29 Summer Outdoor Activities For Kids: Outdoor DIY Fun

Are your kids itching for some exciting outdoor fun this summer? It’s a common challenge to find engaging outdoor activities that not only entertain but also provide excellent learning opportunities.

Whether DIY games, water-based shenanigans, nature exploration or educational play, this list of 30 easy outdoor activities promises to keep them entertained and educated. Ready to dive into the best summer ever? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

The article lists 30 easy outdoor activities for kids to enjoy during the summer, including DIY games, water activities, and outdoor crafts.
Some examples of DIY games include DIY Bean Bag Toss and DIY Outdoor Yahtzee Game, which are cost-effective and promote learning opportunities.
Water activities like Water Balloon Pinatas and Pool Noodle Soccer Games provide a refreshing way for kids to cool off while having fun outdoors.
Outdoor crafts such as DIY Window Paint and Nature Pocket Art allow children to express their creativity while connecting with nature.

DIY Outdoor Activities And Games

This section will explore fun DIY outdoor games kids can enjoy during the summer.

DIY Bean Bag Toss

If you’re looking for a simple and engaging activity for your kids this summer, look no further than DIY Bean Bag Toss. This outdoor game is fun and helps improve hand-eye coordination and throwing skills.

Prepare the needed materials: You’ll need boards and bean bags – which can be homemade or store-bought.
Designate an area: Choose a flat space in your backyard or lawn to set up the game.
Set-up the game: The game involves throwing bean bags at a raised board with a hole in it.
Get ready to toss: Once everything’s set, each player takes turns throwing their bean bags to get them into the hole on the board.
Keep score: Create a scoring system where points are given based on whether the bean bag lands in the hole or on the board itself.
Add variations: To keep things interesting, add variations like different distances, obstacles, or team play.

DIY Outdoor Yahtzee Game

Creating a DIY Outdoor Yahtzee Game provides easy outdoor fun and engages the entire family. This activity involves giant dice made from wooden blocks, perfect for tossing on the lawn. It follows the traditional game rules of Yahtzee but in an outdoor setting, allowing for more movement and physical engagement. Originating as a parlor game, Yahtzee has transitioned to become one of many popular outdoor activities. In contrast to lawn games like bowls or bocce that date back to ancient times, Yahtzee is relatively modern but equally engaging. This transition from indoors to outdoors invites creativity and builds excitement among kids. The gist of the game remains to roll five dice together and attempt different combinations to accumulate points; thus, it’s also educational as children learn about probability.

Balloon Tennis

Balloon Tennis is an excellent choice for leisurely outdoor activities this summer. This DIY outdoor game is not only fun and engaging, but it’s also a great way to help children develop their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

One of the best things about Balloon Tennis is its accessibility. You don’t need fancy equipment; grab some balloons and create makeshift rackets.
It provides hours of outdoor fun with minimum setup time, making it perfect for busy parents looking for quick activity ideas.
Balloon Tennis can be played in the backyard or any open outdoor space, providing an excellent outlet for kids’ energy.
Apart from being entertaining, Balloon Tennis offers critical developmental benefits. The game enhances children’s physical skills including coordination and motor planning.
Its simple rules make it suitable for children of all ages while allowing adaptations depending on different skill levels.
Safety is another critical attribute making it a go-to DIY outdoor game – there are no hard balls or heavy equipment involved which could potentially lead to injuries.
As well as this, the low-cost nature of Balloon Tennis puts no strain on your wallet but still guarantees loads of family fun.

Lawn Dominos

Lawn Dominos is a fun and easy outdoor activity that can be played on a lawn. It is a variation of the traditional dominos game and can provide hours of entertainment for kids during the summer. To play Lawn Dominos, you only need to set up dominos in a specific pattern on your lawn and then knock them down. It can be played in the front or backyard of your home, making it convenient and accessible for kids of different ages. Lawn Dominos is an engaging activity that allows children to enjoy outdoor fun while developing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.

