Update: This article was last updated on 16th April 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Moonpreneur
Are you ready for summer vacation? We know you’re eager to spend quality time with your children and make some new memories with them. But in the world we live in now, it is difficult to keep your kids from their devices and get them outside to enjoy nature. At least that’s what 55% of American moms said in a OnePoll survey.
With so much screen time, it’s crucial to make sure today’s tech-savvy children get outside and get active during summer outdoor breaks. But we know balancing schedules and discovering fun activities outdoors can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top summer outdoor breaks activities that will keep your children active, healthy, and happy all summer long.
So, let’s get started and make this summer one to remember!
12 Summer break outdoor activities for kids
1. Nature scavenger hunt
Do you wish for your children to spend their summer on a quest? Consider a nature scavenger hunt. Not only are such hunts thrilling to children, but they also inspire kids to get out and about in the natural world, to observe, and to discover about the varied plants and animals around them.
Research has also established that children who spend more time outdoors are healthier, more resilient, and more flexible. These nature-based outdoor scavenger hunt ideas, well-planned, can provide something enjoyable for both little kids and big kids.
How to plan? Take the children in a group of 4 or 5 to a local park or a forest and give them a list of items that they have to collect from the hunt. Anything from leaves to pines to even bird feathers.
2. Water balloon fight
There’s something magical about summer and water plays. Isn’t it?
A water balloon fight is a way to cool down and get the body moving. It’s a great way for kids to develop their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.
How to organize? All you require is an inflated pool or a large tub where you can fill up with colored water balloons. You may even ask children to assist you in filling the balloons. Now divide players into pairs. Ask one individual from each pair to come forward and throw the balloon at one another. The other player has to catch the balloon without bursting it.
3. Sidewalk chalk art
If your children enjoy drawing, this activity can keep them busy for hours on end. It’s an excellent fun activity for children who enjoy expressing their ideas, thoughts, and observations through creativity.
How to prepare: Invite some of your child’s friends over and offer them a basket full of multicolored chalk. Make sure to sweep the sidewalk beforehand so you leave kids a clean slate upon which to paint with their imaginations.
4. Gardening
Being a person who enjoyed sowing seeds in my grandfather’s garden over summer breaks, I can personally attest to the benefit of gardening as an outdoor activity for children. Gardening helps children learn responsibility, patience, and about the environment, and it also brings satisfaction seeing plants grow from seeds.
In addition, gardening is a great resource for educating children on the life cycle of plants and how to properly maintain them, while gaining a sense of connection with the outdoors.
How to plan? To begin, you will simply need gardening gloves, seeds or seedlings, soil, and a watering can.
5. Bike riding
Cycling with children is a complete joy! It’s a fun outdoor summer activity that parents and children can share together. Not only is it fun, but cycling is great exercise that builds balance, coordination, and confidence in children.
But if your child has not yet mastered cycling, summer holiday is the ideal time to do so.
6. Picnic
As a child, picnics were always the highlight of my summer holiday. It was a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends.
Not only are picnics a fun experience, but they also foster creativity as games and activities are encouraged, such as kids playing outdoor games, board games, or even a simple game of frisbee.
How to plan? Select a place, make a list of guests, design a menu, and don’t forget to pack outdoor gear. Don’t forget to ask your children when selecting a place. Involve them 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.
Most popular hiking destinations in the US are Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and Olympic National Park. The destinations feature natural beauty and an array of trails to suit the skills of any hiker.”
“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 use your child’s physical and thinking skills by creating an obstacle course in your garden! Obstacle courses aid kids in the building of gross motor skills, coordination, and agility. It also promotes creativity and problem-solving ability as children construct and navigate through the course.
How to prepare: You’ll need cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, and other items to construct different obstacles. Be creative and use whatever materials you have available to make the course challenging and enjoyable for your child.
9. Camping
Did you know that one in five Americans camped in 2021? Certainly, camping is a wonderful summer activity that encourages physical and mental well-being and provides a chance to learn survival skills, teamwork, independence, and self-confidence. Camp in the right equipment and adventure spirit, and camping can be a delightful and worthwhile 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 beach day is a summer staple that’s fun for all ages. Soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, or building sandcastles are just a few of the endless activities available at the beach. And the good news is that spending a day at the beach can offer many health advantages, including enhanced mood, more vitamin D intake, and reduced stress.
A word of caution. Plan and prepare ahead to prevent last-minute hassles since summer vacations, activity or no activity, are all about relaxation and enjoyment. Last-minute stress can spoil the party.
11. Hobby Classes
Summer is the ideal time for children to try their hands at a new hobby or hone their skills. Summer outdoor activities for kids can be both entertaining and educational. Dance, music, and speech classes in English enhance creativity, communication skills, and confidence levels. Also, organized hobby classes are a valuable means of utilization of their energies. Integrating these activities into summer outdoor children’s activities promises a healthy mix of learning as well as activity, making the season both activity-filled and enhancing.
12. Summer camps
Summer camps provide the best combination of education and enjoyment, offering children memorable experiences such as art, sports, and discovery in nature. Whether a day camp where children go home each night or an overnight camp for an extended adventure, these experiences assist children in gaining independence and new friendships. With plenty of outdoor summer activities for children, including hiking, water games, and sports, camps get them active and build social skills. From science and robotics to arts and outdoor play, summer camps are a wonderful way for children to have a fun and enriching holiday. Parents searching for interesting outdoor summer activities for children will be delighted to discover that camps provide the ideal one-stop solution!
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.
