7 Outdoor Summer Activities to Enjoy with Your Children

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him..” - Psalm 127:3

Whether you homeschool all year or just have your kiddos on the weekend, it is so important to get outside and spend quality time together. The Bible verse above says that children are a reward from the Lord. Your reward. YOU deserve to take time out and enjoy yourself by doing something memorable this summer with your children.

With that said, here are 7 activities you should start planning for your summer today! 👊

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are so much fun, even when you are making them. You can organize them in a local park or your own backyard.

Here is a list of 10 natural items you can include in a scavenger hunt that you make:

1. A pinecone

2. A smooth rock

3. A feather

4. A wildflower

5. A leaf with an interesting shape

6. A piece of bark

7. Rocks with layers - to learn about sedimentary rocks and geology.

8. A bird’s nest (observe without touching)

9. Wildflowers - make sure to pick responsibly and not disturb rare species.

10. Seeds - from different plants, to observe and maybe even plant.

Above is a Garden Scavenger Hunt for your backyard you can download here.

2. Family Gardening Project

This does not have to be a large garden that will have you sweaty and exhausted by the end of the day. You can start a small vegetable or flower garden with pots or a raised garden bed.

We love raised beds. We started out with one 10’ x 4’ and waist high. Then we built 2 more a little bigger. We then moved and built 2 beds that were 8’ x 4’ and mid thigh high. And to our surprise we moved to where we are now last year and just built 3 more raised beds. The last house and this current house my son had fun building them with his dad, while my daughter and I stained the wood.

It is so good to involve children in planting and caring for the garden. They can get a good feeling of accomplishment when they see their plants begin to pop up out of the ground.

Here is a Garden Checklist you can download here.

3. Outdoor Water Games

Water is so refreshing on a hot day, and usually fairly accessible. Try setting up a backyard water park with sprinklers and inflatable pools. Supervision and water safety is so very important. I have had both a friend and a neighbor lose their child to drowning because it really does only take a second of turning away to watch another child. Make sure little ones have fitted life jackets or floating devices.

Here are 5 fun outdoor water games for kids:

1. Duck, Duck, Splash: Similar to the traditional Duck, Duck, Goose game. Kids sit in a circle, and one player walks around with a cup of water. Instead of saying “Goose,” they say “Splash” and pour the water on the chosen player’s head.

2. Water Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course with various challenges like crawling under pool noodles, jumping over sprinklers, and running through a slip 'n slide. Kids will have a blast navigating the course while getting soaked.

3. Sponge Run: Place a bucket of water at one end of the yard and an empty bucket at the other. Kids use large sponges to transfer water from one bucket to the other by running back and forth. The team that fills their bucket first wins.

4. Water Balloon Toss: Pair up kids and give each pair a water balloon. They start close together and toss the balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.

5. Squirt Gun Targets: Set up targets like plastic cups or empty cans on a table or fence. Kids use squirt guns to knock down the targets. You can make it a competition by seeing who can knock down the most targets in a set time.

4. DIY Outdoor Movie Night

There is something fantastical when you grab your blankets and/ or chairs and watch a movie outdoors. Kids get to stay up outside later...parents don't worry about spills...can I get an amen! 👌

More than that there is an excitement of being together getting cozy outdoors.

Check out these six ways to create an outdoor cinema experience at home:

1. Choose the Right Location: Choose a flat and open area in your backyard, patio, or garden. Ensure it’s away from streetlights or other sources of artificial light to minimize any natural light that might interfere with your movie.

2. Invest in a Projector and Screen: Use a high-quality projector suitable for your space size and ambient light conditions. You can use a portable screen, a blank wall, or even a DIY screen made from a white sheet or drop cloth.

3. Set Up Comfortable Seating: Arrange cozy seating options such as outdoor cushions, blankets, inflatable sofas, or lawn chairs. Add some pillows for extra comfort.

4. Create Ambience with Lighting: Use decorative lighting like lanterns, or string lights to create a warm and enchanting setting. This adds a cozy touch to your outdoor cinema experience.

5. Prepare a Snack Station: Set up a table with a variety of snacks like popcorn, candy, and drinks. You can also include a cooler with beverages to keep everyone refreshed.

Here are six healthy movie snack choices:

1. Stovetop Popcorn: Making it on the stove top with lid, or popcorn machine with a little bit of heart-healthy oil and seasoning it with herbs or spices can keep it healthy and delicious.

2. Rainbow Fruit Kabobs: Skewer a variety of colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melon for a refreshing and nutritious snack. Chop fruit into 1” cubes or close, and slide onto wooden or bamboo skewers.

3. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas: These crunchy chickpeas are a great alternative to chips. Season them with your favorite spices and roast them until crispy.

