outdoor games

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Outdoor Water Fun for Kids: The Best Water Games, Toys & Activities

    If your kids are feeling grumpy – let them play with water. If they’re overheated and frustrated – water is the answer! There’s nothing better in the summer months for kids than cooling down in the backyard with some outdoor water fun. Kids of all ages love water play, and water activities can keep kids entertained for hours. Having a few easy water activities on hand is a great parental trick to have up your sleeve. Today, Jemma Goulds, London-based teacher and mom of four, is here sharing the best outdoor water activities for kids of all ages, toddler through teen! 

    This post contains affiliate links.

    Outdoor Water Fun for Kids - The best water toys, water games, and water activities for kids

    Backyard water toys

    Get ready to have some water fun and be inspired to let your kids get wet! Nothing says summer fun, like outdoor water games for kids. Water is one of most fun ways to stay cool, keep kids entertained, and have a blast! We’ve put together the ultimate list of outdoor water activities, so be sure to take note of your favorites and try them with your kids the next time they’re looking to cool off or find something fun to do outside. 

    Image credit: @kristcx

    Water sprinkler

    Kids will delight in playing in the sprinkler! It’s one of the best backyard water toys! And as a bonus, the garden gets watered too! When it’s warm, a simple sprinkler set up in the yard can keep your little ones entertained, active, and laughing for HOURS. All you need to do is set up a basic yard sprinkler in an open area where the kids can run through it and play. At first, they’ll jump and squeal and run away from the water, but eventually, they’ll fully embrace it and go all in! It’s so much fun to watch kids play in the sprinkler. And it’s a great opportunity to get your camera out and practice taking some amazing sprinkler photos. If you have really little kids, maybe this sprinkler splash pad would be fun!

    water games for kidsImage credit: @kristcx

    Trampoline play

    A trampoline might not sound like a water toy, but it can certainly be fun to add water to! A trampoline may be one of the best overall toys for a backyard you can invest in for year-round play. However, during the summer months, it can get a little toasty. To cool things down, try adding a trampoline sprinkler attachment so you can amp up your summer bouncing with some water fun. Or just add water balloons or water beads and see where things go! Here are 30+ trampoline games for kids. 

    Slip and slide

    A slip and slide is a super fun and easy way to get your kids outside, active, and having a blast! If you’ve got the room, we like the ones that have built-in sprinklers and end in a big fun splash pool! Don’t want to buy one? Create your own homemade slip and slide using a long piece of tarpaulin and a garden hose. It’s even better if you have a kid’s water slide to go down. If your kids like thrills, try using a squidge of liquid dish soap to make the slide extra slippery (and a little bubbly)!

    children on slip n slide with sprinkler - best water toys, games and activities for kidsImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Swimming pool/inflatable pool

    If you have access to a swimming pool, the summer water fun never ends! We’ve got all kinds of fun games to play in the swimming pool and fun pool toys, if you need some ideas. If you don’t have an in ground pool, a small inflatable kiddie pool is a great backyard activity for warm spring and hot summer days. We have this inflatable pool that the kids love to play in! It’s big enough that the whole family can get in and play, but shallow enough for the little ones. 

    Inflatable water slide and playset

    For absolute maximum outdoor summertime fun, this Little Tikes inflatable water slide is the ultimate portable water park. It’s massive, so make sure you have plenty of space. Kids can climb the center wall to the top of this enormous water slide bounce house and race down the 2 water slides into the kids’ splash pool. Durable, colorful, and well-designed, this is a toy the kids will enjoy summer after summer. It also has a crawl-through tunnel leading to the inside dry bouncing area.

    children and dad on slip n slide - best water toys, games and activities for kids

    Water game ideas for kids

    Kids love playing games. And when you add water to any game, you take it to the next level of fun! These fun water games are perfect for siblings or groups of friends to play together. They can be played in a garden, the backyard, or a field at your local park. They work brilliantly if you need some outdoor party games for hot weather festivities. 

    Pass the water 

    All you need for this fun game is some water and a few cups! Have the kids stand in a line. The first person has a plastic cup filled with water. They have to move the cup over their head and pour the water out behind them for the next person to catch in their cup. Repeat all the way down the line until the water is gone! After each kid has poured the water, have them run to get in line at the back of the line to keep it going. 

    Water obstacle course 

    You can get creative with making a water obstacle course for kids. Build an outdoor obstacle course with simple things that everyone has in the house, such as brooms, buckets, rope, pillows, pool noodles, etc. Try using pool noodles as archways to run through, doing a water limbo under the garden hose, or add running through a sprinkler or jumping in an inflatable pool! If you have backyard playground equipment (swings and slides), add them to the course. Then divide the kids into teams and have them make their way through the obstacle course one at a time. This is a fun outdoor game where the kids can challenge each other in teams!

    Water battle games

    Water guns/water blasters

    Let your kids loose with water guns or water blasters for the ultimate water cool-down activity! No squirt guns; feel free to use a spray bottle or a squirt bottle instead. Let them have free reign to make up their own games or give them some rules. My kids like playing tag with water guns. Only the person who is “it” can shoot the others with their squirt gun, and everyone else runs around like crazy until it’s their turn! You could also set up targets (cans or empty water bottles) for them to shoot and challenge each other on who has the most accurate aim. Keep a bucket of water available for refilling. 

    Water balloon fight

    There’s nothing better on a warm summer’s day than getting competitive with a water balloon fight! Without a doubt, water balloon fights will cool off the kids from the summer heat and cause them to squeal in delight! You could also use water balloons for other games, including water balloon baseball! Pro tip: Don’t love the trash and mess of traditional water balloons? Check out these reusable and refillable water balloons! 

    Water balloon toss

    Not interested in a full-on water balloon fight? If you’re looking for something a bit tamer, try a water balloon toss. Line the kids up across from each other and let them toss the water balloon back and forth to each other. Each time they successfully toss the balloon and catch it, they have to get farther away from each other by taking a step backwards. Each step will make it a little harder. The last team with an unpopped balloon wins.

    For other water balloon games, check out our post on outdoor party games for kids. 

    water fun for kids - squirt gun gamesImage credit: @meghangarriott

    Water play ideas for toddlers and preschoolers 

    Water table 

    Water tables are fun and one of the best open-ended toys for toddlers and preschoolers. We’ve had the same water table for years, and all my kids have loved playing with (and in/on) it. Little ones just pulling up can stand at a water table and splash away! And the simple joy of it grows with the kids. It’s easily adaptable for lots of ages with a little creativity and imagination. Add some measuring cups, balls, toy boats, or dolls/characters, and turn a simple water table into a water playhouse! When you’re not using it with water, fill it with sand, mud, or water beads for a different type of sensory play. There are so many great ways to play with a simple water table.

    Image credit: @sara_mccarty

    Frozen water sensory play 

    The best water play activity for toddlers is to set up some easy water sensory play. On a hot day, they’ll appreciate a frozen water activity! Try freezing ice cubes with their favorite plastic toys inside and see if they can melt the ice cubes to free their toys!

    Or, freeze water in various containers of different shapes and sizes to create an assortment of ice blocks. Supply kids with washable paint and paint brushes and let them paint the frozen ice shapes with their brushes, fingers, or even toes. The ice will melt as they paint (and as it sits out), creating cool paint designs and changing the color and texture of the paint. This sensory activity is a great option for younger kids, but older ones will still enjoy getting a messy and creative, too.

    Try freezing orbeez (water beads) for a lovely cooling ice play activity. But only use this for children over 3 years old. Orbeez are not safe to eat, so can’t be played with by kids that still put things in their mouths! 

    Car wash

    Get out the hose, buckets, and soap, and get ready for some fun! Set up a car wash for your kids so that they can wash whatever needs washing! Use towels or sponges to clean all your family vehicles outside and get your cars nice and shiny! Or wash the kids’ bikes, wagons, muddly Matchbox cars, or Cozy Coupes! You could even have a dog wash if you run out of vehicles!

    Image credit: @desireemacke

    Water chalk paint 

    If you have leftover bits of chalk from summertime chalk pavement drawing – mix them with water, leave them to soften, and then you have your own water chalk paint to paint on the pavement with! No leftover chalk, no problem! Here’s what you’ll need to make your own sidewalk chalk paint:

    • 1 cup warm water
    • 1 cup corn starch
    • Food dye colors of your choice
    • Muffin tin
    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Paintbrushes

    In your mixing bowl, add the warm water and corn starch. Whisk until cornstarch is dissolved. Pour your mixture in equal parts into the muffin tin. Add food dyes. Let the kids grab a paintbrush and go to work!

    Image credit: @kristcx

    Outdoor water fun activities for kids - diy slip n slideImage credit: @hiking.motherhood

    Outdoor STEM water activities for kids

    Make a DIY water wall 

    Use your recycling and engineering skills to create a really easy DIY water wall for your kids! All you need to do is collect some empty plastic bottles and cut the bottoms off or poke holes in them. Then, tie them to a frame or a fence (zip ties work great for this) so that the water pours from one to another. Let your kids figure out where everything should go and how to get the water down the wall and into the next bottle. Add some water runs (old plastic train tracks, PVC pipe, or bottles cut in half length-wise work great for this) if you need more help moving the water along. And then you’ll have your own water wall! They’ll enjoy this in all seasons!

    DIY Water Wall for Kids
    Photo: @thimbleandtwig

    Make your own stream 

    Older kids will love this science water activity! Get your kids to create a stream with rocks, pebbles, tin foil, etc. Challenge them to make a stream that not only contains the water, but flows. You can make this more tricky for slighter older kids by removing the tin foil and only using nature items. You just may be super impressed by their creativity and ingenuity! 

    Natural outdoor water fun for kids

    You certainly don’t need to stay in the backyard to play with water. There are so many amazing ways to take water play further afield and out into nature! Adding natural elements and bodies of water will entertain kids of any age, throughout the year. 

    Lake and stream play

    If you’re lucky enough to live near a stream or lake, make sure to visit and check it out. There are so many fun things to do on the water. If you have a small pond, consider doing some pond dipping and study what you find. Or how about try your hand at skipping stones (there’s a science to it). You could try taking out a remote-controlled boat for a spin on the lake. Younger kids can try their hand at making boats out of nature items and sailing them down the stream or even having a race with them. 

    Image credit: @kristcx

    Play in a creek

    Exploring a creek is by far my children’s all-time favorite outdoor activity. If you’re lucky enough to live anywhere close to a creek (and I bet you are!), take your kids to check it out. Creeks provide so many amazing opportunities for exploration, curiosity and imaginative play! We’ve got a great post all about the incredible benefits of exploring creeks with kids. Kids will have hours of fun playing in a creek. Try searching for waterfalls or bring a net and search for creek wildlife. Kids will love to catching minnows, crawdads, tadpoles, etc. For more info on fun things to do in a creek (and how to find a good one near you), check out our full guide to exploring creeks with kids. 

