40+ Creative Things to Do Outside

When it comes to keeping kids entertained and engaged, the great outdoors offers endless possibilities for fun and creativity. Whether you have a toddler or a pre-teen, these fantastic and creative things to do outside will spark their imagination and keep them active.

Creative Things to Do Outside

Engaging kids in creative outdoor activities is a fantastic way to spark their imagination and keep them active. From nature scavenger hunts and DIY obstacle courses to outdoor art projects and gardening, there’s no shortage of fun in the great outdoors.

Kids can explore their artistic side by painting rocks, drawing with sidewalk chalk, or crafting with natural materials like leaves and sticks. Adventure walks, bug safaris, and bird-watching can turn a simple outing into an exciting learning experience.

Water play, kite flying, and marble painting flower pots offer unique ways to enjoy the elements while fostering creativity and physical development.

These activities entertain and help kids develop important skills and a deeper connection with nature, making every outdoor adventure memorable.

Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of natural items for your kids to find in the backyard or at a local park. Items can include leaves of different shapes, rocks, flowers, or even specific insects. For younger children, use pictures to help them identify the items.

DIY Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course using household items like hula hoops, pool noodles, and cones. Encourage your kids to crawl under, jump over, and weave through the obstacles. This activity is excellent for physical development and can be easily adapted for different age groups.

Outdoor Art Projects

Bring the art supplies outside and let your kids create in the open air. Use washable paints to create rock art, or let them draw with sidewalk chalk. For a more natural touch, try leaf rubbings. Depending on the season if it’s winter enjoy painting on ice, or in the summer enjoy ice cube painting!

Creative Things to Do Outside at Home

Gardening Together

Gardening is a wonderful way to teach kids about nature and responsibility. Give them their own small patch of soil or a few pots to plant seeds. They can water, weed, and watch their plants grow over time. Quick-growing plants like radishes or sunflowers are perfect for impatient little gardeners.

Storytime Picnic

Combine reading and outdoor fun by having a storytime picnic. Pack a blanket, some snacks, and a few favorite books. Find a shady spot under a tree and enjoy a relaxing, educational afternoon together.

DIY Bird Feeders

Help your kids make simple bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang the feeders in your yard and observe the different types of birds that visit. This activity is both creative and educational, teaching kids about local wildlife.

Creative Things to Do Outside for Kids

Water Play

On a hot day, nothing beats water play to cool down and have fun. Set up a sprinkler, kiddie pool, or simple bucket and sponge bomb station. For added creativity, let them use water-based paints on the sidewalk, which will wash away easily.

Nature Crafts

Collect natural materials like sticks, leaves, and flowers to create beautiful nature crafts. Make a nature collage, flower fairy wings, or even a flower crown. This activity encourages kids to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Outdoor Science Experiments

Turn your backyard into a science lab with simple experiments. Try making a baking soda and vinegar volcano or a homemade sundial.

There are fun and creative winter science activities you and your child can enjoy outside too.

These activities are fun and educational, fostering a love for science and discovery.

Adventure Walks

Take regular walks in different environments—beaches, forests, or parks. Turn these walks into adventures by exploring new trails, climbing over rocks, or following a map. Encourage your kids to observe their surroundings and share their discoveries.

Adding scavenger hunts can increase the outdoor fun and creative ideas for collecting natural materials.

Kite Flying

Kite flying can be an exhilarating activity on a windy day. Let your kids help assemble and decorate their own kites before heading to an open space to see them soar. This activity combines creativity with physical activity and will bring smiles all around.

Bug Safari

Equip your kids with magnifying glasses and small containers for a bug safari. Explore your garden or a local park to find and observe insects. Teach them about the different species they see and the roles these creatures play in the ecosystem.

Camping in the Backyard

Set up a tent in the backyard for a mini camping adventure. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and gaze at the stars. This is a great way to introduce younger kids to camping without needing a full-blown trip.

Chalk Art and Games

Sidewalk chalk is a versatile tool for outdoor fun. Kids can create beautiful drawings, or you can use the chalk to set up games like hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, or a maze. The possibilities are endless, and it’s easy to clean up afterward.

Sensory Play

Create sensory bins or areas using natural materials like sand, water, and pebbles. Include tools like scoops, funnels, and molds to encourage exploration and creativity. Sensory play benefits younger children, helping them develop fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.

Fun Things to Do Outside

Incorporating these creative outdoor activities into your routine will keep your kids entertained and help them develop important skills and a deeper appreciation for nature. So, grab some sunscreen, head outside, and let the adventures begin!