Moonpreneur
Are you excited about summer break? We know you’re looking forward to spending quality time with your kids and creating new memories together. However, in today’s world, it can be tough to keep your children away from their gadgets and get them to enjoy the great outdoors. At least that’s what 55% of American parents reported in a survey conducted by OnePoll.
With so much time spent on screens, it’s important to find ways to get today’s tech-savvy kids outside and active during summer break. But we understand balancing schedules and finding fun outdoor activities can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best summer outdoor activities that will keep your kids engaged, healthy, and happy all summer long.
So, let’s get started and make this summer one to remember!
10 Summer break outdoor activities for kids
1. Nature scavenger hunt
Do you want your children to spend this summer on a mission? Look no further than a nature scavenger hunt. Not only do such hunts excite kids, but they also encourage children to explore the outdoors, observe their surroundings, and learn about the different flora and fauna in their environment.
Studies have also shown that kids who spend more time in nature are happier, more flexible, and more resilient. When planned well, these nature-inspired outdoor scavenger hunt ideas can offer something fun for little ones and big kids alike.
How to plan? Take the kids in a group of 4 or 5 to a nearby park or a forest and provide them a list of things they need to gather from the hunt. It can be anything from leaves to pines or even bird feathers.
2. Water balloon fight
There’s something special about summer and water plays. Isn’t it?
A water balloon fight is a fun way to beat the heat and promote physical activity. It helps children develop their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
How to plan? All you need is an inflated pool or a big tub that you can fill with colorful water balloons. You can ask kids to help you fill up the balloons as well. Now split players into teams of two. Ask one person from each team to step forward and toss the balloon at each other. The opposite player must catch the balloon without popping it.
3. Sidewalk chalk art
If your kids love to draw, this activity has the potential to keep them engaged for long hours. It’s a great fun activity for kids who love to express their thoughts, ideas, and observations through creativity.
How to plan? Call a couple of your kid’s friends home and provide them with a basket of colorful chalk. Ensure you clean the sidewalk beforehand to give kids a clean, blank slate to draw out their imagination.
4. Gardening
As someone fond of planting seeds in my grandfather’s garden during summer vacations, I can attest to the value of gardening as an outdoor activity for kids. Gardening teaches children about responsibility, patience, and the environment while providing a sense of satisfaction as they witness plants grow from seeds.
Moreover, gardening is a valuable tool for teaching children about the growth cycle of plants and how to care for them, all while fostering a connection to nature.
How to plan? To get started, you only need gardening gloves, seeds or seedlings, soil, and a watering can.
5. Bike riding
Biking with kids is an absolute blast! It’s an outdoor summer activity that parents and kids can enjoy together. Not only is it a fun experience, but bike riding is an excellent exercise that develops balance, coordination, and confidence in children.
But if your child hasn’t learned how to ride a bike, summer vacation is the perfect opportunity to teach them this valuable skill.
6. Picnic
As a kid, picnics were always a highlight of my summer vacation. It was an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends.
Picnics not only provide a fun experience but also encourage creativity through games and activities, as children can engage in outdoor sports, board games, or even a friendly game of frisbee.
How to plan? Choose a location, make a guest list, create a menu, and do not forget to pack outdoor essentials. Make sure you consult your kids when choosing a location. Keep them involved in planning.
7. Hiking
If you’re looking for an outdoor summer activity that provides adventure, exercise, and education, hiking is the way to go! Hiking allows kids to explore nature while also developing their interest in nature.
How to plan? To ensure a safe and comfortable hiking experience, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and pack essentials such as water, snacks, and sunscreen.
“Some of the best hiking spots in the US include Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and Olympic National Park. These spots offer stunning natural scenery and a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.”
8. Outdoor obstacle course
Challenge and engage your child’s physical and cognitive abilities by setting up an obstacle course in your garden! Obstacle courses help children develop gross motor skills, coordination, and agility. It also encourages creativity and problem-solving skills as kids design and navigates the course.
How to plan? You need cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, and other objects to create various obstacles. Get creative and use whatever items you have to make the course fun and challenging for your child.
9. Camping
Did you know one in five Americans camped in 2021? Undoubtedly, camping is a great summer activity that promotes physical and mental health and offers an opportunity to learn survival skills, teamwork, independence, and self-confidence. With the right gear and a sense of adventure, camping can be an exciting and memorable experience for you and your family.
How to plan? To start with camping, you’ll need some basic materials such as a tent, sleeping bags, a camp stove, food and drinks, and appropriate clothing and gear.
10. Beach day
A day at the beach is a classic summer activity enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, splashing in the water, or building sandcastles, the beach offers endless fun and relaxation. Plus, spending time at the beach can provide numerous health benefits, such as improved mood, increased vitamin D intake, and stress relief.
A word of caution. Plan and prepare to avoid last-minute hassles because summer vacations, activity or no activity, are all about relaxation and enjoyment. Last-minute stress could ruin the party.
Bonus: Give a gift of learning to your child by joining an in-person Workshops
Look for nearby educational workshops that fit your child’s interest. For example, participating in Moonpreneur’s in-person workshop is a fantastic way for your child to start their journey in Robotics. Moonpreneur understands the needs and demands this rapidly changing technological world is bringing with it for our kids.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