Park Bingo

Park Bingo is a fun outdoor activity that kids can enjoy during the summer. With Park Bingo, children can explore their local park while playing a game simultaneously. Here are some ideas for your Park Bingo cards:

Find a squirrel
Spot a bird’s nest
Discover a wildflower
See a butterfly
Find a pinecone
Spot a ladybug
Find an acorn
Spot a turtle or frog
Discover a caterpillar
See a dragonfly

Outdoor Activities Like Swimming

Water Activities

– Water Balloon Pinatas are a fun and refreshing twist on the classic party game.

– Pool Noodle Soccer Games provide hours of entertainment and can be played with just a few simple materials.

– DIY Water Bottle Bubbles allow kids to create their bubble solution for endless bubble-blowing fun.

– A Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt for Kids is a great way to explore the outdoors while adding an element of excitement to the activity.

Water Balloon Pinatas

Water Balloon Pinatas are a fun and refreshing outdoor activity for kids.
Using string or ribbon, Hang several water balloons from a tree or clothesline.
Blindfold one child at a time and give them a stick to hit the water balloons.
The goal is to burst the balloons and get wet!
Kids can take turns trying to hit the water balloons until they all burst.
This activity provides an excellent way to beat the summer heat while working on hand-eye coordination.
It’s essential to ensure the area is clear of any obstacles or breakable objects before playing.

Pool Noodle Soccer Games

Pool noodle soccer games are a fun and creative way to get kids active outdoors. Here are a few ideas for pool noodle soccer games:

Pool Noodle Goalposts: Set up two pool noodles vertically in the ground to create goalposts. Kids can take turns kicking a ball through the goalposts, scoring points for each successful kick.
Noodle Soccer Dribbling: Use pool noodles as makeshift cones and set up an obstacle course for kids to dribble a soccer ball through. They can practice their footwork and agility while maneuvering around the obstacles.
Pool Noodle Jousting: Divide kids into pairs and give each team two pool noodles. They can use the noodles to joust each other, trying to knock their opponent off balance without using their hands.
Pool Noodle Hockey: Set up a small playing area and divide kids into teams. Each player uses a pool noodle as a hockey stick and can use a soft ball or balloon as the puck. The objective is to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team’s net.
Noodle Kickball: Modify the classic kickball game using pool noodles instead of bases. Kids can use the noodles to tag runners out or toss them at base runners to try and get them out.

DIY Water Bottle Bubbles

Make your bubbles with this simple and fun DIY water bottle activity.

Empty plastic water bottles
Dish soap
Water
Optional: food coloring

Clean and empty the plastic water bottles.
Fill the water bottles about 3/4 of the way full with water.
Add a generous amount of dish soap to each water bottle.
Add a few drops of food coloring to create colorful bubbles if desired.
Securely screw on the caps of the water bottles and give them a gentle shake to mix the ingredients.
Take the cap off a water bottle and carefully blow it into it to create bubbles.
Have fun chasing and popping bubbles!

Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt for Kids

The Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt for Kids is a fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed during the summer. It is designed to be played in a neighborhood setting and is associated with water activities. Here are some critical details about this exciting scavenger hunt:

The scavenger hunt is part of a more significant collection of 30 summer outdoor activities for kids.
It provides an easy and enjoyable way for children to have fun outdoors.
The scavenger hunt may involve tasks or clues related to water-based games or attractions in the neighborhood.
It encourages children to engage in physical activity and explore their surroundings.
By working together and solving challenges, kids can develop problem-solving skills.

Outdoor Activities And Crafts

– DIY Window Paint lets kids get creative and decorate their windows with colorful designs.

– The Mermaid Succulent Garden is a fun craft activity that combines nature and imagination.

– Origami Boomerangs are easy to make and provide hours of outdoor entertainment.

– Nature Pocket Art encourages kids to collect natural materials and create beautiful masterpieces.

To discover more exciting outdoor crafts for kids, keep reading!