    Image credit: @sara_mccarty

    Splash parks & splash pads

    For those of you who aren’t near nature-made splash areas, you can still have fun getting active in places like splash playgrounds or splash pads! A splash park is a brilliant way for small kids to cool down in hot weather. More and more cities are building wonderful splash pads to run around in!  These are especially great for families with babies and toddlers because you don’t have to worry about the water being too deep! 

    Image credit: @sara_mccarty

    Adventurous water activities for older kids and teens

    Go fishing 

    Fishing is a great water activity for kids because it teaches kids lots of life lessons. Fishing is fun for younger kids, too, but older kids will be able to fish by themselves and so have a higher level of independence. In our day and age, instant gratification is almost a way of life for kids and teens, but fishing teaches patience and perseverance. It’s a great way to teach kids about anticipation and how to slow down. Lots of fun family time can happen whilst fishing – great family conversations can happen whilst fishing! If you’d like to know more about fishing, check out our full post on raising kids that love to fish. 

    Rockpooling/tidepooling

    If you’re lucky enough to live close to the ocean, head to a beach and find a rock pool (tidepool) to explore. Tidepooling is an activity that will guarantee keeping kids occupied for ages! There’s so much to see and discover. Search for crabs, snails, starfish, jellyfish, urchins, and cool shells. Kids will love the surprise element of rock pooling because you never know what you will find! Check out our full post on tidepooling with kids for additional info on when to go, what to pack, and what you’ll find. 

    Rockpooling with kids
    Image credit: @thimbleandtwig

    Stand-up paddle boarding

    Paddle boarding is a great activity for families. If your kids are happy in the water, then they will love stand-up paddle boarding! If you are taking your kids out for stand-up paddle boarding, make sure the place you go has calm water (low surf, no waves) so that your kids can learn to paddle board more easily. And make sure they get comfortable falling in, because that’s part of the process! But it doesn’t just have to be about paddleboarding. If they enjoy swimming, then get off the board and swim with them together! Or fish from your paddleboard. Paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy the water together! Check out our beginner’s guide to stand up paddle boarding with kids. 

    Kayaking with Kids - Best Kayak for Kids - Evrwild KayaksImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Kayaking 

    Another favorite water activity of ours is kayaking. Depending on the age/size of your kids, they can join you on a ride or paddle along in their own kayaks! This is by far our favorite and most recommended kayak for kids. Starting out on slow, shallow, tranquil waters will make your first kayaking adventures safe and enjoyable for every member of your family. Small protected lakes are the best places to learn and teach your kids how to paddle and make sure that you have lessons first or head out with an experienced kayaker.

    You’ll be surprised how quickly children will learn how to use their paddles to navigate a kayak. And if they’re able to go a distance on their own (even in very shallow water where you’ll easily be able to walk to them if they need help), the pride on their faces from that sense of independence is absolutely priceless. It’s like learning to ride a bike for the first time!

    outdoor water fun in kayaks - best kayak for kidsImage credit: @hiking.motherhood

    Canoeing 

    Once you’ve mastered kayaking, perhaps try canoeing? It’s a bit trickier than a kayak, but you can fit a lot more into a canoe. Seeing the world from the water is a different perspective for kids and is such a fun adventure. For beginning tips for canoeing with kids – this post on canoeing with kids has everything you need to know about canoeing with kids. And, if you want to see how we did on our first canoeing adventure with kids (spoiler: it wasn’t 100% successful!) then check out our post on Family Canoeing trip with kids. But even though our first trip wasn’t the best – we made lots of memories and ALWAYS talk about the fun we had on this first trip, and we’ve had many more successful canoe trips since!

    Canoeing with kids
    Image credit: @thimbleandtwig

    Wild swimming / lake swimming 

    Whilst wave swimming in a pool is a fun activity for kids of any age, wild swimming or swimming in open water can make swimming more of an adventure. Whether it’s the sea, a river, or a lake, conquering the fear of open water unlocks a world of fun and adventure. Although, parents must still be extremely cautious with water as the risk of drowning is extremely serious (life jackets are a must). However, with the right preparation and knowledge, open swimming can become one of the most exhilarating ways to spend time in the wild with your kid.

    To make it safe, make sure you know the tide and currents of the water that you’re planning to swim in. Know the depth of any water you’re jumping into. Provide constant supervision at all times while kids are swimming in open water, even in your kids are good swimmers.

    Image credit: @kristcx

    Bodyboarding (boogie boarding)

    Bodyboarding (or boogie boarding) is one of the best ways to spend time in the water and one of our favorite summer activities! Bodyboarding blends beach fun with a more exciting experience for older kids! We absolutely love catching waves with the kids, you don’t need to have the technique of surfing, you don’t have to go deep into the water, and you can bodyboard in waves of any height too! Here’s everything you need to know about how to get started boogie boarding with kids. 

    Skimboarding

    Skimboarding is a fun, active, and affordable way to keep your kids entertained on the beach. Skimboarding is gaining in popularity, and for a good reason. It’s a safe way to introduce your kids to the ocean, challenge their abilities, boost their confidence, and let them have fun! Here’s a great post with everything you need to know to get started skimboarding with kids. We walk you through the benefits of skimboarding for kids, how to skimboard, tips for choosing the right skimboard for kids, and so much more! 

    Image credit: @meghavelaarphoto

    Surfing

    Once you’ve mastered body boarding – try surfing! Surfing is an excellent way to build water confidence in kids and also builds balance and coordination. Remember to check whether you can surf on the beach you’re at and ensure that you only surf where there is a lifeguard presence. Surfing can be tricky when you first start, but it can be an exciting and fun way to spend time in the water as a family! Here’s a great post with everything you need to know to start surfing with kids. 

    Outdoor water fun for kids of all ages

    Don’t these all sound fun? Whether you’re splashing in the backyard or surfing in the sea, kids love water! And we love how many awesome ways there are to incorporate water into your kids’ outdoor activities, no matter what their age! If you want some additional outdoor activity ideas (albeit without water), then try these kids’ outdoor activity ideas and summer garden activity ideas.  

    What are your kids’ favorite ways to have fun with water?

    About the author

    Jemma lives in London, England, with her husband and kids. Her all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of her family. She’s on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too, one day! She’s a mum to four and an English teacher to many. She loves sharing her passion for storytelling, adventures, and nature crafts on her blog and here. 

    Find more from Jemma in the following locations:
    Instagram: @thimbleandtwig
    Blog: http://www.thimbleandtwig.com
    Facebook: @thimbleandtwig
    Etsy shop: ThimbleandTwig
    RWMC posts: Jemma
    Wildhood Challenge

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    30+ Outdoor Party Games for Kids

    More than ever, kids need time to play outside. And while we’re huge fans of free play for kids, sometimes we need something a bit more structured and will still get kids to play together and have fun. Today, Tine Voeten, a Belgian mom of two, is here sharing her family’s favorite outdoor party games, crafts, and activities. So, whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a BBQ, a family reunion, or just having some kids over for a playdate, keep them outside and entertained with these 30+ outdoor party games for kids. 

    Outdoor Party Games for Kids
     

    Outdoor party games for kids

    Summer holidays are the time for our family reunions, picnics at the park, and gatherings with friends. Not only were we invited to all those amazing BBQs and summer parties, but every year, we have nine birthdays to celebrate during the summer months. With all those events, we are always in need of fun game ideas to keep the kids occupied and entertained! We’ve become pros at throwing outdoor parties and today we’re sharing our ideas for the best fun outdoor party games for kids. 

    No big budget parties!

    First, I would like to share a secret. We never spend big budgets on our birthday parties. The simpler, the better, which lets us get creative. Because we don’t like spending a fortune on entertainment, all of the following fun party games listed are easy to play and set up, with little to no prep. If you do need anything, the materials can be found somewhere in the house or purchased very inexpensively at your local dollar store. Bottles, carton boxes, wooden pieces, water guns, you name it! And if you don’t have exactly what you need, feel free to get creative and improvise! Don’t make it complicated! You’ve got this!

    Are you ready for an unforgettable kid’s party? Let’s get started!

    30+ favorite outdoor party game ideas for kids

    1. Bob for apples
    2. Water balloon fight
    3. Go fishing for treasure
    4. Water cup relay race
    5. Squirt gun cup race
    6. Tug of war
    7. Ring toss
    8. Hide & seek
    9. Obstacle course
    10. Relay race
    11. Egg-spoon races
    12. Sack race
    13. Balloon pop races
    14. Hula hoop ball race
    15. Skip ball race
    16. Cup pyramids
    17. Water bottle bowling
    18. Balloon stomp
    19. Hula hoop contest
    20. Keepy uppy
    21. Ice art
    22. Marshmallow bites
    23. Puzzle fun
    24. Cup stacking
    25. Giant bubble contest
    26. Squirt gun painting
    27. Drawing shadows
    28. Rock painting
    29. Superpower smash
    30. What time is it
    31. Flying carpet
    32. Scavenger hunt
    33. Treasure hunt
    34. Sensory trail
    35. Sandbox dig
    36. Twister 
    37. Micado
    38. Finding words

    Outdoor Party Games for Kids

    Outdoor water games for kids

    1. Bite the apple (bob for apples)

    This is our kids’ absolute number one favorite outdoor party game! It’s simple, it’s delicious, healthy, and it’s so much fun! The only thing you need is a wide bucket and apples for each kid. Just fill the bucket with water and let the kids try to catch one with their teeth. Just make sure all the contestants have teeth! Our six-year-old is missing two important ones. It didn’t go the way she wanted!

    2. Water balloon fight

    Water balloons are a staple at any outdoor kids party. And when it’s hot outside, a water balloon fight is a must on your party games list. Without a doubt, it will cool off the kids and cause them to squeal in delight! Or, do a water balloon toss. Line the kids up across from each other and let them toss the water balloon back and forth, getting farther away by taking a step backwards for each successful catch. The last team with an unpopped balloon wins. 

    Pro tip: Don’t love the trash and mess of traditional water balloons? Check out these reusable and refillable water balloons! 

    3. Go fishing for treasure

    In the summertime, most of us have a small kiddie pool in the garden or backyard, which you can use in a variety of ways. One fun thing to do is to make a DIY fishing pole (a stick, rope, and a hook will do the trick), drop some toys in the pool, and let the kids fish! If you don’t want to pretend to fish, you can look for treasure in the pool. Fill the kiddie pool with water and hide a small weighted ring (or other treasure) on the bottom of the pool. Then fill the pool with inflatable balls and toys (or water balloons) to make it difficult to see the bottom. Let the kids wade around the pool looking for the hidden treasure using only their feet.