4. Nut and Dried Fruit Dark Chocolate Bark: This snack combines the antioxidants of dark chocolate with the protein and healthy fats from nuts and dried fruits. It’s a sweet treat that’s also nutritious.

5. Baked Sweet Potato Chips: Slice sweet potatoes thinly ( 1/8th”), toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake them until crispy. They are a healthier alternative to regular potato chips and are high in vitamins A and C.

6. Cinnamon Apple Chips: Thinly slice apples, sprinkle them with cinnamon, and bake them at a low temperature until they are crispy. These chips are a sweet and healthy snack option.

Enjoy your movie night with these healthy and tasty snacks!

5. Camping in the Backyard

What a great way to feel like you are in the great outdoors but not have to travel at all. Engage with your children in activities like storytelling and stargazing, and even cook your food outside, but not too close to the tent or you will only be star gazing all night! 😱

Four important safety rules for a backyard camping adventure:

1. Fire Safety: If you plan to have a campfire, ensure it’s in a safe, designated area away from flammable materials. Always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave the fire unattended and make sure it’s completely extinguished before going to bed.

2. Weather Awareness: Stay updated with the weather forecast. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather by having appropriate clothing, shelter, and emergency supplies. Avoid camping during severe weather conditions.

3. Food Safety: Store food securely to prevent attracting wildlife and pests. Use sealed containers and keep food away from sleeping areas. Dispose of food waste properly to maintain a clean and safe campsite.

4. First Aid Preparedness: Have a well-stocked first aid kit readily available. Include essentials like bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. Know basic first aid procedures and be prepared to handle minor injuries.

Following these safety rules will help ensure a safe and enjoyable backyard camping adventure!

6. Creative Arts and Crafts

I love arts & crafts. It was one of my most favorite classes growing up. As a parent I just had to have a craft bin...that grew into a craft closet...that is now more like a craft room!. I have though simmered it down over the years, especially now focusing more on specific crafts that the kids like best such as polymer clay, crochet, 3D printing, wood burning, or candle making (mostly me 😍).

For young children it can develop essential skills and build confidence in a fun and engaging way. Activities like drawing, cutting, and painting improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are essential for writing and other tasks. Working on group art projects helps children learn to communicate, and build social skills. Completing an art project gives children a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to take on new challenges.

Engaging in arts and crafts helps supports cognitive development and improves their ability to process information. Who knew it would be one of the most important classes every school / homeschool have.

Here are two ways to set up an outdoor art station:

1. Garden Art Studio:

   • Location: Choose a spot in your garden, patio, or balcony.

   • Materials: Set up a picnic blanket or a low wooden platform for kids to sit on. Provide easels, watercolors, paintbrushes, and washable paints. You can also include rocks for rock painting.

   • Water Source: Have a water source nearby for washing up.

   • Drying Area: Lay out a space for drying artwork, such as a clothesline or a designated area on the ground.

2. Covered Art Station:

   • Location: Use a covered area like a porch or deck to protect from sun and rain.

   • Materials: Set up tables with various art supplies like chalk, markers, paper, and paint. Include loose parts from the environment, such as leaves, sticks, and stones, for creative projects.

   • Workspaces: Provide low benches, inverted crates, or tree stumps as workspace. Display intriguing loose parts on the worktop to invite exploration.

These setups will inspire creativity and allow kids to enjoy art in the fresh air!

7. Local Exploration and Day Trips

If you don't have the time or the budget to plan a full activity, just grab your essentials and get out to the nearest or nicest park you can get to and explore it together. Make it stress free, and get your kids curious to what is out there.

10 top types of local exploration and day trips that can be both educational and enjoyable:

1. Nature Hikes: Explore local trails and parks to enjoy the beauty of nature and get some exercise.

2. Historical Sites: Visit nearby historical landmarks, museums, and heritage sites to learn about the local history and culture.

3. Beach Day: Spend a relaxing day at a nearby beach, enjoying the sun, sand, and water activities.

4. Wildlife Watching: Go to nature reserves or wildlife sanctuaries to observe animals in their natural habitats.

5. Cultural Festivals: Attend local festivals, fairs, and cultural events to experience the local traditions and arts.

6. Farm Visits: Visit local farms to learn about agriculture, pick fresh produce, and enjoy farm activities.

7. City Tours: Take a guided tour of a nearby city to explore its attractions, architecture, and local cuisine.

8. Adventure Sports: Try activities like kayaking, rock climbing, or zip-lining at local adventure spots.

9. Botanical Gardens: Visit botanical gardens or arboretums to see a variety of plants and flowers.

10. Art Galleries: Explore local art galleries and studios to appreciate the work of local artists and perhaps even participate in a workshop.

Whatever you choose to do this summer, the most important thing to remember is to create lasting memories with your children...and get pictures!!