11 Outdoor Activities to Inspire Kids to Explore Nature and Stay Active

Today’s lifestyle, stationary and indoor as it is, is not suitable for children, who need constant stimulation and exploration so they can satisfy their curiosity and expend their energy. Outdoor activities are the perfect solution as they allow for simultaneous exploration of nature while also helping in getting necessary physical exercise. There are also other overarching advantages.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Kids

The benefits of outdoor play are holistic. Firstly, outdoor activities help in physical development beyond basic fitness and health benefits. Children who play outdoors show advanced motor skills compared to those who don’t, develop better immunity, and have more muscle mass which contributes to overall strength. They also get exposure to Vitamin D by being under sunlight.

Additionally, kids who play outside have better mental health. Outdoor play enhances mood, helps them foster independence, and develops the capacity to be self-aware through reflection. It improves social skills by developing emotional cognition. Kids playing outside tend to become compassionate about other people and the environment.

11 Outdoor Activities for Kids

Kids get bored easily and thus they need variety. There are many different types of activities children can engage in that will hold their interest. Some are as follows:

Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses are exactly what they sound like a path with various obstacles that children must pass through. They can consist of simple items like tires, sticks, tent poles, hula hoops, small holes, etc. They can either be made personally in a backyard or they are pre-made. 

The primary advantages of obstacle courses are: they are simple and hassle-free to assemble and they improve children’s problem-solving skills. Obstacle courses help children develop both mental and physical agility.

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is another outdoor game that is relatively simple to plan. It involves running, coordination, and teamwork. In a scavenger hunt, children are divided into teams. Each team is given a list of common items found outdoors- such as flowers, dogs, cats, benches, people, something in a specific color, etc. They can be optionally given a camera. Every time a team member sees something from the list, they snap a picture of it and mark it off the list. The team who finishes their list earlier or ticks off more items wins.

Flying a Kite

Kite-flying is an age-old, fun activity that teaches children patience and perseverance. It helps children appreciate the beauty of the sky and connect with nature while also learning motor skills which are important to nimbly control a kite. Launching the lightweight object requires deftness and your child will need your help in the process. This is a great way to spend time together.

Kite-flying also helps develop a sense of curiosity and wonder in children as they see the kite soar in the sky, attached to its string.

 

Bird-watching

If your child is fond of animals, it may be time to buy a pair of binoculars, do some research into local bird species, and then find a nearby park or wildlife sanctuary where you can go bird-watching! The best times to go bird-watching are either dawn or dusk. While your eyes and ears may be enough, binoculars, a notebook to note bird species, a guidebook of local birds, and a camera to snap pictures will make the experience more joyful!

Bird-watching teaches children empathy, fosters a love of natural sciences, and enhances their observation skills.

Playing Kho-Kho

This classic Indian game helps develop stamina and build teamwork! It is the perfect antidote to give children who are bored of more conventional sports. The rules are simple: there are two teams that alternatively take turns to chase and evade each other within a marked area. The chasing team, called the "chasers," tries to tag the running team, or "runners," by touching them. T

This fast-paced game requires strategic thinking and quick reflexes. The mix of seamless coordination and energy makes it perfect for young kids!

Basketball

Basketball, a beloved sport enjoyed by people of all ages, is perfect for your kid. Buy a basketball, find a local court, perhaps enroll your child in some classes, or teach them yourself! This sport is simple and universally loved due to its exciting mix of teamwork, coordination, and friendly competition. By playing basketball, your child will make new friends and become physically fit.

This is one of the most surefire ways to get your child interested in sports! It’s also great for improving height, building endurance, expanding energy, and creating a sense of balance.

Hide and Seek

This game is well-known for a reason: it is quite fun! One person, who is the seeker, usually counts to a specific number, while everybody else hides. The seeker then finds the hidden people. Variations in the game include a team of seekers vs hiders, playing in a pair vs a large group, and having time limits on finding. This game is perfect because it requires being able to think on one’s feet but is also not very complex.

Sometimes the answers are not complicated: classics like hide and seek have stood the test of time as outdoor play activities for a reason!

Badminton

Badminton is a classic activity played in either pairs or groups of four. Equipment is easy to find and can be played on grounds if courts are not available. As it is a structured sport with rules, once your child learns how to play it, it can develop into an exercise they consistently excel in throughout life. If you are a badminton lover, you can play with them too. It’s a great way to spend time with your child!

Playing badminton has many benefits. It is good for increasing aerobic activity, maintaining cardiovascular health, improving metabolism, developing fast reflexes, and enhancing flexibility. 

Hopscotch

This children’s game can be played with a group of friends. What is required is chalk and a surface which can be drawn on. Children draw patterned rectangles on the ground and fill them with numbers. Then, an object, like a stone, is thrown onto the number and the child must hop over the rectangles, without landing outside them, retrieve the object, and make their way back.

Hopscotch improves a child’s counting skills, and develops gross motor coordination and leg flexibility due to all the hopping required!

Race Day

Call a few of your child’s friends over, assemble some small prizes like chocolates or toys, and organize a mini-race day. These races can be as simple as a simple relay, or more unique. Ideas include the lemon and spoon race, the three-legged race, backward running, and tug-of-war. Winners can be given small prizes like chocolates or toys. This encourages athleticism and is a great way for the kids to spend time with their peers in a fun environment.

While children might have official sports days organized in schools, an unofficial and informal event like this can be fun too!

Picnic in the park

Picnics are a delightful way to gather with loved ones and enjoy the outdoors. Cook your child’s favorite foods, then pack a delicious spread of refreshing drinks and a sweet treat. Toss in some frisbees, balls, or jump ropes for some post-meal fun. Find a scenic spot in a park. Kids will love picnics as they can spend time with you without being cooped up indoors.

Picnics are a beautiful reminder that some of life's greatest joys come from the simplest things!

It is clear that with a little thought and care, kids can engage in a variety of different and interesting outdoor activities that ensure they do not get bored, stay active, and connect with nature. However, the outdoors can be messy- and children tend to get caught in rough-and-tumble play. Their clothes should thus be made with this lifestyle in mind. For kids to truly be kids, their clothes should last long, and be easily washable, yet have quality and designs that are worthy of a kid’s adventurous wonder!

At Spunkies, where each piece of kids’ clothing is made in-house: we ensure this is the case. Each item is designed keeping comfort, quality, price, and design in mind. By keeping the customer at the forefront, our child-centric design philosophy resonates with their profound keenness and sense of outdoor adventure. Our range, which includes jackets, tops, pants, skirts, dresses, and more, is the perfect thing to wear as your kids engage in the activities that nourish their everyday life, whether indoors or outdoors!