DIY Window Paint

Create your window paint using simple ingredients and enjoy a fun and artistic outdoor activity. All you need is:

Washable paint (in various colors)
Dish soap
Paintbrushes or sponges
Plastic cups or containers

Mermaid Succulent Garden

Create a magical underwater world with a mermaid succulent garden
Use a shallow container or planter to create the base of your garden
Fill the container with succulent-friendly soil, ensuring good drainage
Choose a variety of succulents in different shapes and sizes to mimic coral reefs and sea creatures
Arrange the succulents in the container, creating levels and layers for visual interest
Add decorative elements like seashells, colored glass, or small figurines to enhance the mermaid theme
Water the succulents sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Place your mermaid succulent garden in a sunny spot outdoors or near a window for optimal growth
Watch as your garden thrives and transforms into a whimsical underwater scene

Origami Boomerangs

Origami Boomerangs are a fun and easy outdoor craft activity for kids.

Here’s how to make them:

Start with a square piece of paper.
Fold the paper in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Fold the bottom corners up to meet the top corner, creating a smaller triangle.
Fold the top layer of one side down to meet the center crease.
Repeat step 4 on the other side.
Flip the paper over and fold it in half horizontally, bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.
Unfold the paper halfway and tuck one folded corner inside, creating a pocket.
Repeat step 7 on the other side.
Flip the paper over and fold it in half vertically, bringing one side over to meet the other side.
Hold onto both ends of your boomerang shape and gently throw it, aiming for an open area outdoors.

Nature Pocket Art

Nature Pocket Art is a fun and creative outdoor craft activity for kids. It allows children to explore their surroundings and create unique pieces of art using natural materials. Here are some ideas for Nature Pocket Art:

Pressed Flowers: Collect colorful flowers and press them between heavy books or in a flower press to preserve their beauty. Once dried, arrange the pressed flowers in a small pocket-sized frame or glue them onto cardstock to create beautiful nature-inspired artwork.
Leaf Rubbings: Find attractive leaves with different shapes and textures, then place them on a flat surface with the veiny side facing up. Cover the leaf with plain white paper and use crayons or colored pencils to rub over the form, revealing the leaf’s intricate details.
Stone Painting: Select smooth stones of various sizes and shapes, then use acrylic paints or permanent markers to transform them into miniature works of art. Kids can paint animals, flowers, and patterns or create rock monsters by adding googly eyes and pipe cleaner arms.
Twig Sculptures: Gather tiny twigs and branches from your backyard or a local park, then use natural twine or hot glue to connect them into different shapes and structures. Kids can make sculptures like mini teepees, picture frames, or abstract designs.
Pinecone Mobiles: Collect pinecones of different sizes and attach string or twine to each one. Hang them from a branch or an old hanger to create a rustic mobile that sways gently in the breeze.
Seashell Mosaic: If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, collect seashells of various colors and sizes. Arrange them on cardboard or wooden board using non-toxic glue to create beautiful mosaic patterns.
Nature Mandalas: Find an open space outdoors and gather natural materials such as flowers, leaves, rocks, and twigs. Arrange them in a circular pattern on the ground, creating a temporary nature mandala. Take pictures or enjoy the beauty of your creation before leaving it for others to discover.
Seed Bombs: Mix clay, compost, and wildflower seeds to form small balls. Let them dry, then distribute them in areas with extra color and greenery. Over time, the roots will sprout and grow into beautiful wildflowers.
Stick Picture Frames: Collect sticks roughly the same length, then use twine or hot glue to connect them at the corners, creating a rectangular frame. Kids can insert their favorite outdoor photos or create mini collages using natural materials like leaves and flowers.
Grass Weaving: Cut long strands of grass from your lawn and weave them together to create small mats or coasters. Experiment with different weaving patterns and colors to make unique designs.

Outdoor Activity like basketball

Educational Outdoor Activities

The article suggests engaging kids in educational outdoor activities, such as geocaching, LEGO sun print activity, watermelon science experiment, and DIY solar oven s’mores.

Geocaching

Geocaching is not mentioned in the provided list of outdoor activities for kids. However, geocaching can be a fun and educational outdoor activity that children can enjoy during the summer. Here are some reasons why geocaching should be included as one of the outdoor activities for kids:

Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt where participants use GPS-enabled devices to navigate to hidden containers called geocaches.
It combines technology with outdoor exploration, making it an engaging and interactive activity for children.
Geocaching promotes problem-solving skills as participants must decipher clues and follow coordinates to find the hidden caches.
It encourages physical activity and gets kids moving outdoors, exploring new areas, and enjoying nature.
Geocaching can be an excellent way for families to spend quality time together while having fun outdoors.
It allows kids to learn about navigation, geography, and environmental awareness.
Geocaching can be done in various locations, from parks and trails to urban areas, providing endless possibilities for exploration.

