5 Simple Outdoor Activities for Kids this Summer

When summer comes around, we adults like to lounge under the shade with a cocktail in one hand and a mini fan in the other. Kids, on the other hand, prefer running around, armed with a water gun and making lots of noise.

Whatever your age, summer is meant for playing outdoors. This summer, try out these 5 fun, simple outdoor activities that’ll keep your kids entertained for hours.

1. Turn your concrete/patio into a massive board game

Create a larger than life board game outside. Whether you recreate a simple game of Chutes and Ladders or let your kids create their own version of Candy Land, your kids will spend hours hopping from square to square. For older kids, consider oversized Sudoku or hangman!

All that’s absolutely necessary is chalk. Props are always a plus (these oversized dice are a fun addition). Use what you have and let your kids get creative. Half of the fun is in creating the game, so let your kids get involved in drawing the board!

2. Mini boat races (no pool or body of water required)

With a rain gutter (usually about $5 at The Home Depot or Lowe’s) and a hose, you can create miniature boat races. Older kids can create their own boats using cardboard and tape; younger kids can race with plastic toy boats or inexpensive bars of soaps (put a flag in for fun!). For best results, position the rain gutters on a slight incline and place a slowly running hose at the top of the gutter.

The best part about this activity is that it requires very little supervision. We suggest watching from the patio with a drink in hand!

3. Throw toy painting

This activity is ideal for your little artists and creatives. Take a large (but relatively shallow) cardboard box and line it with the paper of your kid’s choice. Then, grab a few squishy rubber balls and toys of different shapes and textures. Put a pan of kid-friendly paint. For ultimate splash effect, water it down a little. Let your kid dip the toys and throw them at the paper to create their masterpiece.

We recommend ONLY doing this activity outdoors, under adult supervision, and with toys, you don’t particularly care about ruining. It can get a little messy, but your kids will love Jackson Pollock-ing their own creation!

4. Ice egg scavenger hunt

Ice egg scavenger hunts are a fun way to keep your young tots cool and entertained this summer. Take a few balloons and fill them with water. Sneak a few plastic toys into each balloon (our favorites are the miniature sea creatures) and place in the freezer overnight.

Remember, water expands when freezing so don’t fill up the balloons up too much!

The next morning, remove the balloons from the freezer and cut off the balloon with scissors. You should have frozen orbs full of fun toys. Watch your kids play I Spy with them, roll them around, crack them open and dig for toys, and generally enjoy watching them melt in the summer sun!

5. Plant a garden

Kids of all types and ages will love planting a garden outdoors this summer. Since growing is a long-term commitment, you and your kids will enjoy the activity all summer long — from planting to daily care to harvest-time. For ultimate ease, use our complete garden kits!

While you grow, make charts tracking growth, use whatever space you have (we’re fire-escape friendly), and get everyone involved and cooking!

Learn more about the immense benefits of gardening for your little kids.

Summer days are meant to be spent outdoors, and your kids will love the freedom. Try out these fun, simple summer activities for kids and let us know what worked best for you and your family!  @gardenuity