Spending time outdoors with the whole family allows you all to bond, get some exercise, and enjoy nature together. From laid-back afternoons to adrenaline-packed adventures, the opportunities for fun in the great outdoors are endless. Check out these ideas for family time outdoors.
Visit a Local Playground or Apple Orchard
Many outdoor playgrounds, adventure parks, and orchards offer a wide range of activities to engage the entire family, from rock climbing walls and zip lines to obstacle courses and even unique attractions like jumping pillows, which are large inflatable surfaces where kids can bounce around and burn off energy.
Go for a Hike or Nature Walk
Hiking in nature is a simple yet rewarding family activity. Many parks, reserves, and orchards offer nature trails catering to all levels of fitness, so even the littlest members of the family can join in. On your walk, stop to admire flowers, trees, or wildlife along the way. Older kids can snap pictures or journal about what they see. Younger kids can collect leaves, rocks, and other interesting finds. You can even bring some binoculars for birdwatching.
Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic basket with everyone’s favorite snacks and hit up a local park or playground for a relaxing afternoon. Sit on a blanket, savor delicious treats, enjoy the sunshine, and just spend quality time together. To get some exercise, play catch or Frisbee, or fly a kite for some light physical activity.
Engage in Outdoor Sports
Put together a game of soccer, basketball, pickle ball, or even badminton for a mini family tournament. Adapted to suit all ages, outdoor sports are great to stay active and work as a team. Just being outside in natural light can help kids remain more alert during the day, elevating their moods and making it easier to sleep at night. In fact, exposure to outdoor light helps to set their body clocks for a better and earlier night’s sleep, says the National Wildlife Federation.
Explore Water Activities
If there is a lake nearby, pack the kids up and rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe to explore the water together. If you’re at the beach, build sandcastles, swim, or play beach volleyball together.
No matter what activity you choose to do with the family this summer, there’s little doubt that being outdoors together strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.