LEGO Sun Print Activity

The LEGO Sun Print Activity is a fun and educational outdoor activity for kids. It allows them to explore science and art using LEGO. Here are some key details about this activity:

Kids can use LEGO pieces to create prints or designs.
The activity involves using sunlight to develop or expose LEGO prints.
It encourages creativity and hands-on learning.
The LEGO Sun Print Activity is part of the broader theme of easy outdoor fun for kids.
It provides a fun and engaging way for kids to explore science and art using LEGO.

Watermelon Science Activity

The webpage suggests a fun and educational watermelon science activity for kids. This activity can be an excellent way for kids to learn about science while enjoying the outdoors. Some possible topics to explore during this activity may include the properties of watermelons, the life cycle of a watermelon plant, or the nutritional value of watermelons. The action is likely to involve hands-on experiments or learning activities using watermelons. It is suitable for kids of various ages and provides an engaging way to combine fun and learning.

DIY Solar Oven S’mores

DIY Solar Oven S’mores is a fun and educational outdoor activity for kids during the summer.
Create a solar oven using simple materials like cardboard boxes, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and tape.
Cut a flap in the box’s lid and cover it with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight into the box.
Line the inside of the box with black construction paper to absorb heat.
Place graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows on a skewer or metal tray inside the solar oven.
Cover the box with plastic wrap to trap heat and create a greenhouse effect.
Position the solar oven in direct sunlight for 1 – 2 hours, allowing the sun’s heat to melt the chocolate and roast the marshmallows.
Carefully remove the skewer or tray from the solar oven using oven mitts or tongs.
Use another graham cracker to sandwich the melted chocolate and gooey marshmallow for a delicious s’more treat.
Enjoy your homemade solar oven s’mores while learning about renewable energy and solar power.

DIY Puffy Sidewalk Paint

DIY Puffy Sidewalk Paint is a fun and creative outdoor activity for kids.
It involves making a particular type of paint that has a puffy texture.
Kids can create their colors by mixing food coloring with shaving cream.
The paint can be applied to the sidewalk or pavement using brushes or squeeze bottles.
As the paint dries, it becomes puffy and gives a unique texture to the artwork.
Kids can use their imagination to create colorful masterpieces on the ground.
DIY Puffy Sidewalk Paint encourages sensory play and artistic expression in children.
It allows kids to explore different textures and engage their senses while creating art outdoors.
This activity is easy to set up and clean up, perfect for outdoor summer days.

Edible Finger Paint

Kids will love edible finger paint is a fun and safe sensory play activity. Here are some easy recipes to make your edible finger paint:

Chocolate Pudding Finger Paint: Mix instant chocolate pudding with milk and let it thicken. Your little artist can use their fingers to create delicious chocolate masterpieces.
Yogurt Finger Paint: Mix plain yogurt with food coloring or natural fruit puree for a colorful, edible paint option.
Jello Finger Paint: Prepare different flavors of Jello according to the instructions, but use less water for a thicker consistency. Let it set in shallow containers for your child to dip their fingers in and explore.

DIY Cloud Dough

DIY Cloud Dough is a popular choice for outdoor sensory play during the summer.
It can provide a fun and engaging sensory experience for children.
You can make DIY Cloud Dough at home using simple ingredients.
This versatile material can be molded and shaped by children.
DIY Cloud Dough is safe and non-toxic, perfect for sensory play.

Frozen Dinosaur Eggs

Frozen Dinosaur Eggs:

Excite your little paleontologists with this icy excavation activity.
Fill balloons with water and tiny plastic dinosaurs, then freeze them overnight.
Once frozen, remove the balloons and cut off the rubber to reveal the dinosaur eggs.
Let your kids use tools like spoons or spray bottles filled with warm water to chip away at the ice and free the dinosaurs.

Nature Exploration

Discover the wonders of nature with fun activities like a nature scavenger hunt and creating colored ice cubes. Dive into the beauty of gardens with a DIY garden xylophone and experience the joy of camping with a glamping kids’ pallet tent.

