outdoor play

  • FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK

    Best Outdoor Swings For Kids

    From simple and small to complex and engaging, there are so many options out there for kids’ swings. However, not all swings are equal and there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a swing for your kids. Finding the best outdoor swing for kids can be challenging. Luckily for us, Illinois mom of three, Meghan Garriott has tested a ton of them out and put together a great list of the best outdoor kids’ swings. This is the perfect post to help you find the best swing out there for you and your family based on your needs, your budget, your space, and the ages of your kids.  Best out door swings for kids

    Popularity of swings

    Undoubtedly, a swing is one of the most common pieces of play equipment at the park and in backyards, and for good reason. The benefits of swinging and having a swing aren’t just physical. Swinging can help regulate emotions and help the brain! There are many types of swings out there for every person and every situation. This post not only covers why swings are great (and super beneficial for kids), but also contains a round-up of the best (and most fun) outdoor swings for kids that you need to try. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Benefits of swings for kids

    Physical benefits of swinging:

    Swinging is a full-body activity and can benefit every part of the body, from the brain down to the toes. Your arms and legs are used to help propel you, and your core is constantly engaged to keep you in place. Not only are your muscles activating, but your heart gets a great workout while pumping your arms and legs.  

    Swinging on a swing addresses both fine motor and large motor. Holding onto the chains or ropes of the swing can improve fine motor and dexterity, while the pumping of the legs and arms benefits gross motor and coordination. 

    Mental benefits of swinging:

    Because swinging is a full-body activity, it takes a lot of brain power and coordination. Many different parts of the brain are used to facilitate rhythmic and fluid movements like swinging. The inner ear helps tell our brain where our body is in space. The motion of swinging help develops and improve children’s body awareness. This leads to improved coordination and balance.

    Swinging also increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve focus and attention for hours after. If you ever have difficulty focusing on a project, or if your child has difficulty focusing on homework, try going outside to swing for a bit and then coming back in. You will likely do better and be more productive after swinging!

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Emotional benefits of swinging:

    The rhythmic movement of swinging is calming and relaxing. Being outside and swinging can bring added relaxation and peace. Swinging is usually a simple activity that kids can learn very easily and at an early age. Being able to do this activity independently can be a source of pride for kids.

    Because swinging can be done alongside others or with the help of others, it can also be a great bonding experience between adults and kids, or kids and their peers. Taking turns on the swings encourages generosity and thankfulness, leading to feelings of happiness and contentment. The rhythmic movement of swings can be very calming for children of all ages but can be especially useful for those with sensory processing disorders.

    Swings help get kids outside 

    Outdoor play is known to have benefits for the mind AND body. Just like wanting to be outside, swinging comes naturally to most children, when given the opportunity. A swing is an easy way to spend quite a bit much-needed time outside in any condition or location.

    Check out these other Items that Promote Outdoor Play.

    Boy in red pushing boy in yellow on a yellow swing

    Choosing the right location for your swing

    The good news is that you don’t have to have a huge space to have a swing. There is a swing for every location.  Whether you’re by the water, in the woods, in the backyard, or on the porch, there is a swing that fits your needs.

    A rope swing can fit in a small area on a small branch, while a large climber swing will need a lot more room and more sturdy support. Some swings go forward and back, while others swing from side to side, so you’ll want to check to ensure you have enough room in each direction. The area around the swing should Be designated just for the swing, with no walkways or other play equipment too close by.

    Some swings are great at holding up to the outdoor elements, but others may need to be taken down during rain and wind. This is important to keep in mind as chose your swing spot.

    Three children on red swings - how to choose the best swing for your kids

    Where (and how) to attach your swing

    If you don’t already have a swing set to attach a swing to, this metal swing frame is a great place to start. For a nice sturdy tree branch, this tree swing strap is easy to install and holds up to 2,000 lbs. A slackline is another great place to add different swings if a tree limb or traditional swing set isn’t accessible. 

    Swing safety for kids

    There are a few precautions that you’ll need to take when enjoying a swing, but also some safety concerns to think about before buying one. All swings come with weight limits, it’s important to follow these to prevent injuries. 

    It’s also a good idea to have specialized seats with straps, support, and a seat belt, to ensure safety for children under three years old. Little kids and children under 5 should have close supervision while playing on swings.