    4. Pass the water relay

    Make lines with kids standing one behind the other. The first person holds the bottle and tries overhead to fill the cup of the one behind. Next, this second person will pass on the water overhead to the person behind them. If you do this on a sunny and hot summer day, the kids will thank you later on. Honestly, this is my favorite outdoor game to play and watch!

    5. Squirt gun cup race

    For this game, each team will have an equal number of squirt guns and will need to try to move a cup on a clothesline to the other side, just using water. To start, tie 2 lengths of clothesline up (both the same length) with a plastic cup on the line (cut a hole in the bottom for the line to go through). Each team lines up on one side and has to squirt the cup to the other side of the line. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    The classic outdoor party games

    6. Tug of War

    Every parent and most probably each and every family member is familiar with tug-of-war. Most of them probably played it themselves as a child. Tug-of-war is a simple game and the perfect game to organize during a backyard party with a lot of kids. All you need is a long (and, if possible, thick) rope, a handkerchief and another rope or line indicating the middle point. Just be careful not to set foot on enemy territory. And pull, pull, pull!

    7. Ring toss

    This classic party game should not be left out of your party! It’s a great way to reuse some of your old empty bottles before recycling them and give them a longer life. All you need to do is gather your empty bottles and let the kids try to toss a ring around them. If you want to get fancy, you can paint them in different colors and assign them point values by color. The child with the highest score wins. No bottles, no problem! You can make a variant with human bodies and hula hoops to toss!

    8. Hide and seek

    Hide and seek is a classic game that always gets all the kids engaged and having fun! It’s a classic party game that can be played almost anywhere! And kids love it! It’s a good game to play when the kids don’t really know each other well to warm up and get into the party spirit. 

    9. Obstacle course

    Build an outdoor obstacle course with simple things that everyone has in the house, such as brooms, buckets, rope, pillows, pool noodles, etc. If you have backyard playground equipment (swings and slides), add them to the course. Then divide the kids into teams and have them make their way through the obstacle course one at a time. When the kids can challenge each other in teams this is such a fun outdoor game!

    Outdoor Games for kids

    The fast classics – outdoor party game races

    10. Relay race

    Relay races are a fun way for kids to build team spirit and work together for a common goal. There are a million different variations of relay races, but in their most basic form, you have 2 teams that compete against each other, and one person is racing at a time. We like to play a simple “down and back” relay race, where one kid from each team lines up and has to run down the lawn, around a cone, and then back. When they get back, they tag the next runner on their team, who does the same thing. The team that finishes first, wins! 

    11. Egg-spoon races

    Another popular game to play at a kids’ birthday party is egg-spoon races! Young and older kids love this fun backyard game, which is easy to set up with items you already have at home. Have the kids run holding the egg on the spoon and then, when they reach the next runner, they’ll need to pass it off their spoon and onto the other player’s spoon. If you have little kids (or you just don’t want to deal with egg mess), you can boil the eggs to prevent it from breaking and leaking everywhere. But that’s also the fun part of this game, of course. If you don’t want to use eggs, another option is small balls, like golf balls or ping-Pong balls. The disadvantage is that when they start running, the balls might fall off. Nevertheless, this will be hilarious!

    12. Sack races

    Gather all the pillow cases or potato sacks in the house for the most hilarious game ever! Sack races are so much fun (and harder than they look). Line 2 kids up to race against each other, with both of their feet in the bag. First one to hop down and cross the finish line wins!

    13. Balloon pop races

    Divide the kids up into two even groups and place them on one side of the yard. On the other end, set out 2 chairs. When you say “go,” the first kid races across the yard with their balloon to one of the chairs, places the balloon on the chair, and must pop the balloon by sitting on it. When they pop it, then they run back to their team and the next kid goes. The first group to get all the kids to pop their balloons on the chair and make it back to the start line wins.

    Outdoor Party Games for kids

    Outdoor kids’ ball games

    14. Hula hoop ball toss

    A hula hoop ball toss is a fun outdoor game for kids and is perfect for teams of two. To play, give each child a bucket of filled with balls (tennis balls, inflatable balls, or even water balloons). Set out a few hula hoops and assign each hoop a point value. Let the kids take turns tossing the balls or balloons into the center of the hula hoops to see who can earn the most points. The player with the highest score wins!

    15. Skipping ball race

    Do you have skipping balls available? Skip balls are a fun way to take a traditional race to the next level. Kids not only have to go forward, but they have to think around keeping the ball spinning and jumping over it! It can lead to a lot of hilarity! Divide up the kids into teams, create a circuit for the course, and let the race begin!

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    16. Cup pyramids (throw-over cups)

    Building the highest pyramid with colorful cups is so much fun! But throwing a ball and knocking all the cups down is even more fun! Let the kids take turn building a cup pyramid as high as they can. Then, they stand back and toss a ball at the cups to see how many they can knock down. The kids with the least cups standing wins. Throw-over cups is one of the popular backyard games, but of course it can also be played indoors.

    17. Water bottle ball

    No need to say it, but water games are really kids’ favorites in summertime! Every child gets a bottle filled with water and an equal number of balls. Could be tennis balls, but we used petanque balls (bocce balls). Then let the kids stand in a circle in the middle of the yard. It’s up to each child to protect his/her own bottle. It’s also their mission to rolls balls and try to knock over the bottle of the others. The child that in the end has the most water in his or her bottle wins the game.

    Outdoor party games for kids

    More outdoor party games for kids

    18. Balloon stomp

    To play balloon stomp, tie a long ribbon to the end of a blown-up balloon and tie the other end of the ribbon on a player’s ankle. Everyone has a balloon tied to their ankle. When you say “go,” all the kids try and stomp on the other kid’s balloons and pop them, while also trying to guard their balloon. When a kid’s balloon pops, that child is out. The winner is the last person with an unpopped balloon at the end of the game!

    19. Hula hoop contest

    Have a hula hoop contest with the kids by seeing who can keep a hula hoop up and going the longest! You can do this the traditional way (on their hips), or get creative and let the kids spin the hoops on their arms or legs. Turn on some music to make this extra fun! 

    20. Keepy uppy

    This probably is the easiest game ever and kids of all ages will love it. Blow up a balloon and throw it into the air. The object of the game is to take turns hitting the balloon to keep it up in the air. Don’t let it touch the ground! You can let the kids run and play, or assign them each a spot to cover, where they’re limited to move. It’s such a simple, but magical fun game! And when it gets cold outside, it is also one of those perfect indoor party games!

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Cool down games

    21. Ice art

    Beat the summer heat with this cool kids’ birthday party game. Before the party, freeze water in various containers of different shapes and sizes to create an assortment of ice blocks. Supply kids with washable paint and paint brushes and let them paint the frozen ice shapes with their brushes, fingers, or even toes. The ice will melt as they paint (and as it sits out), creating cool paint designs and changing the color and texture of the paint. This sensory activity is a great option for younger kids, but older ones will still enjoy getting a little messy.

    22. Marshmallow bites (or donuts on a string) 

    Hang up a clothesline and hang some fun food off of it for the kids to eat! We love hanging marshmallows and letting the littles ones take turns trying to catch the marshmallows in their mouth and eat them without using their hands. You can also do this with donuts! The best part of this game? The kids can eat all the food and snacks they can take off! This classic kids game always is a winner!

    23. Puzzle fun

    If you have some kids’ puzzles, bring them outside to play on a picnic table. Or, you can make your own DIY puzzle by printing out a drawing or picture and cutting it into small jigsaw pieces. Divide the children into two teams and let them each solve the puzzle as fast as possible. As a reward, the winning team gets to choose a prize or a piece of candy.  

    24. Cup stacking

    This fun game of skill will keep the kids focused and entertained for a while. With cartons or plastic cups, let the kids try to create and build the highest pyramid. It gets tricky when the cups keep on falling. Choose an area the wind can’t be the party pooper!

    25. Giant bubbles contests

    Bubbles are fun to play with at any time, but they can also be turned into an outdoor party game. When we bring out the gear for the giant bubbles, everyone’s faces light up! The grown-ups are the first players in line to ‘show’ how you can create the biggest bubble. And the kids can’t wait to try their turn. It’s just so much fun to do. One of our favorite ways to turn this into a game is to hold a contest on who creates the biggest giant bubble. Of course, everyone is a winner!

    Pro tip: We’ve got a full post on everything you need to know about bubbles, including a few great giant bubble recipes. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Creative and artsy outdoor party games

    26. Squirt gun painting

    This time the squirt guns aren’t to attack each other, but to paint! Yes, you read it right. Paiting with a squirt gun is such a fun way to let your kids get creative and have some fun. Before you get started you will need to take some time to prepare the area. Put plastic down on the ground, if you don’t want paint everwhere. Prepare the guns with acrylic paint mixed with water. For the best result don’t add too much water – you want it diluted enough to go through the gun, but not super runny so that the paint doesn’t stick to the canvas. Put out a big white canvas or sheet for your masterpiece (or you can prepare small canvas pieces for each child). This is also a fun party favor they can take home with them. Who knows, you might have new Picasso amongst the children!

    Pro tip: Check out our full post for more into on everything you need for squirt gun painting with kids. 

    27. Drawing shadows

    When the sun is lowering, it is fun to do another creative game: shadow drawing. This is a great game for evening parties or after dinner outdoor activities. All you need to do is take a piece of white paper and put it on the ground. Then, place any object in between the sun and the white paper to create a shadow on the paper. What kind of objects? A dinosaur, a giraffe, elephant, or any toy that stands straight and can be drawn. Let the kids use paint or markers to trace the outline of the object’s shadow and then decorate it with stickers, goggly eyes, drawings, paint, or anything else. Let them get creative.

    28. Rock painting

    Painting rocks is fun for kids of all ages (and adults). All you need to get started on this fun activity is some paint and a few rocks. Let each child paint a rock the way they want to. Just colors, fun stripes, a motivational saying, or turn your rock into a cute animal like a ladybug or bee. At the end of the party, they can take it home to show their own family, or you could keep them all and place them around your neighborhood, yard, local park, or on your favorite trail. 

    For more info on rock painting (and how you can use it to keep your kids moving down the trail when hiking), check out our full rock painting with kids post. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Superpower Games

    29. Superpower smash

    Who has the ultimate superpowers? Get ready to find out! If you have some boxing gloves in the house, put them to good use and test out your kids’ super powers and strength!  Let the kids put on the boxing gloves and use their superpowers to smash cookies, water balloons, cupcakes, or whatever you can think of! This is definitely not something that kids get the chance to do often, so it’ll blow their minds! Kids of all ages will gather their superpower to smash every single piece!