Read more to explore the great outdoors!

Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids

The nature scavenger hunt is a fun and educational outdoor activity for kids.

Children can search for and discover items found in nature.
The activity promotes outdoor play and encourages children to learn about their environment.
The scavenger hunt can be tailored to different age groups and interests.
It can foster a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the natural world in children.
The hunt can be easily organized and conducted in a backyard or local park.

Colored Ice Cubes

Colored Ice Cubes are a fun and easy way to add color to outdoor activities. They can be used in various ways to create a cool and refreshing experience for kids. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate colored ice cubes into your summer fun:

Use them in sensory play: Fill a large container with water and add the colored ice cubes. Let the kids explore and play with the icy, colorful cubes. They can touch, smash, or even try to catch them before they melt.
Have a colorful drink station: Freeze different colors of fruit juice or flavored water in ice cube trays. Once frozen, these colorful cubes add a playful touch to drinks like lemonade or iced tea. Kids will love watching the colors mix and swirl as the ice melts.
Create art with colored ice: Place colored ice cubes on a piece of paper or canvas and let the kids move them around as they melt. The vibrant colors will create unique patterns and designs that can be turned into beautiful artwork.
Play frozen treasure hunt: Hide small toys or objects inside colored ice cubes before freezing them. Once frozen, hide these treasure-filled cubes around the backyard or in designated areas. Kids can then search for the cubes and discover hidden surprises.

Garden Xylophone

A Garden Xylophone is a fun and creative outdoor activity for kids. It combines music with nature exploration, allowing children to create melodies using natural garden materials. Here are some materials that can be used to make a Garden Xylophone:

Small glass bottles
Different-sized sticks or dowels
Decorations such as ribbons or beads

Glamping Kids Pallet Tent

Create a cozy and whimsical outdoor space for your little ones with a Glamping Kids Pallet Tent.
Use wooden pallets to construct the tent’s frame, providing a sturdy structure for your kids to play and relax.
Decorate the tent with fairy lights, colorful bunting, and soft cushions to create a magical atmosphere.
Add blankets or sleeping bags inside the tent for a comfortable camping experience.
Encourage imaginative play by setting up a pretend campfire and picnic area near the tent.
Use natural materials such as tree branches or driftwood to create a rustic feel to the tent.
Hang dreamcatchers or wind chimes from the tent poles for added charm and interest.
Personalize the tent by letting your kids decorate it with artwork or drawings.
Provide books, toys, and games inside the tent to entertain your little ones for hours.
Set up an outdoor movie night by projecting movies onto the side of the tent for a unique cinema experience.

Physical Outdoor Activities

For physical activities, try playing hide-and-seek rock games or setting up a DIY backyard obstacle course.

Hide and Seek Rock Game

The Hide and Seek Rock Game is a popular choice for kids to enjoy during summer. It encourages children to be active and to spend time outdoors, away from screens and technology. Children of all ages can enjoy this simple and accessible activity. The game involves hiding and seeking rocks, which promotes physical movement and exploration. It is a versatile outdoor activity that can be adapted to different settings and environments. So get your rocks ready and let the fun begin!

Children can paint rocks with vibrant colors or designs to make them more exciting.
Hide the painted rocks in various locations around the backyard or park.
Encourage the children to search for hidden rocks using their observation skills.
Once a rock is found, it can be replaced with another stone for continuous play.
The game can be played individually or in teams, adding an element of friendly competition.
Children can take turns hiding and seeking the rocks for even more fun.
The Hide and Seek Rock Game allows children to exercise while having fun and being creative physically.
It also helps develop problem-solving skills as they strategize where to hide their rocks.
This activity promotes outdoor play, benefiting children’s health and well-being.

backyard outdoor activity

DIY Outdoor Activities: Backyard Obstacle Course

A DIY backyard obstacle course is a fun and engaging outdoor activity for kids.
It can be set up in the backyard using everyday household items or purchased obstacle course kits.
The obstacle course can be customized and designed according to your backyard’s available space and resources.
It can include climbing, crawling, jumping, and balancing to challenge children physically.
Creating a DIY backyard obstacle course promotes physical fitness, coordination, and problem-solving skills in kids.
Kids of different ages and skill levels can participate in the obstacle course by adjusting their difficulty level.
It can be a great way to keep kids entertained and active during summer break or outdoor playdates.