    Make sure your swing or swing set is regularly maintained. Check for weak spots in the wood, broken or open links in the chains (so little fingers don’t get pinched), and ensure all straps are secure at each use. Ensure that any adjustable ropes or chains are correctly positioned for the size of your children. 

    Child swinging on yellow swing at sunset

    Best simple outdoor swing for small spaces 

    Disc swing– A disk swing is great for small spaces and easy storage. You can stand on the disc or sit on the disc, making it feel like a classic rope swing (with a bit more support). It’s a hit with both big kids and toddlers. This disc swing even has platforms for climbing up the rope. It has a 220lb weight capacity. 

    2-in-1 bounce swing with hanging rings – If you don’t have enough space for multiple swings, this swing is perfect. You can hang From the rings, bounce on the swing or sit and swing. The bar allows you to switch from one to the other easily. 

    The classic belt swing seat– A belt swing seat is small, durable for outdoor conditions, and uncomplicated. Belt swings are classic swings that can be used in so many ways, depending on the age (and creativity) of your kids. Its weight capacity is 250 lbs. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Best large area swings for kids

    Climber swing– If you have a lot of room and some little monkeys who love to climb and swing, this would be a hit! This climber swing comes with its own frame! It’s a great choice for a fun backyard swing for kids. 

    Tent swing– A tent swing is a hideout and a swing all in one. Some are even waterproof with lights (although, be aware that they should not be left up when not in use). My kids love playing in their tent swing at night with flashlights. 

    Hoopla Ring Swing – Just like a circus swing! This swing is round with a seat and handles to hold onto. It can spin and swing in all directions.

    Child looking out of a hanging tent swing

    Best set of swings 

    Swingsets are a great option for your family, if you’ve got the budget and the space for them. There are so many different options and types of outdoor swing sets out there, from wooden swing sets to classic metal swing sets, to obstacle course-type swing sets. Here are a few of the best swing sets for kids. 

    Steel swing set – This heavy-duty swing set allows for multiple different types of swings, is durable for all weather conditions, and has foam-covered poles for safety!

    Ninja course swing set– With this set up, you can mix and match different types of hanging swings, sit swings, and standing swings! Basically, it’s a new and improved monkey bars in your own backyard. Some available options to add are trapeze bar swing, monkey wheel swing, rope ladder, and a twister swing. These handle swings are great for developing and improving upper extremity strength, range of motion, and dexterity! This set is great for older kids because it is more engaging!

    Child swinging from one handle to another

    Best outdoor swings for babies 

    Safety and comfort are key when looking for an outdoor baby swing. Having a high back for neck and trunk support is important. Straps or a harness are a must to keep babies secure. 

    1st Little Tikes Snug and Secure– This classic is one of the most popular and best outdoor baby swings. It has safety features such as adjustable straps and a high supportive back. Fits children from 9 months to 4 years. 50lb weight limit. 

    Baby bucket swing– A bucket-type swing is the best toddler swing for younger children. This type of swing is usually seen at parks and playgrounds and is a popular choice for young children. It is very durable and can withstand sun and rain. Easily add this to an existing swing set. Not as adjustable as other baby swings 

    Character baby swings– Baby swings shaped like cars, trucks or tractors let your child drive and swing at the same time. It has adjustable straps and a high back for good neck and trunk support. This swing has thin plastic and can crack, so be sure to take it down when not in use. 
    Baby in a green tractor swing

    Best tire swings 

    Tire swings are so nostalgic and classic. I grew up swinging on a tire swing at my grandparents’ house. Tire swings are great because you can sit on them, stand on them, or sit inside them. Tires can also be positioned up and down, or crossways. You may be able to find an old tire from your local farmer or mechanic, but here are some more fun options That might not be as greasy and dirty.

    Pony horse tire swing– This pony/horse swing is a fun and creative take on the tire swing. Customizable! 

    Classic tire swing– This tire swing is durable for outdoor conditions. The tire is positioned in a sideways position. It’s great for multiple children. Comes in different colors. 
    Boy on tire swing panning effect

    Best swing for multiple children 

    Saucer swing– These large round swings are great for multiple kids and for adults to sit on as well. Older kids will love this swing as much as the little ones. This swing has a high weight limit and is moderately durable in outdoor conditions. 