    30. Little witch, what time is it?

    You might have a different name for this game. In Belgium we call it Little Witch; What Time is It?” (In the US, this is often called, Mr. Wolf, What Time is It?) The first child is the witch (or wolf). He or she is standing on one side of the yard, with his or her back towards the other kids, who are all standing at a certain distance from the witch. Use a thick rope as a starting line. Then the kids all together ask the witch: “Little witch, what time is it?” The witch will give an answer and all the kids have to take that number of steps forward. For example, if the witch says: “5 o’clock”, all the kids take 5 steps forward. The kids repeat until the moment the witch thinks the others are right behind her. Then she answers: “dinnertime!!” and she turns around and tries to catch the others. The kids who get caught first becomes witch and the game starts over.  

    31. Flying carpet

    Similar to keepy uppy, this fun outdoor game is all about keeping the ball off the ground. Start by taking a blanket and have the kids hold onto it all around. Place a ball on the blanket. Now it’s up to the kids to keep it in the air with the blanket as long as possible. Let the magic begin!

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Outdoor hunting games for kids

    32. Scavenger hunt

    I don’t know a single kid (of any age) that doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt! Depending on age of the kids at your party, you go from a very simple scavenger hunt game to something more challenging. For little kids, we love giving them a list of specific items to find. They can’t read, so it helps to have pictures of the item that they’re looking for. For older kids, you can make the clues much harder (turn them into riddles) or have them be more abstract (e.g. find something spiky).  

    Pro tip: If you want a whole bunch of fun little 1-page printable scavnger hunts for all kinds of locations, check out our printable scavenger hunt adventure pack. 

    33. Treasure hunt

    Another fun kids game to play outside with a group of kids is a hidden treasure hunt. Hide a treasure somewhere in your backyard. With the help of a treasure map or written clues, the kids will get closer to the treasure. It will motivate kids to work together as a team to solve the mystery and find the treasure. I like making these trasure hunts a series of clues, each one leads them to the next clue, and the final clue leads them to the prize. 

    34. Barefoot/sensory trail

    Next up is the very popular barefoot sensory trail! For this, you’ll need to do a little work setting everything up before the kids arrive. Start by getting out all your big plastic pots, bins, bowls, and tubs. Fill each one of them with different things such as rice, water, flour, mud, water beads, slime, sand, etc. Put some grass or stones in between. When it’s time, have the kids go barefoot an walk through the sensory trail, stepping into each bin along the way. Kind of exciting for the littles ones. To make it interesting for older kids, blindfold them and help them step from bin to bin, guessing what’s in each one. 

    35. Sandbox dig

    Younger kids will love playing in the sandbox at the party, if you have access to one. Before the party, hide little items and treasures in the sand for the kids to find. Treasure ideas include things like plastic dinosaurs, unicorns, gemstones, coins, fairies, superheroes, army soldiers, or construction trucks. You could even give each kid a sand bucket and shovel for the dig. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Outdoor board games for kids

    36. Twister

    Indoors or outdoors, Twister is a fantastic game to play at a party! This fun activity also keeps the rest of the kids entertained. You don’t have Twister? There are different ways of making your own DIY version of Twister. Take a large cardboard box, cut circles and paint it red, yellow, green and blue.

    37. Micado (pick up sticks)

    A great game you can also bring along to every trip with kids is Micado (pick-up sticks). This is a game of patience and logic that requires players to remove the sticks from the pile. It’s a great game to play when you need to slow the kids down a bit and get the to calm their bodies. 

    38. Finding words

    Scrabble is a great game for older school aged kids and can be lots of fun! Again, I would advise you to check with family and friends if you don’t have the game Scrabble, as someone probably does and you can borrow it.  You don’t have to play Scrabble the traditional way, on the board. Instead, divide the kids into two teams and distribute an equal number of letters to each side. Let them try to find as many words as possible using their letter tiles. You will soon notice how creative kids can be! Another fun way to play, would be to create your own giant scrabble game. Cut out large squares of cardboard and write a letter on each. Use the giant letters to form words and play on the ground, building on the words. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Party prepping time

    So, now you have 30+ of the best outdoor party games for kids! You’re prepared with all kinds of great ideas and ways to keep the kids happy, active and entertained. However, don’t try to cram too many games into one party. Just a few will do, which give the kids plenty of time to play independently or keep the game going if they’re not ready to move on! They may even start with the game and then get creative and take it in a whole new direction on their own. Let them go! 

    In order to prepare for your outdoor kids’ party, here are a few things you’ll want to do before:

    • Make a list of games you would like to do and add them to a (flexible) timeframe
    • Add two ‘extra’ party games to the list (just in case one of the other games is  flop or the kids finish super early)
    • Prepare a list of items you’ll need (material you already have and what needs to be on your shopping list)
    • If you need to make/DIY any items, make sure they are ready the day before the party
    • Start prepping your backyard well on time. You don’t have a own backyard? Go to the local park.
    • Last but not least, DON’T STRESS OUT!! It’s ok when things don’t work out the way you expected them to be. Most of the time, the kids will not even notice.

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Peace of mind when party planning 

    I hope these 30+ outdoor kids party games have inspired you to host an unforgettable party for your little one, with a bit less stress! No matter which games you play, the kids are guaranteed to have fun. Make sure everything is prepped and ready ahead of time and don’t get discouraged if kids say they “don’t want to play a game.” Once they see how much fun these games can be, they’ll love them! 

    Don’t also forget to have fun and enjoy the party! If mommy or daddy are relaxed, the kids will be too! As Jim Elliot once said: “Wherever you are, be all there!”

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    What is your favorite outdoor kids’ party game? 

    About the author

    Tine is a natural-born adventurer from Belgium. She met her husband, soulmate, and the father of her two girls while working and living in the Dominican Republic. Nine years ago they moved back to Europe and are still exploring European grounds. Her happy place is wherever her kids are, but she spices up life by discovering unknown places, planning new adventures, and going outdoors as much as possible. Having kids added a big value to her life, because seeing life through the eyes of her little ones lifted it to a completely different dimension. Their family goal is to travel the world, living a location-independent lifestyle. The family is now working on a couple of projects to make this dream happen! In the meantime, they keep on exploring and Tine keeps on writing and inspiring other families to explore just like them. 

    You can find more from Tine online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @kidsdelmundo
    RWMC posts: Tine Voeten
    Website: http://www.kidsdelmundo.com

  • FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Best Outdoor Toys for Kids

    Kids (and adults) need fresh air, sunshine, and time outdoors to play and recharge, but outdoor adventures don’t have to be far from home. Outdoor spaces like your own backyard can easily be turned into super fun play areas for kids with a few of these awesome outdoor toys, playsets, games, activities, and more. We know there are a lot of options out there, so we got feedback from our team and online community about their favorites and then compiled this huge list of the best outdoor toys for kids. If you’re looking for some new outdoor toys, these ideas are guaranteed to get your little ones outside and keep them out for hours!

    {This post contains affiliate links}

    Best outdoor toys for kids

    We love our big adventures, but sometimes it’s necessary to have kids play close to home. Getting outside every day is a priority for us, and that’s easier for the kids to do when they have friends to play with and things to do. While they don’t always need to be completely entertained (there’s magic in unstructured outdoor free play and make-believe), we have found that the presence of open-ended toys and games can keep them outside longer and having fun.

    I love finding fun and creative outdoor toys, games, and activities that keep our kids active and OUTSIDE for hours! We’ve tried a lot (if not all) of these toys and put them through the wringer, so they’re kid-tested (and mom-approved). Most of these toys encourage creativity, and imagination and promote unstructured free play. Here are some of our favorite outdoor toys, games, and activities for kids and families.

    Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

    Best outdoor toys for active kids

    Slackline

    A slackline is a two-inch-wide nylon webbing strip with a ratchet tensioning system that kids (and adults) can walk or bounce on. Most slacklines attach easily to trees with no additional tools or rigging needed. Slacklining is a perfect way for kids of all ages to hone balancing skills while building core strength and confidence. Slacklining is one of my kids’ favorite backyard activities and I’m blown away by how much time they spend on it daily, balancing, bouncing and playing games. This is a great beginner slackline kit and we’ve got an awesome post on slacklining with kids.

    Ninja course

    If you want to take your basic slackline to the next level and turn your kids into ninja warriors, definitely check out this backyard obstacle course. This one has hanging knots, rings and swings that will keep your kids entertained and physically active. Wonderful for balance, coordination, gross motor skills, and building hand and upper body strength. Easy to set up and space out according to your level of difficulty. It can be used by kids 5 and up through adults. Big kids and tweens will particularly love this. 

    Zipline

    If you’ve got the backyard space, ziplines are fun, safe and easy to set up! Using this backyard zipline kit with thorough installation and safety instructions, you can add a zipline to your backyard in no time. The fully assembled steel trolley comes pre-loaded with an adjustable rope and comfortable seat. The stylish and comfortable rubber grips are screwed into the trolley to ensure a safe and fun ride. This zipline will guarantee fun-filled family time outdoors.

    Two boys jumping on a trampoline Photo credit: @meghangarriott

    Trampoline

    A trampoline is the ultimate backyard addition for any active outdoorsy kid. It’s a big-ticket item and requires a lot of space, but it’s guaranteed to entertain your kids for hours (and hopefully wear them out!). We suggest getting a trampoline with a surrounding net enclosure (for safety). Trampolines can be dangerous, so please make sure to have adult supervision and teach your kids about proper trampoline safety. If you have a trampoline and are looking for games for your kids to play to keep them entertained, check out our post on trampoline games for kids. 

    Rope climber

    This rope climber is a great outdoor activity that’s also an introduction to a challenging, fun, and traditional fitness sport. It includes a circular rubber bottom disc that kids can stand or sit on to swing, hand and toeholds to help them climb, and lots of rope to grab and climb without aids. Hang it from a swing set or a tree branch and watch kids have fun with this simple but wonderfully multifunctional invention. 

    Bounce house

    If you want to go all-out crazy with action, a bounce house is a HUGE hit for any outdoor play space. Again, it’s a bit of an investment, but it’s guaranteed to be a big hit and keep your little ones jumping and happy for hours at a time. Many bounce houses can be used both indoors and outdoors, so if you have a large enough space inside, it can be used year-round. 

