40+ Outdoor Activities to Do at Home for Kids age 2-10 - Free Outdoor Activities Checklist

With this great list of outdoor activities to do at home, your child will have hours and hours of fun and movement ahead of them! Even though we’re all at home right now, that doesn’t mean that the outdoors is off-limits.

Getting outside and exploring the surroundings is a simple way to encourage creativity and exercise as well.

The next time that you and your child are needing to get a bit of fresh air, pick out a couple of these great outdoor activities and head out the front door.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

40 Fun Outdoor Activities to Do at Home with kids age 2-10. Ideas and activities are great for Fun Things to do in Your Backyard. Scavenger Hunt, have a picnic, exploring nature, make homemade birdfeeders, This Free Printable Checklist of Backyard Activities will keep kids busy and having fun for free.

Outdoor Activities to Do at Home – Free Outdoor Activities Checklist

The outdoors is a giant blank canvas where anything can happen. Kids can run, laugh, jump, skip, swim, and just “be” for all hours of the day.

Sitting and playing in the sunshine is one of my favorite memories growing up and it was such a simple and easy thing to do. I’m always encouraging our kids to get out and do something outside just to feel that sunshine on their skin and breath fresh air.

This list of outdoor activities is a fun way to boost your brain. The great thing is that most of them can be done alone or with friends.

What are fun outside activities that kids can do?

There are so many fun ideas for outdoor creativity! These are just a few of the ideas that you’ll find on this printable:

Make mud pies
Have a backyard toy car wash
Play hopscotch
Paint with water
Make a bird feeder
Play hide and seek
Have a picnic
Find shapes in the clouds
Have a scavenger hunt

Fun Things to Do Outside in Your Backyard

See how simple it can be? Some of these great ideas are using their imagination, while others will need a few supplies and printables.

Encourage your kids to think outside the box and find out how they can make nature and the outdoors a warm and inviting place where they want to spend their time.

Sitting down and talking to them about what they like about nature just might surprise you or give you a great plan of action to get them outdoors even more. And who knows, you just might get some great ideas from them as well about even more fun things to add to this outdoor activity list!

Active Things to Do

Keeping kids active and entertained at home can be a fun challenge, especially when you have a backyard or outdoor space to utilize. Here are some engaging and energetic activities that will help kids aged 2-10 burn off energy, develop physical skills, and have a blast outdoors.

Backyard Obstacle Course

Design a fun and challenging obstacle course using everyday items like hula hoops, cones, pool noodles, and ropes. Kids can jump, crawl, balance, and weave through the course. Tailor the difficulty level to suit different age groups, ensuring everyone has a great time while improving their coordination and agility.

Treasure Hunt

Organize a treasure hunt by hiding small toys or treats around the yard and giving the kids a map or a series of clues to find them. This activity combines physical activity with problem-solving skills and adds an element of adventure to their day.

Ball Games

Introduce classic ball games like soccer, kickball, or dodgeball. These games improve hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and overall fitness. Even simple activities like playing catch or practicing dribbling skills can provide hours of fun.

Water Activities

Water play is a surefire way to keep kids active and cool on warm days. Set up a sprinkler, slip ‘n slide, or a kiddie pool. Water balloon fights and sponge toss games are also great options for energetic play that will have everyone laughing and splashing around.

Trampoline Fun

If you have a trampoline, it can be a fantastic source of exercise and entertainment. Encourage kids to invent their jumping games or practice simple tricks. Always ensure safety measures are in place, such as a safety net and adult supervision.

Bike or Scooter Rides

Encourage kids to ride their bikes, scooters, or rollerblades around the yard or driveway. To make it more exciting, set up a mini racecourse with cones or chalk lines. This activity promotes physical fitness and helps develop balance and coordination.

Dance Party

Take the music outside and have a dance party in the backyard. Let the kids choose their favorite songs and dance their hearts out. To make it more engaging, you can even introduce simple dance routines or have a dance-off.

Nature Walks and Exploration

Turn your backyard into an exploration zone. Create a simple nature trail and encourage kids to look for interesting plants, insects, and rocks. Equip them with magnifying glasses and notebooks to document their findings. This activity keeps them moving and fosters a love for nature.

Relay Races

Organize relay races with different challenges like hopping on one foot, balancing an egg on a spoon, or running backward. Relay races are excellent for building teamwork and adding a competitive yet friendly spirit to outdoor play.

Gardening with Kids

Get the kids involved in gardening tasks like digging, planting, and watering. Not only does this keep them active, but it also teaches them about responsibility and the natural world. Quick-growing plants like herbs or sunflowers can keep their interest piqued.

Parachute Games

If you have a large, lightweight sheet or a parachute, use it for group games. Kids can hold the edges and shake them to make waves, toss lightweight balls onto them, or run underneath them. Parachute games are great for coordination and team cooperation.

Chalk Games

Use sidewalk chalk to create hopscotch grids, mazes, or even a giant game board for activities like Twister. These games are simple to set up and can be adapted for various ages, making them a versatile option for active play.

Tug of War

A classic game of tug of war can be thrilling to get kids moving. Use a sturdy rope and ensure the ground is soft to prevent injuries. This activity promotes teamwork and physical strength in a fun, competitive environment.

Hide and Seek

A timeless favorite, hide and seek is perfect for getting kids to run around and use their problem-solving skills. Play in a safe, enclosed area and establish clear boundaries to ensure everyone stays within sight.

DIY Sports Day

Host your own mini sports day with a variety of events, such as sack races, three-legged races, and long jumps. Provide simple prizes or certificates to celebrate participation and achievements. This activity can be fun for kids to try different activities and enjoy friendly competition.

Incorporating these active outdoor activities into your routine will help your kids stay fit, develop important physical skills, and, most importantly, have a lot of fun. So, lace up those sneakers, head outside, and let the adventures begin!