    Web swing– This circular webs swing is shaped like a giant spider web and is a great option if you have multiple kids. It lets multiple kids sit, lay down or stand with lots of places to hold onto!

    Vortex Spinning Ring Swing– This large multi-level swing spins while it swings. Think teacup spinning ride at the state fair. Can hold 4 kids and up to 300lbs but needs lots of room to move!

    Baby on a web swing

    Best tandem swings 

    Expression Swing– This swing allows children and adults of all ages and abilities to enjoy swinging along with a caregiver or friend. 

    Glider swing– With this glider swing, kids sit back to back, and using both arms and legs, they have to work together to swing. This swing is durable for all weather conditions. Great for siblings! Weight capacity of 150lbs total 

    Boat swing– This fun swing is shaped like a boat, making it great for two riders to face each other and feel the wind in the sails. Weight capacity is 200 lbs. Due to the thin material, take this swing down when not in use. 

    Hoop swing – This awesome hoop swing fits 2 riders and can hold up to 300 lbs. The stainless steel frame is durable and should last for years of fun and outdoor play. 

    Two children on expression swing smiling
    Expression swing

    Best standing swings 

    Standing swings are not only fun but are the best for encouraging high-level strength and coordination! Unlike a regular swing, stand-up swings give your kids a new way to swing and usually move all over the place! 

    Surf swing– Surf the wind! This Swurfer Swing allows children to stand and shift weight from side to side. This swing required a lot of open space laterally and may not fit well on traditional swing sets. Weight capacity is 150 lbs. It’s great for older children that want to swing high and fast and love a challenge.  

    Standing swing– This standing platform swing is a great option for big kids. It’s square-shaped with indents for your feet. This swing allows forward and backwards movement while standing. 

    Boy on surf swing swinging to the side
    Surf swing

    Best hammock swings for kids 

    Signature Yellow leaf Hammock– This hammock is durable for all weather conditions but light and easy to pack up and take camping. It is designed not to flip, making it safer for children to get in and out of. It can be hung from many different spots and has a 400lb weight capacity.

    Hammock Chair Swing– A swing with pockets! For books or rocks, it has pockets to store things in while kids relax. It offers a little more cushion and support than a traditional hammock but has all the laid-back relaxation. 

    Girl In hammock swing eating apple
    Photo credit @sara_mcarty

    Inclusive swings for kids 

    A swing is a great tool for all abilities. Swinging gives vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation. The movement can help soothe and calm a child whether they are overstimulated or seeking more input to feel regulated.   Using the full body to swing activates muscles on each side of the body equally, which can help improve strength balance and coordination. Swinging can be a fun and engaging tool to address things like weakness, tone, sensory processing disorders. And kids love it. 

    Little Tikes Inclusive Swing– this swing has a high back/neck support, sturdy 3 point harness and high grade plastic. Weight limit of 250lbs. The downside is it is more expensive.

    Deluxe swing seat– This highback swing seat has leg support and secure straps. It has a weight capacity of 200lbs but can come in smaller sizes as well. 

    Portable Swing Chair– sitting still is hard, when kids need sensory input in the go this portable swing chair is perfect! It is great for camping or sporting events 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Best porch swings 

    Family Wooden Porch swing– Take some time to sit back and enjoy the sunrise or sunset while sitting on a porch with your family. It’s such a great way to start it end the day. This porch swing is durable and customizable!

    Porch swing with stand– If you don’t have a sturdy porch or don’t have a porch at all, you can still enjoy the outdoors with this swing that includes a stand. This large and sturdy swing is perfect for sitting and relaxing in the yard, as well. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Get to swinging!

    Having a swing at home has endless benefits. Swinging is enjoyed by many ages and many abilities. This activity can provide hours of endless fun for the whole family while encouraging physical activity and emotional bonding. You can never have too many types of swings.

    What kind of swing is your kids’ favorite?