    Photo credit: @sara_mccartyhow to skateboardPhoto credit: @dimples.and.the.blonde

    Best outdoor toys for kids on the go

    Bikes, trikes, and scooters

    Bikes, scooters and skateboards make great outdoor toys for kids that are on the move! No matter what age your child is, there are options available. The littlest kids ( 2 to 5 year olds) can start with a classic tricycle or a balance bike. We put together a post of our top picks for the best balance bikes for kids. Older kids will probably be more interested in a traditional bike and older kids (teens and tweens) may get a lot of use out of a mountain bike. There are so many great options out there, for whatever age, size, and ability of your child.

    Skateboards

    Skateboarding is a fun and active way to spend time outside. It’s not only a great full-body workout, but it helps build core strength, balance, and confidence in kids. It’s one of those fast-action sports that are not only fun to watch, but a blast for kids to participate in. If you have a kid that’s interested in skateboarding, our post on how to get started skateboarding with kids gives you all the info you need to know to pick out the right skateboard and get moving! 

    Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

    Battery-powered vehicles

    Battery-powered ride-on vehicles are another pricy toy, but they do a great job of keeping kids outside, active, and entertained for hours. If buying a new one is out of budget, these tend to pop up in online sale/swap pages pretty frequently as their kids outgrow them. My kids are currently on their second Hummer. They drove the first one for years, through multiple batteries, until the wheels disintegrated and it became undrivable. We purchased the first one through an online swag page for a fraction of the retail price ($60) and replaced the old battery. We definitely got our money’s worth there! 

    Photo credit: @daphne_audePhoto credit: @_stephaniehowells_best outdoor toys for kidsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Best outdoor toys with water

    Water table

    If you have little ones, a water table is a really fun and easy outdoor toy. We’ve had the same water table for years and all my kids have loved playing with (and in/on) it. Little ones just pulling up can stand at a water table and splash away! It’s a great sensory activity. And the simple joy of it grows with the kids. My 2-year-old and 8-year-old both play in the water in different ways, so it’s easily adaptable for lots of ages with a little creativity and imagination. Add some measuring cups, balls, toy boats or dolls/characters and turn a simple water table in a water playhouse! When you’re not using it with water, fill it with sand or water beads for a different type of sensory play. There are so many great ways to play with a simple water table.

    Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

    Inflatable pool

    An inflatable kiddie pool is a great backyard activity for warm spring and summer days. We have this large inflatable pool that the kids love to play in! It’s big enough that the whole family can get in and play, but shallow enough for the little ones. 

    Inflatable water slide and playset

    For absolute maximum outdoor summertime fun, this Little Tikes inflatable water slide is the ultimate portable water park. It’s massive, so make sure you have plenty of space. Kids can climb the center wall to the top of this enormous water slide bounce house and race down the 2 slides into the kids splash pool. Durable,colorful, and well-designed, this is a toy the kids will enjoy summer after summer. It also has a crawl-through to inside dry bouncing area.

    Tips for taking amazing sprinkler photos of kidsPhoto credit: @lphotographiebackyard activities toys and games for kidsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Sprinkler

    When it’s warm, a simple sprinkler set up in the yard can keep your little ones entertained, active and laughing for HOURS. All you need to do is set up a basic yard sprinkler in an open area where the kids can run through it and play. At first, they’ll jump and squeal and run away from the water, but eventually, they’ll fully embrace it and go all in! It’s so much fun to watch kids play in the sprinkler. And it’s a great opportunity to get your camera out and practice taking some amazing sprinkler photos. If you have really little kids, maybe this sprinkler splash pad would be fun!

    Photo credit: @boomhutboris

    Best outdoor playsets for kids

    Wooden playset

    There are so many amazing wooden playsets in every shape, size, and price range out there. Usually, these playsets need quite a bit of space, but they last for years and can be used year-round. Many also have a good resale value, so you can recoup a bit of your money by selling once your kids outgrow it. The Gorilla Nantucket II wood swingset is a top choice. It has a wooden clubhouse area with a roof, two swings, a slide, a sandbox area, and a rock wall. Is it enormous and expensive? Yes. Will your children go bananas over it? Also YES. 

    Here’s a smaller more budget-friendly wooden playset option. 

    Swingsets

    If you’re looking for something a bit smaller than a huge wooden playset, this double swingset frame hosts one traditional swing and one two-seater net swing. For the tiniest of tots, this toddler climber playset has a slide, swing, basketball net and ring toss. It can be played with both inside and outside. If you have a child that loves to swing (but no trees to hang a swing from or a super small yard), this simple metal frame holds one swing. 

    Geometric dome

    If you’ve got space in your yard for this awesome geodome dome jungle gym, get one! Our neighbors have one of these incredibly cool outdoor toys and it’s a huge hit with all the kid on the street (prior to social distancing, of course)! It helps with upper body strength, coordination, and balance, plus helps develop that all-important vestibular sense! The kids use it as home base in games, a support for their hammocks, a hangout place to chat and more!

    Photo credit: @beautifullittlesoulsblogbest active toys and games for outdoorsy kidsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Swings

    Swings are a great outddor toy for kids of all ages. Setting up a swing in the yard is a guaranteed way to keep the kids outside and entertained. Our neighbors have a net swing in their front yard and every kid on our block has spent countless hours out there playing. From tweens to toddlers, the kids are just fascinated by the swing and love playing on it! It’s such a simple thing, and yet so popular for all ages! This swing supports a few kids together and they have the best time pushing each other and giggling. If you have more dare-devil kids, consider a surfer swing that lets your kids surf in the air up to 10 feet high! Or, check out this really cool multi-person hoop swing. 

    Best outdoor sports toys for kids

    Pitching machine

    If your kids are into sports and missing their little league team and practice, a pitching machine could be a great addition to your backyard activities. Baseball is a big hit (pun intended) at our house and my son loves this pitching machine.  It has 3 speeds: 10mph, 15mph & 20mph and an adjustable 3 position pitch angle. There’s a red light that flashes to indicate pitch release, which occurs every 5 seconds. It holds up to 9 balls and includes 4 foam balls. Requires 4 size C batteries or a power adapter (both sold separately).

    Hitting net

    And speaking of hitting baseballs, a hitting net is a great toy for any kid that’s into baseball or softball. This net can be set up outside and catches balls hit into it. For little kids, set up a tee-ball stand right in front of the net and let them practice. Older kids can practice hitting through a soft toss from the side. The net means you aren’t chasing balls all over the neighborhood and no broken windows for big hits! 

    Frisbee golf

    This mini Frisbee golf game lets your kids (or the whole family) play a par 3 round of disc golf. It features six mini Frisbee discs and one Frisbee golf target. It’s designed for ages 5 and up – even adults love it! The metal chains are designed to catch the Frisbee discs so throw your favorite, tossing, hyzers, etc.

    Soccer goals

    Soccer is another great outdoor activity that burns a lot of energy, encourages teamwork and strengthens coordination. If you’ve got little soccer players, these collapsible soccer goal nets set-up and can be taken down in seconds with no assembly required. They come with 2 goals, 6 cones, and a carrying case so you can take them anywhere. They can be secured with plastic or metal stakes to any grass surface in your backyard or park.

    Kickball and bases

    Nearly every day after school, there’s a kickball game going on in our neighborhood. This is the perfect kickball set and bases for any kickball fan and comes with an 8.5-inch kickball, three rubber bases, home plate, a pitcher’s rubber, and inflation pump (with a needle). That’s everything you need to play this super fun and simple game. A great outdoor sport for all ages and abilities.

    Capture the flag

    If you have a group of kids that love to play sports, take your game to the next level (and keep the game going later into the evening) with this glow-in-the-dark capture the flag game. It includes 25 light-up game pieces, 12+ hours of batteries and 12 game variations for hours of play. You can play 4-8 players (or up to 16 with game variations).  All ages can play together – kids, teens & adults love this awesome neighborhood game that develops teamwork, social skills and strategy!

    Basketball hoop

    If your child is into sports at all, a basketball hoop is a great addition to any outdoor playspace. There are so many fun games that kids and families can play while shooting hoops. Or, shooting hoops is also something that kids can do on their own, promoting independence and working on grit through learning a skill. We like this Spalding portable hoop that can be easily moved to maximize your play area. 

    Photo credit: @muddy_buddy_outdoorbest backyard toys for kidsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Best messy play outdoor toys for kids

    Sandbox

    A sandbox is a perfect backyard activity for the outdoorsy kid and great for inspiring pretend play. This wooden kids’ sandbox has seats on the edges, a mesh cover (to keep bugs/animals out) and is large enough for multiple kids, but not too big for backyards. If you’re handy and need a project, you can also build a really cool sandbox yourself! My dad made one of these (using these plans) for our kids and it was a huge hit! Just fold out the doors of the sandbox to form 2 benches that allow your child to sit and play (200 lbs. capacity for each bench). Has a capacity of 750 lbs. of sand for the sandbox!

    Mud kitchen

    Mud kitchens are so much fun for kids! Not only do they love the sensory feel of playing with mud, but they’re really great for promoting creativity and imaginative play. You can buy a premade mud kitchen, or put those DIY skills to good use and make a mud pie outdoor kitchen for your kids out of a shoe bench or old cabinets/wood pallets. Throw in some hand-me-down kitchen utensils, dishes, pots and pans and you’ve got yourself the ultimate mud kitchen. It’s sure to entertain your children for hours and hours. Just be sure to put it somewhere close to a hose for easy clean-up!

    Garden

    I love the idea of giving kids their own garden to take care of. While I try to get them involved in taking care of our large garden, it’s really fun for them to have a portion or a few planters that are all theirs to nurture and grow. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a small elevated garden planter for my oldest and letting him do all the work, from picking out the plants, to taking care of them, and harvesting. I think it would teach him a lot and give him a lot of pride in the plants that grow. We have a great post on easy vegetables to grow with kids, if you’re interested in doing this with your kids. 

    Photo credit: @thedailyperfections

    Best outdoor games for kids

    Ladder golf

    Perfect for even small yards, ladder golf is an easy outdoor game that the whole family can play. This game is easy to assemble and doesn’t take up much space. It’s a team game and can spark some intense competition and camaraderie between players. Great for hand-eye coordination and perfect for taking on camping trips, picnics or tailgating.

    Cornhole

    And speaking of great outdoor backyard, camping, and tailgate games, Cornhole is one of our favorites. This cornhole set comes with boards, beanbags and a carrying case. Set up a backyard family cornhole competition and get everyone involved! Losers have to make dinner!

    Outdoor Jenga

    If your kids like playing Jenga inside, they will love taking it outside and making it GIANT! This is the biggest authentic hardwood Jenga game ever sold! At setup, it starts at 26 inches high, and can stack to over 5 feet high in play! Includes 54 precision-crafted premium hardwood blocks, Each one nearly 15 times the volume of a classic Jenga block! Comes with a case for easy storage. 