Summertime Flamingo Ring Toss

The Summertime Flamingo Ring Toss is a fun outdoor game for kids. It’s easy to set up and perfect for a sunny summer day. Here’s how to play:

Place the flamingo stand in an open backyard or park area.
Set up the flamingo rings on the ground, evenly spaced apart.
Each player takes turns tossing the rounds and trying to land them onto the flamingo necks.
The player who successfully lands the most rings on the flamingos wins.

Frozen Ocean Sensory Bin

The Frozen Ocean Sensory Bin is an easy outdoor activity that combines sensory play with physical movement. It is a fun and interactive way for kids to engage in space while also learning about the ocean and marine life. Here are some critical elements of the Frozen Ocean Sensory Bin:

Bluewater beads: These can be used to create the “ocean” in the sensory bin. Kids can scoop and pour them, mimicking the motion of waves.
Toy sea animals: Adding toy sea animals to the sensory bin allows children to engage in imaginative play. They can swim or dive with the animals, creating stories and scenarios.
Ice cubes: Including ice cubes in the sensory bin adds a tactile element. Children can slide or slide on the ice cubes, stimulating their senses and providing a cool sensation.

Crafts with Natural Materials

Crafts with natural materials include bubble painting, DIY gemstone glitter sidewalk chalk, eggshell splat canvas painting, and rock balancing stone stacking art.

Bubble Painting

Bubble painting is a fun and creative outdoor activity for kids to enjoy during the summer. It allows children to engage with nature while expressing their artistic abilities. You will need bubbles and natural materials such as leaves or flowers to try bubble painting. Here’s how you can do it:

Blow bubbles using a bubble wand or create your bubble solution.
Carefully catch the bubbles on a piece of paper or canvas.
Press leaves or flowers onto the bubbles to create unique patterns and designs.
Allow the artwork to dry completely.

DIY Gemstone Glitter Sidewalk Chalk

Create fun and sparkly sidewalk chalk with this DIY project.
Mix equal parts plaster of Paris, water, and acrylic paint in a mixing bowl.
Add in some extra sparkle by mixing in the glitter of your choice.
Pour the mixture into gemstone-shaped molds and let it dry completely.
Once dry, pop out the gemstone chalks from the molds.
Head outside with your newly made gemstone glitter sidewalk chalk and let your creativity shine!
Draw colorful designs and patterns on the sidewalk or driveway.
The glitter will add an extra touch of magic to your artwork.
Have fun creating masterpieces that can be washed away with water or naturally fade away over time.

Eggshell Splat Canvas Painting

Try making eggshell splat canvas paintings to add a unique touch to your outdoor crafts. Here’s how:

Gather your materials: empty eggshells (rinsed and dried), acrylic or tempera paints in various colors, a canvas or sturdy paper, and a paintbrush.
Carefully crack the eggshells into small pieces. Be sure to keep the details larger than bite-sized to avoid any choking hazards.
Set up your workspace by laying out the canvas or paper and preparing the paints.
Dip the paintbrush into one paint color and apply it to an eggshell piece.
Hold the painted eggshell piece over the canvas or paper and gently tap it with your finger to create splatter patterns. Repeat this step with different colors until you achieve your desired design.
Allow the artwork to dry completely before displaying it.

Rock Balancing Stone Stacking Art

Rock balancing stone stacking art is a creative and meditative activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It promotes appreciation for nature and the beauty of natural materials. Here are some key facts about rock balancing:

It involves stacking stones in an artistic way
Can be done using various sizes and shapes of stones
Requires patience and a steady hand
Encourages outdoor exploration and creativity in children
Fun and educational summer activity for kids

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 30 summer outdoor activities provide endless opportunities for kids to have fun and stay active during the warm months. From DIY games and water activities to crafts with natural materials and sensory play, there’s something for every child to enjoy.

Make the most of the sunshine and create lasting memories with these easy outdoor fun ideas.