    About the author

    Meghan is a country-living mom of 3 kids in rural central Illinois. 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 for capturing her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors has 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
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • 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

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    Bubbles with Kids: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Bubbles and More

    Can you think of an activity that captures the attention of children of all ages? Or one that can be a fun energy-burning undertaking, a science experiment, a leisurely way to pass the time, and a neat sensory fun project? Give up? It’s playing with BUBBLES! Creative Team member, full-time traveling mama of two, Katie Fox, shares everything you will ever want to know about exploring bubbles with kids. Scroll down and get the very best bubble recipes, fun bubble activities, and games, silly bubble jokes, how to make different bubble wands, ways to use bubbles for art, and so much more! 

    Exploring bubbles with kids

    You probably already know this, but bubbles are a fun and engaging activity that kids (and adults) love. Watching them float up and away on a breezy day, chasing them in an effort to pop them, and learning that soap causes these delightful floating orbs are all part of childhood.

    Without a doubt, bubbles are fun and exciting. But they are also so much more! Bubbles are an activity that enables science learning, artistic exploration, a lot of movement, and DIY projects. Indeed, there is so much more to bubbles than meets the eye (I don’t recommend getting bubble solution in the eye though, ouch). Below you will find so many different ways to explore bubbles with your children. Let’s get started! 

    Photo Credit: @suzugarintonaru

    Benefits of bubbles

    Yes, bubbles are fun, but they’re also good for you! The act of playing with and exploring bubbles with kids is actually quite beneficial for both a child’s mind and body. Below are just a few ways that playing with bubbles is valuable to you and your children.

    • Gross motor development. Your children are building their gross motor skills as run, jump, balance, skip, chase, reach, crawl, and otherwise engage with the bubbles.
    • Fine motor development. As your littles grab bubble wands or help build their own wands and bubble blowers, they are working on fine motor development.
    • Hand-eye coordination. Following the bubbles and then reaching out and actually popping one is a skill and it takes practice to get it right. Bubbles help children practice hand-eye coordination in a fun pop-tastic way.
    • Sensory exploration. Bubbles offer a chance to explore new sensory input. That’s right, the sticky, slimy, soap-tasting, orbs allow children to explore their senses.
    • Building social skills. If your child has ever popped bubbles with another living creature, it may not have ended well. Children need time and practice to learn to share and popping bubbles offers the perfect practice setting. If a bubble your child is chasing is popped by another child, you can easily redirect them to the many other bubbles floating around. It probably isn’t that easy (and when is it ever?), you can keep at it and know that playing in the same bubble popping zone still provides social skill building – even if it ends in crying.
    Photo Credit: @mistyhofert

    Bubble solution recipes

    There are so many different ways to make bubbles. Obviously, the tried and true method of using plain ol’ dish soap and water is there for a reason. It works, it’s easy, and parents already have those items on hand. But, if you are looking for a different way to make bubbles with your kids, look no further. Here are some of the best bubble solution recipes for making bubbles with kids.

    • Basic bubble recipe: Home Science Tools shares an easy bubble recipe to make with your children. Because it includes glycerin, the bubbles are stronger than simple dish soap and water. 
    • Colorful bubble foam recipe: Instead of making bubbles you can blow, give this amazing foaming bubble recipe from Fun at Home with Kids a try. 
    • Glow in the dark bubble recipe: Looking for a new way to explore bubbles with kids? This glow-in-the-dark bubble recipe from Growing a Jeweled Rose is a perfect way to wow your kids with bubbles in a whole new way. 
    • Colorful bubble recipe: How about colorful bubbles? Use this Mama Plus One recipe for creating bubbles in a variety of colors. You could make black and orange bubbles to enjoy during Halloween or each color of the rainbow and then try to get all seven colors in the air at the same time. 
    • Reusable slime bubble recipe: This is not exactly a bubble, but this slime bubble recipe from Little Bins for Little Hands is fantastic for making large reusable bubbles. 
    • Pre-made bubbles: Don’t want to mess with making your own bubble solution? You can purchase premade bubble solution at nearly any retail store that sells toys. We recommend Bubble Tree Sustainable bubble refills that come in a recyclable box since it cuts out all the plastic that bubble solutions usually come in. Or this giant bubble mix concentrate, which is great for blowing huge bubbles, has less plastic, and allows you to make an enormous amount of bubble solution! 
    Photo Credit: @maryammorrison
    Photo Credit: @thesewildwilliamses

    Bubble activities and games

    Playing with bubbles is a ton of fun. There is no need to go beyond the basics of blowing and chasing, but kids also love variety. So if you want to find new ways to explore bubbles, below are a few great ways to do just that!