    Lawn darts

    Playing a game of lawn darts is so much fun for kids. This glow-in-the-dark lawn dart set has soft, durable darts that stand up after every toss and adjustable rings for big targets or small ones, making it suitable for all skill levels. You can charge the darts with a headlight or flashlight and play into the night! Glow in the dark darts are extremely fun and perfect for taking the fun into the evening hours. This is also a great game to play on the beach, lawn, park, backyard, or other soft surfaces. 

    Feature image credit: @eliza.flaska.mi

    Best old school outdoor toys for kids

    Stomp rockets

    If your kids are into low-tech old school fun, stomp rockets are a (literal) blast! 100% kid-powered: just run, jump and STOMP to launch these rockets up to 20 stories high — that’s 200 feet in the air! Best for outdoor use, no batteries required; easy, fast assembly. 

    Pogo stick

    Another old-fashioned retro way to bounce and work on your coordination is with a pogo stick. This one is designed for kids age 5 and up, between 40-80 pounds. Pogo sticks are great for developing coordination, balance, muscle tone, and staying active.  It has foam-covered hand grips and sturdy foam-covered metal frame for comfort and safety. 

    Jump ropes

    Jump ropes are such fun outdoor toys. There are so many benefits of jumping rope! It improves balance and coordination, exercises parts of the brain related to reading, memory, and alertness, inspires creativity, and encourages teamwork, collaboration, and friendship. Plus, it gets kids outside and moving! We like these classic colorful jump ropes in a 6-pack, so each kid has their own (and there’s usually a few extra to share with friends). 

    Photo credit: @capturing.herringtonPhoto credit: @meganrigdonphotography

    Bubbles and sidewalk chalk

    There are not many outdoor activities that are more classic than sidewalk chalk and bubbles. Bubbles are fun and exciting, but they are also an activity that enables science learning, artistic exploration, a lot of movement, and DIY projects. We’re got a great post all about the most fun ways to play with bubbles (including recipes for giant bubbles, glow-in-the-dark bubbles, and colorful bubbles). Throw in some sidewalk chalk, and your kids will be entertained for hours!  

    Kites

    Children absolutely love flying kites and it’s easier to do than you think. Flying a kite is one of those activities that people often talk about, but never get around to doing. We want to change that and challenge you to take your kids out for a kite flight! We’ve got a great post on kite flying with kids, where we walk you through the steps of how to choose a kite for kids, how to launch, fly and land a kite, plus explain all the benefits of kite flying. Here are some great tips for flying a kite and ways to make your kite flying extra fun!

    Cars and trucks

    There’s a lot of fun to be had with good old-fashioned cars and trucks outside. My kids love taking their HotWheels cars to the park to race them down the slides, on the sidewalk, and around the playground. When it rains, the Tonka Truck always gets dragged out and filled with mud and rocks and worms! For older kids, consider remote control cars and trucks (and even boats!). There are some really fun off-road remote control vehicles that are so much fun to watch do tricks and stunts. 

    Photo credit: @stephanie.b.collinsthings for kids to do in the backyardPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Creating an outdoor play area

    Outdoor table

    An outdoor table is a must for any backyard. A table is a perfect spot to do schoolwork, paint, make crafts, have lunch/dinner, or play games. We use our outdoor backyard table for everything! During this stay home order, outdoor family dinners have been a saving grace for us. We light tiki torches around the yard and pretend we’re dining al fresco on vacation. If our backyard was a bit larger, I would love to have a separate outdoor kids picnic table that is smaller and easier for them to use for their projects and snacks.

    Photo credit: @jrcozylifewooden outdoor clubhousePhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Clubhouse or treehouse

    When my oldest turned 2 (nearly six years ago!), we bought him a wooden outdoor clubhouse. While a bit pricy initially, this thing has taken a beating and is still standing and one of our kids’ favorite places to play in the backyard. They’ve used it as a restaurant, a shop, a hideout, a pirate ship, a library, and everything in between. The possibilities are endless and this is a great way to encourage unlimited creative and imaginative unstructured outdoor play. If you want a less pricy version, this clubhouse might be a good option. (We bought ours at Costco, so check them out there, too.)

    Bird feeders

    While not necessarily an active activity, birdwatching is one of my favorite things to do in the backyard. We’ve set up a few bird feeders around our yard and the birds and squirrels keep us constantly entertained and watching, whether we’re inside or out. We’ve gotten to know our neighborhood birds and love figuring out their colors and calls. Here’s a great post about setting up bird feeders and creating a “nature window” where you can watch them and learn!

    4-person dome tentPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Best outdoor toys for backyard camping fun

    Tent

    There’s something super fun and exciting about setting up a play tent in the backyard! If you already have one that you use for camping, by all means, break it out and get it set up for the kids to play in. It’ll entertain them for hours! If you need a tent, this 4-person dome tent is relatively inexpensive (only $53!) and can be used on camping trips or set up in the backyard for camping. Let your kids learn how to set up the tent by themselves and practice putting it up and taking it down at home.

    backyard toys games and activities for kidsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Hammock

    A hammock is a perfect addition to your backyard this season. Not only can the kids play in it, swing and have fun, but when they’re all tuckered out, a hammock is a great place to read, relax, mediate or take a nap. Hang your hammock in a quiet shady location and use it as a getaway spot for anyone needing some chill-out time. And no worries if you don’t have two properly spaced trees, you can get a hammock with a stand.

    best outdoor backyard activities for kidsPhoto credit: @sara_mccarty

    Firepit

    While not a toy, a firepit is a great addition to any backyard and great for the entire family. Having a fire in the evenings is one of our family’s favorite backyard activities. We love roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over the open flame. We love sitting around the fire telling stories or singing songs. There’s truly something magical about spending time with those you love around a fire. We used to have a very simple outdoor fire pit, but we recently upgraded to one of these amazing smokeless firepits for the backyard and we love it! 

    Photo credit: @arevook

    What are your kids’ favorite outdoor toys?

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    30+ Fun Trampoline Games and Activities for Kids

    Finding ways to keep children occupied during the long days of summer can be a challenge! There is so much daylight and only so many activities you can come up with when your children need some outdoor play encouragement. But, if you have a trampoline (or know someone who does) your options for outdoor family fun are almost endless! Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (almost 3) recently discovered the endless joys of trampoline play and shares 30+ trampoline games and activities kids (and adults) will love to play!

    Trampoline games for kids

    Trampoline newbies

    Our family got our first trampoline this summer.  I was a little nervous about it but I soon realized there is SO much fun be had and so many new trampoline games to play.  My boys have already spent many hours on the trampoline this summer.  Now that we have it I can’t imagine our yard or a summer evening without it. The trampolines of today, with their padded spring covers and fall-proof nets, are so much safer than the trampolines I grew up on. It’s a lot more fun for us parents knowing the kiddos are safe.

    Trampoline safety tips

    Even though trampolines are designed to be safer than they used to be doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t take some precautions. Here are a few trampoline safety tips for kids. Go over these rules with your little ones before they play and remind them of the importance of being safe on the trampoline.

    • Adult supervision on a trampoline is always required.
    • Always use a safety net around your trampoline.
    • No gymnastic exercises or stunts, such as somersaults or flips.
    • Never allow children to bounce off the trampoline.
    • To prevent young children from getting on without supervision, do not leave a ladder or chair near the trampoline.
    • Make sure your trampoline is on a clear, flat area free from potential hazards, such as fences, hedges, trees, washing lines or other equipment.
    • Always carefully review the safety materials included with your trampoline.

    Benefits of trampoline play

    Jumping and playing on the trampoline have so many physical benefits and healthy benefits for kids.

    • Jumping up and down and running around with the resistance of the mat and springs is great exercise and helps to increase circulation and cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate.
    • The uneven and constantly moving surface of the mat helps to increase balance and coordination and improve core strength.
    • Little bones are built under the pressure of and stress of contracting muscles. With all the jumping and balancing needed to play on the trampoline, it is great for helping bones grow and increasing bone density.
    • The most important physical and mental benefit is all the fun and laughs to be had!!

    Child doing a flip on a trampolinePhoto credit @heather_lee_wilson

    Trampoline fun

    While my boys are perfectly content just jumping and chasing each other for hours on the trampoline, it is also fun to see their imagination and creativity when it comes to playing trampoline games and making up new challenges. The best part of watching them is seeing their imagination come to life when they create new games or new ways to play classic games. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family’s favorite games on the trampoline. Some of these are classic games and some are new to us.

    The fun doesn’t stop on the trampoline, nor does it have to be just for kids. There are a lot of fun games that kids can plan and the parents can join in on from outside the trampoline. Or, if you really want to make your kids’ day, get on there and play with them! I hope you and the whole family have fun enjoying all these trampoline games and activities. 

    Trampoline ball games 

    1. Monkey in the middle

     2+ players on the edges of the trampoline throw a ball over the “monkey” in the middle of the trampoline while the “monkey” tries to jump and catch the ball in the air. If the “monkey” catches the ball, whoever threw it becomes the new “monkey.”

    2. Lava balls

    Get as many balls as you can, all different sizes, and put them on the trampoline. The kids will run around trying to avoid the balls touching them. If a ball touches you, you have to get off the trampoline until only one player is left. This also works with a bunch of water balloons! I’ve also heard this trampoline game called “poison ball.” My kids think this is one of the best trampoline games there is!

    3. Bombs away!

    2+ players on the trampoline and one player outside the trampoline enclosure. The player on the outside will have some soft balls and yell “bombs away” while throwing the “bombs” inside the net and trying to hit those on the trampoline surface. If you get hit, you’re out! This is also called “cherry bomb” when the ball is thrown by one of the players on the trampoline, as opposed to one of the outside players.

    4. Mid-air catch

    A player on the outside of the trampoline throws a tennis ball to the first player in the center of the trampoline. The catcher jumps on the trampoline and tries to meet and catch the ball in mid-air. This is a great game to practice timing and coordination!

    5. Dodge ball

    Playing dodge ball on a trampoline is a fun way to spice up this classic game and is a great game for older kids. On the trampoline, it’s more fun with higher jumps! Use chalk or painters tape to mark off the centerline. Divide the players up into two teams and have them throw soft balls at the other team. If you get hit by a ball (below the neck), you’re out. But if you catch or dodge the ball, you stay in. First team to lose all their players loses.

    6. Keepy-uppy

    This is a simple game to see how long you can keep a soft ball up in the air while jumping on a trampoline. Mix it up and try to keep the ball in the air with your feet, head or elbows. You could also use a pool noodle to keep the ball in flight. Balloons and beach balls make good balls to use for this game.

