It is so wonderful to finally see the weather changing here and I am beyond excited about getting the kids (and me) outside more!! Social distancing is still a big part of our lives so I’ve been looking for all the fun outdoor activities that we can do right at our home.
I came up with this list of outdoor activities that my kids and I enjoy and am so happy to share with you!
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To see my post on some indoor activities for kids click here!
20 stay-at-home outdoor activities for kids
1. Make nature sculptures
I love this one because it gets us outside and exploring plus it can actually be a 3 part activity. And that translates to filling more time!
Start with walking around and hunting for sculpture supplies. Sticks, leaves, rocks, flowers, acorns, anything they like. Then get out some crafting supplies (tape,glue, string, hole puncher, etc.) and get creative. Below is a picture of something my daughter created with stuff she found around our yard.
Then take it one step further and create a nature shelf they can displace their sculptures. They can also display any other cool things they find outside. My kids are always finding rocks and other things they LOVE and absolutely HAVE TO keep. 😆
2. Have a picnic
On a nice day set up a blanket outside for a meal. Get the kids involved and have them help with the set up and with preparing the food to bring out.
3. Make your yard a haven for birds
Make your own bird feeder from stuff you already have at home. There are so many options out there. Here is a link to one of my favorites, Easy Bird Feeders Kids Can Make from Crafts on Sea. I also like making ones like the picture below.
Also, have the kids collect nest building supplies. Pieces of string, yarn or thread, twigs, cotton, even pet hair is great nest building supplies to put out. This really is one of my favorite outside activities for kids because you reap the benefits all season long. We love having a yard full of birds!
4. Create a bird watching station
Be sure to set that bird feeder up in a good spot to view from a window. Then you can set up a cozy spot to bird watch. Then even when the weather isn’t great you can still watch some wildlife outside.
5. Go on a bug hunt with Picture Insect App
I don’t know about your kids, but mine love bugs! We recently discovered this app, Picture Insect App. It works pretty good, search it in your app store. This gets us outside, gets us moving and we learn stuff too!
6. Have a car wash
On a nice hot, sunny day this can be so fun! Break out some buckets and rags and lots of bubbles and let the kids go nuts. Everyone has fun and you end up with a shiny, clean car!
7. Make a bike obstacle course
With our 2 oldest just getting onto their big kid bikes this one is super fun for us! We have a bunch of cones we had picked up from Dollar Tree months ago and they really came in handy, but you can use anything you have around the house for this too. You can also order here for pick up at your local Dollar tree
8. Hopscotch with a twist
A much more exciting version of hopscotch! Here is a link to the one we like from S&S Blog. There are few other fun chalk ideas there worth checking out too!
9. Chalk constellations
This is one of those great outdoor activities for kids who love space! You can find a great guide, again, from S&S Blog.
10. Draw a bullseye with chalk
Have fun drawing a huge bullseye with chalk. Then number the rings and turn it into a fun game. You can use bean bags, have them practice simple math to keep score to incorporate some learning in there too!
Or up the fun and toss wet sponges instead. Not sure what is was but my kids thought the splat of the sponges was hilarious 😂 Actually, they had fun for quite a while with the sponges and water!
11. Have a spoon race
It’s a classic but you know what? It’s still as fun as it was when we were kids. I hard boil the eggs for less mess.
12. Play parachute
This is one of those great outdoor activities for kids of all ages, even you’re really little ones. If you have a parachute great, if not a sheet works good too. Use the link below if you’d like to purchase one. Check out this post from for some fun ideas! 17 Fun Parachute Games and Activities for Kids from Mom Junction
13. Experiment with sprouting beans
OK, this one is not necessarily an “outdoors” activity but it does get your kids learning and thinking about nature. It is really great for them to witness the growing and sprouting. You’re creating the opportunity for some fascinating conversations between you and your kids about nature. For more info on this experiment check out this post from Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles
14. S’mores
Making s’mores is fun and yummy! Stock up on your s’mores supplies and start making memories by the fire.
15. Water Table
You may already know how much fun kids can have with a water table but just in case you didn’t, now you know! Kids love playing with water and it can keep them occupied, literally, for hours.
And it’s really great for those days when you are just exhausted and don’t know how you’re going to make it through the day. Set up a simple pouring station with cups, make yourself a nice cold beverage and pull up a chair while your little ones splash away happily.
16. Use chalk to practice numbers/counting
I really like this outdoor activity for my preschoolers. I draw the numbers with chalk and then we find that many items. Either rocks, or sticks or pine cones, anything you can find. It’s great for practicing counting.
17. Contact Paper
There are a few really fun outdoor activities for kids that you can do with contact paper. They can make nature collages like the ones we made in the pictures below. Or they can make nature sun catchers like seen in this post from Messy Little Monster
18. Rock Stacking Competition
This is a fun little outdoor activity. Search around for some rocks and see who can make the biggest stack. Then all work together to see how high you can stack them together.
19. Paint Rocks
Go outside and collect some good rocks (or use the ones you collected for your rock stacking). Have some fun painting them. And for something extra nice, gift them! Drop them off as a nice surprise for family and friends
20. Outdoor Games
Outdoor bowling
If you’re missing the bowling alley you’ll love these outdoor bowling sets! Order online, have it delivered right to your door. Check this bowling set and others from Target!
Cornhole
Fun for kids and parents!
Check out this cornhole set and others from Target!