    • Create giant bubbles. Making bubbles that are large and in charge is always a hit. Happy Hooligans shares how to make giant bubbles with straws and string.
    • Count how many bubbles you can pop. This is a simple and fun way to add a little something more to chasing bubbles and popping them. Plus, if you have a young child that needs to work on counting, it’s a great way to throw in some learning through play.
    • Blow bubbles using your hands. Don’t have a bubble wand or want to try different ways to blow bubbles? How about using your hands to blow bubbles with this helpful guide from Housing a Forest.
    • Chase all the bubbles. This is a classic and likely completely instinctual activity. If you have older kids, have them help you blow bubbles for the younger kids. Younger kids love chasing bubbles and this activity is likely to keep them occupied for quite a while. There are also automatic bubble blowers, which come highly recommended by parents of kids who can play this game indefinitely.
    • Stand inside a giant bubble. Have you ever stood inside a bubble or wanted to? This article from No Biggie will walk you through how to make a giant bubble you can stand in!
    Photo Credit: @travelling_balloon
    Photo Credit: @karenayon__

    Even more bubble fun and games

    • Blow bubbles with bubble gum. This is a skill most children desire to learn and what better time than now! This is an activity you can practice while out on walks or while on a road trip. Bubble gum totally counts as exploring bubbles.
    • Make scented bubbles. This is a neat way to add another sensory element to exploring bubbles with kids. Add a variety of scents to your bubble fun with this post from Momma’s Fun World.
    • Try to catch the bubbles. This is a classic game and one that is not as easy as it seems. Make sure to dip your hands in the bubble solution to make catching the bubble without popping it easier. You can also make this activity more difficult by using bubble wands, spoons, and other items to try and catch the bubbles.
    • Rainbow bubble snakes. This activity from Housing a Forest looks like a blast and creates a really neat continuous line of bubble foam. This is a perfect activity and could probably even be done indoors (like in the bathtub) on a rainy day.
    • Play bubble hide and seek. This game is played almost exactly like the original, except the person who is it blows bubbles whenever they find a hidden player. The newly found players join the “it” person and also blow bubbles each time they find a hidden player.
    • Freeze a bubble. This is the perfect summer (and maybe even winter) activity to do with kids. It is always fun to explore ice and making a frozen bubble with this Fireflies and Mudpies guide is sure to be a hit. 
    • Take a bubble bath. Can’t get outside? No worries, exploring bubbles can happen in the bathtub too! You can add food coloring to the water to make the experience colorful and even experiment with different types of soaps to see which bubbles are the biggest. If you wanted to take a bubble bath outside, try filling up a kiddie pool and adding some soap. 
    Photo Credit: @theresaspector_photography
    Photo Credit: @bella_rose_visualartist

    Bubble science experiments

    Let’s not forget that adding soap to water and seeing what happens is technically a science experiment! With that in mind, bubbles offer a variety of different science experiments. Not only will your children (and maybe even you) be learning, but you’ll also be engaged in even more bubble fun with your kids.

    • Make a bubble inside a bubble. Steve Spangler Science shares a neat and easy-to-follow tutorial on making a bubble inside a bubble.
    • Create a square bubble. Usually, bubbles are spheres, right? Well, Science Sparks shares how you can make square bubbles and it is worth trying at least once.
    • Test what you can use to blow bubbles. This one is fun and walks you right through the whole making a hypothesis and testing the theory aspects of science. Gather some household items (spatulas, whisks, etc.) and nature items and see which items work best for blowing and making bubbles.
    • Bouncing a bubble. Looking for a little fun, some learning, and a lot of laughs? See if you can bounce a bubble following this Little Bins for Little Hands tutorial.
    • Baking soda and bubbles. See what happens when you mix baking soda and bubbles together with this Imagination Tree tutorial.
    Photo Credit: @tbarfield_nine29photography
    Photo Credit: @christinehosleyphoto

    Make your own bubble wands and blowers

    Using plastic store-bought bubble wands and blowers is great and obviously creates hours of fun. But, trying new things is fun too. Here are a few ways to use items you may have around the house to make your very own bubble wands and blowers.