    7. Hot potato

    One person stands on the outside of the trampoline and either sings a song or counts out-loud while the jumpers bounce around the trampoline passing a ball back and forth, from one person to the next person, in a circle. When the person on the ground stops singing or counting, the last person to touch the hot potato is out.  This can be played with anything – a water balloon, ball, bean bags or even a stuffed animal!

    Boy shooting ball on trampoline

    Water games on the trampoline

    8. Water balloon dodge

    Fill up a bunch of water balloons and load them up on the trampoline. The name of the game is for the players to bounce them and start throwing! It’s so much fun to dodge the balloons when you can jump high, or throw them mid-jump.

    9. Sprinkler jump

    Running through the sprinkler during a hot summer day is a must, but putting that sprinkler underneath the trampoline just makes things that much more fun! Check out your local sports store or online for sprinklers made specifically for the trampoline.

    Child on trampoline being sprayed with sprinkler Image credit: @jentheis

    Balance games on the trampoline

    10. Single leg stand

    How long can you stand on one leg? It seems like an easy game, but on a trampoline, it’s much harder to stand on one leg. Get a timer and each take turns. To take this game up a notch, have others bounce around the stander to see how long they can last.

    11. Bird dog

    Bird dog is a yoga pose where you are on your hands and knees you lift one arm and try to lift the opposite leg without falling. On the trampoline, this is even more challenging, but it makes for some good laughs when you fall over. This is also a great core workout!

    12. Twister

    Grab some sidewalk chalk, painters tape or go ahead and pull out that twister mat and tape it onto the trampoline and spin the wheel! Twister is hard on steady ground, but it’s extra hard on the trampoline. It becomes exponentially harder when everyone’s laughs are rocking the trampoline mat.

    Two boys jumping on a trampoline

    Single-player trampoline games 

    13. Bubble pop

    Have your child blow bubbles, or a parent can blow bubbles from outside of the trampoline, then the child’s goal is to pop all of the bubbles before they get away!

    14. Hopscotch

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, make the classic hopscotch on the trampoline. Then your child can enjoy the game on a much more bouncier surface.

    Child sitting alone by trampoline Photo credit @their_wild_little_lives

    Multiplayer challenges for the trampoline

    15. Telephone

    This classic game starts with the first person jumping and doing a pose and then the next child does the first pose and adds their own after it. The next player does the first two poses then adds on again. The game goes on and on until you can’t remember all of the poses.

    16. Crack the egg

    This classic trampoline game is one of the most popular games for kids of all ages. It begins with one child sitting on the trampoline, bringing their knees to their chest, and then wrapping their arms around their legs. This child is the “egg.” The egg tries to hold their arms and legs together tightly while the other kids jump around them trying to break their arms free. Whoever can hold their egg pose the longest without cracking wins.

    17. Marco polo

    This game is not just for the pool, it’s just as much fun on the trampoline. One child closes their eyes and yells out “marco” while trying to find and tag the other players.  The other players with their eyes open, yell “polo” while trying to avoid being tagged. If you need some fun games for the pool too we have you covered there too!

    18. 4 corners

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, draw a big cross in the middle of the trampoline. The edges of the cross go from one side of the trampoline to the other. One player sits in the middle of the cross and counts to 10, while the other players pick a corner. When the sitting player gets done counting they will point to one corner making sure to keep their eyes closed. Everyone in that corner has to get off the trampoline, and the game continues until there’s only one person left.

    19. Bum wars

    Bum wars is one of those classic trampoline games I remember playing as a kid. As all the players bounce on the trampoline, one person calls out “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a bum war!” and all the players must land in a seated position on their bum, immediately take one bounce and get right back to their feet. If anyone bounces on their feet or on their bottoms more than once, that person is out. As a variation, players can add additional moves like “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a knee war,” upon which everyone lands on their knees before bouncing back to their feet. 

    20. Rock paper scissors

    The classic game can also be played on the trampoline between 2 players. To play rock-paper-scissors, start with the players chanting “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.”On “shoot,” each person jumps on the trampoline and lands in one of the positions: (1) curled up for a rock, (2) stretched out for paper, or (3) in a sitting position for scissors. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock.

    21. Sword fights

    Cut a pool noodle into thirds and wrap one end with silver duct tape to make a light saber handle. Use your pool noodles to have an epic sword fight or light sable battle on the trampoline!

    Dancing trampoline games

    22. Dance battle

    This game is great fun for your musical and dancy kids! Turn up some upbeat music and give each child 15 seconds to jump, dance, and flip to the beat of the music. The best dance wins!! Or have the kids come up with a dance or routine together and have them perform it for the rest of the family.

    23. Strike a pose

    Taking turns ask the kids to jump as high as they can to the beat of the song, and do a funny or cool pose while mid-air.  There’s no end to the fun trampoline tricks your kids will come up with. There’s also usually no winner to this game. It can go on for a long time and it’s always funny to see what kids will come up with.

    Small child running toward trampoline with children jumpingPhoto credit @entophos

    Sports on the trampoline 

    Playing  classic sports like baseball and basketball on the trampoline not only makes them more fun, but it can help improve skills for when kids go back to playing those games in school, or competitively. Trying to pass a volleyball back and forth on uneven surfaces can help increase coordination. Trying to hit a baseball in the air can help improve timing and teach kids how to better keep their eye on the ball when playing on the real baseball diamond. Here are some fun ways to shake up these classic games, but can also really improve skills and boost confidence.

    24. Volleyball

    Pass a volleyball back-and-forth while on the trampoline. Toss the volleyball up and try to jump and spike it over the side of the trampoline net (if you have one). This would be a good game to play if you have some players who are not jumping (outside the net of the trampoline) and want to participate too.

    25. Basketball

    Set up a basketball hoop inside the trampoline net and practice jumping and shooting the ball into the hoop.

    26. Baseball

    Have a parent or another kid toss the ball from outside of the trampoline. Have a hitter on the trampoline jump and try to hit the ball mid-air over the trampoline net.

    27. Football

    Jump and catch, then jump and throw the football.

    28. Soccer

    Practice dribbling footwork around the edge of the trampoline. It’s a lot harder to control the soccer ball on such a bouncy surface, but practicing this way can really improve ball control once back on the field. 

    29. Karate/Taekwondo

    Take all your punches and kicks to the next level with jumps before and after. Just make sure we’re doing air punches not punching each other!

    Best trampoline games for little kids

    30. Ring-around-the-rosy

    This classic sing-along game is tons of fun on the trampoline, especially for younger children. All the little kids hold hands and spin in a circle singing the chant, “Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.” Then, they all fall down and laugh hysterically.

    31. Freeze bounce

    Everyone bounces around the trampoline at the same time and then a designated referee will yell “freeze!!” Everyone has to stop bouncing and the last person to have their feet hit the trampoline or the last person to stop moving loses.

    32. Simon says

    One player (or a parent) play the role of “Simon” and issues orders to the rest of the players on the trampoline, prefaced with the words “Simon Says.” These can be things such as jump as high as you can, touch your toes, sit down, etc. Every now and then, Simon should give an order that doesn’t start with the magic words (“Simon Says”) to see if someone will perform. If they do, they’re out!

    Two boys pressing their faces against trampoline netting

    Get creative with your trampoline games

    The most important thing when it comes to trampoline games is to have fun! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make up new games and new rules as you go. Children are often incredibly inventive, so make sure to play along to their games, even if the rules don’t make much sense. Trampolines are a great way to be physically active and to get outside this summer without going too far from home. We hope you and your kids enjoy these fun trampoline activities this summer.

    If you take photos of your kids on the trampoline, tag us on Instagram! Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our account.

    What are your kids’ favorite trampoline games?

    About the author

    Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, PRINTABLES, WINTER

    Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids

    The winter months can be frigid, but that certainly doesn’t mean that you and your little ones have to stay inside! Now is a great time to find some fun and creative ways to get outside together with your kids. And even better if you can teach them a skill, while you’re at it! If you or your little one is into photography, we’ve got a treat for you. Today, Megan Rigdon, Maryland photographer and mom of three is sharing two super fun and free Winter Photo Scavenger Hunts for kids. Budding photographers of all ages will love this wintertime activity. So grab your favorite hat, mittens, and a camera, and let’s have some fun!

    Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids - 2 free printable versions

    Winter photo scavenger hunt for kids

    I love to get my kids outside as much as possible, year-round. It’s more important now than ever, with virtual learning and all the time spent inside on a screen. However, the cold winter months can make it trickier to get your little ones outside for fresh air and adventuring. Finding fun activities that teach and challenge them can make it a lot more enjoyable. Photography is my passion. My children see me capturing the world around me all the time! They also share my interest in photography and want to snap photos and see the finished project. So, when I created this fun outdoor winter photo scavenger hunt, I knew it would be a big success.

    Free Printable Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt for Kids

    Winter children’s books to get you inspired

    There are so many children’s books that would make a great intro to this fun adventure. My kids and I love reading some of these fun classics before venturing outside for our winter photo scavenger hunt. The books help get us excited about the season, the weather, and the cold. We talk about the pictures in the books, the scenes, and the characters. Here some of our favorite winter children’s books.

    Prep for the activity

    Luckily, arranging and setting up the winter photo scavenger hunt doesn’t take a lot of preparation or forethought. You only need a few things and we’ve got you covered. First, I gathered and prepared all of the materials that we would need before I told the children about our exciting plans for the day! For example, I printed the Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt on 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock paper. Since my daughter would be using an instant camera, I taped a small sandwich bag on the back of the paper so that she could put her photographs in it. I gathered the camera and popped in the firm. I laid out all our winter clothing so we’d stay toasty warm while exploring outside. Finally, we were ready!

    winter scavenger hunt

    Two printable scavenger hunts

    In order to make this fun for kids in both snowy and n0-snow conditions, I created two different versions of the winter photo scavenger hunt for kids. The first scavenger hunt printable is a “Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt” – this is perfect for a chilly winter day where it is absolutely fine if there is no snow on the ground. The kids can find things like a brown leaf, an evergreen branch, and a pinecone.

    The second photo scavenger hunt printable is a “Snowy Day Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt.” This one is great for adventures outside when the snow has covered the ground. Children can search for a snow shovel, icicle, and a snowball. This activity also opens up opportunities for your child to make a snow angel and snowman too!

    Winter Day Outdoor Activity - winter photo scavenger hunt

    Click here for a printable PDF

    Snowy Day Outdoor Activity - winter photo scavenger hunt

    Click here for a printable PDF

    winter photo scavenger hunt

    Bundle up!

