it.

Volunteer 

Volunteering with your kids is a great outdoor activity: you and your family can help clean up a park or plant a tree, and your kids will enjoy digging in the dirt. Another reason to volunteer is that it allows you and your family to give back to the community. 

Written by Jessica Christian, Blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries.

For more articles please visit Safe Harbor International Ministries site: https://safeharborim.com/