Embracing the Great Outdoors: 15 Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities
2020 was a difficult year. Many of us were pushed to our limits, our ideas of ‘normal life’ more or less shattered. The Coronavirus forced us to make changes, some of which may be for the better.
For years scientists have studied the benefits of outdoor activities. Chief among them are better health all around, increased happiness, and decreased stress.
With the virus forcing us to spend more time outdoors, you may be stumped on what to do. Read on, and we’ll share some ideas to keep boredom at bay. As a bonus, these outdoor activities provide opportunities for the family to get, and stay, healthy together.
Fun Outdoor Activities
Since our modern world keeps many of us behind screens day in and day out, we can all benefit from spending more time outdoors. In no particular order, here are our top twelve outdoor activities.
1. Hit the Water
Perhaps you’re one of the many Americans who already has a boat. If so, lucky you! You have a built-in, Covid safe, family outing ready to go.
If you don’t have a boat, you can easily rent one almost anywhere. Make sure to check out these beginning boater tips first.
In addition to boats, you can look into renting canoes or kayaks for a low-key day of adventure on the water. And if none of that sounds appealing, just spending a day at the ocean, lake, or river can work wonders. Make sure to properly socially distance from any people outside of your household.
2. Ride Bikes
Biking is a great activity for all ages. If your kids are too little to navigate on their own, you can still make a family ride happen. You can get a seat mounted to your bike or tow them behind you.
Take a leisurely spin around your neighborhood. Or make it competitive and run races down your street. If you have mountain bikes, you can take them to hiking trails for some adventure biking.
If you don’t have your own many bike shops, offer rental options. Or you can invest. Check out this handy guide for bicycle sizing.
3. Take a Hike
Or just a casual stroll. Either way, you’ll get outdoors, get a little cardio in, and explore your city.
There are several apps you can download to find the best trails near you. If you don’t have trails available, don’t fret. Taking a walk around your neighborhood is just as beneficial.
When we are in go-mode, we may not take the time to notice what’s around us, or we may take the same path every day. Try switching up your routes; maybe take a walk in a new place each day or once a week. Or have the family pick areas they want to explore and do a new one each time you go for a walk.
4. Play Outside
The original outdoor activity. Yes, we mean just like when you were a kid! Tap into that unbridled joy of existing, go outside, and see what inspires your family.
It could be a riveting game of hide-and-seek or freeze tag. Or maybe you throw down a blanket where you can watch clouds and find shapes or animals in them. Bust out some bubbles or the sidewalk chalk and create your masterpiece.
Keep the time unstructured and be open to trying new things. Or, think about things that you really loved to do as a kid and introduce them to your family. Unstructured play is a great way for the family to connect in a new way.
5. Camping
Pack it up and find a campsite nearby that your family will be comfortable at. Sites can range from rustic to glamping. Pack some provisions, your camping gear, and hit the road.
You can even plan to do some of the other activities on this list while you’re there. Make sure you remember your masks and social distance at the campgrounds.
6. Backyard Camping
If you or your kids are not comfortable leaving home just yet, or if campsites are still closed, no worries! You can bring the experience of camping to you.
Set up all the gear you would bring camping in your backyard. You can make a small fire, cook on an outdoor grill, or have a picnic. Get the whole family involved in the meal prep process.
You can tell stories around the fire, make s’mores, and look for stars once the sun goes down. This is definitely one of our favorite free outdoor activities.
7. Start a Garden
Growing your own food can be an enriching experience. Introducing this activity to your kids is a great way to teach them about the food system and healthy eating. Food, fun, and education all rolled into one outdoor activity.
Do a little research, maybe have older kids figure out what will grow in your area and what supplies you’ll need. Take a trip together to the local garden supply store and make a whole weekend of it. Your kids will have a blast playing in the dirt and watching the seeds grow.
8. Nature Scavenger Hunt
You can do this with other families in the neighborhood or just your own. Create a list of things to find and an area in which to search for them. You can make it items that people bring back or things that they photograph.
Whoever has the most found items wins.
9. Visit a State Park
Most states have at least one state park. Many have more than that, so you can likely find something close by. You can make a whole day out of it. Pack a picnic lunch, bring your camera, and enjoy.
Find parks in your state here.
10. Play Sports
Countless studies show kids benefit when they are involved with sports. You don’t need to build a league, but you can play some sports at home.
Shoot some hoops, kick a soccer ball around, set up croquet in the yard, toss a frisbee. The minimal equipment set up isn’t too expensive, and the gear should last for a while. Sports offer a great opportunity to teach kids about playing fair and accepting the occasional loss.
11. Arts and Crafts Time
Some people might not think of arts and crafts as an outdoor activity. But it certainly can be!
Set up a table or work area outside and get crafty. You can make birdfeeders with a pinecone, peanut butter, birdseed, and some string. Or get some blank paper, finger paints and let the kids go wild.
There are 43 other easy craft ideas you can do at home here.
12. Visit a Local Farm
No matter where you live, there is likely a small farm nearby. Many farms welcome visitors; just make sure you call first to see if there are any restrictions.
Look for food growing farms, animal farms, or animal rescue sanctuaries. You can even purchase fresh produce or other goods for a fresh dinner afterward—one outdoor activity for multiple wins.
13. Fly a Kite
There is something magical about flying a kite. It’s an age-old pastime that doesn’t get enough love. You can buy a pre-made kite, or you can make your own!
With a few materials, a strong breeze, and a little bit of time, you’ll be sailing the skies in no time. Bonus, if you make your own kite, it’s a great STEM activity for the whole family.
14. Go Mini-Golfing
Depending on Covid restrictions in your state, this one may not be available just yet. If it is, make sure to mask up while you play. Mini-golf is just a great way to unwind for kids and adults alike.
Make it a full day of family fun by planning a picnic in a local park afterward!
15. Go Fishing
Find a good spot, grab your gear, and beat the sunrise to catch the best fish. You can catch them for fun and throw them back, or catch them for dinner.
If your family is experienced with fishing, you can look into chartered boats for deep-sea fishing. Take fishing to that next level, and spend some time out on the water. All can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and maybe a fresh-caught dinner.
Ready To Get Outdoors?
This list offers just a small sample of outdoor activities that your family can enjoy. Once you get into the habit of regular outdoor adventures through the pandemic, you may find that it’s something your family wants to keep doing.
In addition to keeping your family safe through the pandemic, you may also be setting your family up for better health, deeper connections, and an appreciation of the natural world. There are many studies that suggest modern kids don’t get enough time outdoors and why they really need outdoor activities.
If this all sounds a bit overwhelming, just start small. Pick one activity or pick a few as a family everyone wants to try, and go from there.
Make sure to check out the rest of our content while you’re here for other relevant insights for your everyday life.
June Potter wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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