    A hat, mittens, and boots are challenges listed on both versions of the winter photo scavenger hunt for kids, so make sure your little ones have bundled up appropriately for the winter weather! They will need to take pictures of these articles of clothing. Plus, the added warmth will help keep them cozy warm for longer while you’re outside snapping away and looking for all the items on your photo scavenger hunt. 

    winter photo hunt camera - best cameras for kids

    Instant cameras

    There are countless types of cameras your child could use for this challenge such as an instant print camera, your cell phone, or a digital camera. Instant cameras are a great way to get kids started in photography since it gives them some instant satisfaction. If you had a Polaroid growing up, you probably remember this feeling.

    My daughter wanted to use her Fujifilm Instax camera. This camera prints the photos right away so she can immediately see the image she took. She loved using this camera and then showcasing her images in a special book when she finished the hunt.

    Below is a list of some great options for instant cameras for kids (and adults).

    1. Zink Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
    2. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6- Instant Film Camera
    3. Fujifilm Instax 9 Camera
    4. Canon IVY CLIQ2 Instant Camera Printer
    5. Polaroid Now Camera
    6. Polaroid 600 Camera
    7. Kodak Mini Shot 2
    8. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 NEO Classic
    9. Kodak Smile Instant Print Camera
    10. Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

    Best Instant Cameras for Kids

    Photographing tips

    Before you get started, there are a few tips you should share with your child on how to properly take and compose a photo.

    • Handle the camera with care. Use a strap to either secure around your child’s neck or wrist so it does not fall.
    • Take your time! Do not rush to take the picture. 
    • Ask yourself…how can I capture this subject in a creative way? Is there a better angle? What’s in the background?
    • Hold your camera very still when taking the picture.

    Winter Outdoor Activity for Kids - winter photo scavenger huntTeaching photography to kids - winter photo scavenger hunt

    Ready for the hunt!

    My daughter could not wait to start this fun winter photo scavenger hunt! She put on her fingerless red gloves, snuggly hat, and boots and headed outside! She looked around the yard for all of the winter challenges. The squeals of excitement when she found each challenge was so sweet. It just warmed my heart how happy she was to see the images that she had captured! 

    Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids - winter photo scavenger hunt

    Photo keepsakes

    After we completed the winter photo scavenger hunt, we came inside to warm up our fingers and toes! We set out all of the photographs and chatted about each challenge. My daughter decided to make a winter photo book to showcase all of the beautiful images that she captured. She glued the photographs to each page and labeled them. Throughout the winter, she can go outside and take a few more pictures to add to her book. What a lovely keepsake!

    More photography resources

    If you’re interested in more photography resources, download our FREE guide with our best tips and tricks for taking better photos of your kids’ outdoor adventures with the camera on your PHONE! From creative composition tips to our favorite editing apps, this guide includes everything you need to know to make the most out of the camera in your pocket!  

    Are you kids into photography?
    Have you ever done a winter photo scavenger hunt?

    About the author

    Megan Rigdon is a mother to three energetic children and lives on their family farm in Harford County Maryland.  She is a lifestyle family photographer and a lover of joyful and colorful images. Megan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught kindergarten prior to having her own family. They spend as much time as possible exploring the farm and going on adventures together! Raising chickens, fishing, gardening, and crafting are just a few of her favorite things that she enjoys doing with her family.

    You can find more from Megan in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meganrigdonphotography
    Website: http://www.meganrigdonphotography.com
    RWMC Posts: Megan Rigdon

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Slacklining for Kids

    Slacklining is a perfect way for kids of all ages to hone balancing skills while building core strength and confidence. My son received a slackline as a gift this past Christmas and we’ve had so much fun using it these last few months. Slacklining is one of my kids’ favorite backyard activities and I’m blown away by how much time they spend on it daily, balancing, bouncing and playing games. Today, we’re walking you through the basics of slacklining for kids and why it’s a great product to add to your backyard activities.

    Beginner's Guide to Slacklining with Kids

    What is a slackline?

    A slackline is a two-inch-wide nylon webbing strip with a ratchet tensioning system. Some slacklines have a bit of a rubber coating to make learning to balance on it easier. Most slacklines attach easily to trees with no additional tools or rigging needed. Some come with an extra training line (help-line) to hold on to from above, which is great for beginners and helps encourage the correct arm position. Some also include protective tree pads, instruction manuals, and a carrying bag. You can get them in a variety of lengths and a beginner kit ranges from $40 – $100. This Flybold slackline kit comes with everything you need to get started at a decent price point.

    Slacklining with kidsbackyard slackline for kids

    Benefits of slacklining

    Kids absolutely love slacklines – they incorporate so many of the things kids find fun: balance, falling, bouncing, physical challenge. Slacklining helps build their core strength and balance, improves focus and confidence and is a total body workout. It also get kids outside and keeps them active!

    • Develops balance
    • Improves core strength
    • Total body workout
    • Improves stability muscles
    • Rehabilitation and injury prevention
    • Improves focus
    • Develops coordination
    • Gets you outside

    Benefits of slacklining for kids

    Perfect for backyards

    Slacklining can be done anywhere, which is another reason why it is becoming so popular! All you need is a slackline and a couple of trees or posts. You can easily put up a slackline in your own backyard, at the park or on a camping trip. The slackline is tethered to two trees like a tightrope, but is flat, stretchy and bouncy. Most slacklines are very long, so you can ratchet the line to fit any distance. If you don’t have two trees, you can use posts or even purchase a portable slackline rack.

    How to teach your kids to slackline

    Tips for beginner slackliners:

    • Position the slackline very low to the ground so kids won’t get hurt if they fall off
    • Ratchet the slackline as tight as possible (although a little slack makes it easier to walk across)
    • Keep your eyes up and not looking down at your feet
    • Start by balancing on one leg at a time (count to 100 then switch)
    • Learn to balance on each foot before starting to walk
    • Go barefoot to help with grip
    • To minimize the bounce, have an adult sit on one end of the line

    slacklining with little kids

    Take it up a notch

    Surprising to me, there’s actually a lot of things you can do on a slackline. In addition to the obvious walking across it, you can balance on one foot, walk sideways, walk backwards, bounce on it, do turns, sit on it or jump onto it. My kids play games on the slackline (who can bounce the highest), they challenge each other and incorporate it into backyard obstacle courses they set up. The possibilities are endless. My kids also like to time each other and see who can walk across the fastest and who can balance on one leg the longest. Once children gain confidence on the slackline, they can try teaching themselves slackline stunts or raise the slackline higher, to make it harder to balance. 

    If you really want to up the ante, try adding a ninja ropes course slackline. This will help improve hand strength (great for helping little ones with writing), upper body strength, coordination and confidence.

    backyard slacklining

    Have you or your kids ever tried slacklining?

  • CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Painted Tic-Tac-Toe Rocks

    Tic-tac-toe is a great game for kids of all ages (and adults alike)! It teaches kids valuable skills like problem-solving, anticipation, logic, strategy and more. Playing tic-tac-toe can be done anywhere at nearly anytime, but we have a fun way to take the game outside! Today, we’re sharing the painted rocks tic-tac-toe game we created out of river rocks and a slice of wood. This game is fun for the kids to make and portable so you can play anywhere. All you need are a few supplies and you’ll be set with a game that will keep your kids entertained for a long time!

    DIY painted tic-tac-toe rocks

    Tic-tac-toe is great for kids

    Tic-Tac-Toe is one of those games that’s easy enough for preschoolers, yet is still competitive enough to entertain older kids and adults. It’s one of my 4-year-old’s favorite games to play. It’s fast and quick, so it holds his short attention span and you can play many times in a row before he’s ready to move on to something else. I love tic-tac-toe because I believe it teaches kids a lot of valuable skills. Kid learn logic, reasoning, creativity, strategy, coordination, visual skills, motor skills, concentration and how to be a good loser.

    DIY painted rocks tic tac toe for kids

    Another great thing about tic-tac-toe is that you can play anywhere, with anything! There’s no required game board or small pieces, no batteries to charge or dice to lose. You can write with a pen/paper, a dry erase board or just by using your finger in the sand. Our favorite new twist to the game is to paint river rocks to serve as the X’s and O’s so we can play outside. We painted a grid onto a wood slice so we could take our board anywhere we wanted. However, if you don’t have a board to use for the grid, there are tons of ways to make your own! Use four long sticks for the outline, draw a grid on the sidewalk with chalk or use 9 large leaves to designate the spots.DIY nature painted tic tac toe rocks

    Make rock collecting fun

    If you want to make your own DIY painted rock tic-tac-toe board, start by collecting the rocks for your game pieces. Take your kids to a creek (or even just a dry creek bed) and let them explore the area and collect the rocks they want to use. Explain to your kids that round flat rocks work best and show them a few good examples and let them choose their own. Give each kid a small bag and tell them they can bring home as many rocks as they can carry! Once home, pick the best ones, clean them with dish soap and let them dry outside.

    painted rockspainting rocks nature craft

    Let them pick the colors

    When painting the rocks, you can use regular craft paints in any number of bright fun colors. We debated between using just 2 colors (all X one color and all O another color). We decided it would be more fun to mix them up. I let the kids choose 9 different colors and then painted two rocks (one X and one O) each color. Once my kids are a bit older, this might add an additional element to the game. Maybe part of the gem is that they have to use rocks in colors that haven’t been played on the board yet, so that each of the 9 spaces contains a different color rock. But for now, we don’t worry about that.

    painted tic tac toe rocks for kidsDIY painted tic tac toe rocks for kids

    Put the rocks on paper plates or newspaper and let the kids paint them by themselves. If your kids are little (not the best painters) or if you’re a bit Type A (like me), just know that the rocks will need multiple coats of paint to fully cover and you can correct all the splotchiness later. After you get the rocks fully coated (top and bottom), let them dry overnight. The next day you can paint X’s and O’s on them with black paint. In order to keep the paint from chipping/scratching off, lightly spray them with a coat of Mod-Podge or any other type of clear coat you feel comfortable with (or skip this step).

    kids painting rockspainting rocks for kids

    Play anywhere

    Once your rocks are painted and dry, you’re ready to play!  The rocks make it easy to play over and over again and the board’s portable – we love playing it outside in the back yard or on the front porch on our swing in the rain. These tic-tac-toe painted rocks are a fun craft, easy for kids to make and don’t require a lot of prep work from parents. And at the end of the day, you’ve got a great game that they can play for years! Good luck! DIY tic tac toe rockskids playing outdoor tic tac toe DIY wooden board tic-tac-toe painted rocks

    Do your kids like playing tic-tac-toe?