    • Pool noodle bubble blower. Do you have a pool noodle that has seen better days? Consider cutting it up and using this Cut Out and Keep tutorial for making your own pool noodle bubble blower. 
    • Pipe cleaner bubble wands. If you have some pipe cleaners lying around, consider twisting one end into a circle and leaving the other side straight to make a handle. Bam, you just made a simple and effective bubble blower.
    • Giant bubble wand. Puddle Wonderful Learning shares all about making a giant bubble wand and this DIY project is pretty darn easy too. 
    • Bubble shooter made with straws. Straws are not great for the environment, but we see them every day. If you have some lying around or can collect (and clean) the plastic straws you are given at restaurants, you can create this neat straw bubble shooter from Kids Activity Blog. 
    • Recycled plastic water bottle bubble blower. Here is another way to reuse plastics that are otherwise thrown away. Hello Wonderful walks you through how to make a plastic bottle bubble blower.
    • Repurposed cardboard tube bubble blower. If you have toilet paper tubes or paper towel cardboard tubes lying around, this Happy Hooligans easy tutorial is the perfect way to use cardboard tubes for blowing bubbles with kids. 
    • Bubble snake using a sock. Is that missing sock basket getting full? Need to find a way to repurpose those socks that lost their mate? Babysavers shows you how to make a bubble snake using a sock. 
    • Use a fly swatter. This is a simple option that is perfect for younger kids. The tiny holes in the fly swatter make for a lot of really neat bubbles and the long handle, large bubble surface, and the need to swing the fly swatter to make bubbles make it a fun and easy option.
    Photo Credit: @islaandquill
    Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

    Bubble art for kids

    Bubbles are not only for science and games. In fact, there are even ways to use bubbles to make art. Here are a couple of options for you and your little humans to try.

    • Bubble painting with tempera paint. If you have tempera paint, this Typically Simple bubble painting activity is a great way to use it. 
    • Painting with food coloring and bubbles. This Living Well Mom bubble painting activity uses food coloring in the bubbles for a beautiful outcome. 
    • Use a foaming hand soap pump to paint. Have a foaming soap pump lying around? You will definitely want to give this A Little Pinch of Perfect foaming soap pump bubble painting activity a try. 
    • Making bubble prints. Using a straw, a cup, and some colorful bubbles, try this bubble print art activity from Happiness is Homemade. 
    Photo Credit: @prettybittychaos
    Photo Credit: @ps.myfamily

    Bubble jokes for kids

    We can all use a little more laughter in our lives, right? Without a doubt, one great way to round out any bubble activity with kids than to share some silly jokes with them?!

    Q: Why did the bubbles cross the road?
    A: Their Pop was waiting on the other side.

    Q: What did the bubble say to the North Wind?
    A: Nothing, he was just blown away.

    Q: What’s a bubble’s favorite snack?
    A: A pop-sicle.

    Q: What did the kid bubble say to the dad bubble?
    A: Hey, Pop!

    Q: What do you call James Bond in a bathtub?
    A: Bubble 07.

    Q: What do you call bubble music?
    A: Pop.

    Photo Credit: @feelslikehome.photography

    Bubble books for kids

    If you are like me, books are always something to enjoy with your kids. And when it comes to bubbles, it turns out there are a ton to choose from! Here are a few wonderful options you can share with your kids before, during, and after your bubble fun.

    Photo credit: @sara_mccarty

    How are you exploring bubbles with your kids?

    About the author

    Katie lives in a tiny home on wheels and travels full-time with her two mostly wild children, tech-minded partner, two well-traveled pups, and adopted pet snails. As they wander the North American continent, Katie explores as much as possible, with a particular fondness for the adventures her family enjoys in state and national parks. When not trekking through the outdoors, Katie enjoys baking, homeschooling, consuming mochas from local coffee shops across the continent, practicing her photography skills, and soaking up as much knowledge as she can.

    As an advocate for families exploring the great outdoors, Katie co-founded a Hike it Baby branch in her hometown in Northern California and tries to encourage families to get outside whenever possible. Katie has a Master’s degree in human development from the University of Missouri, Columbia, but her passion is really history and humanities (which is coincidentally what her Bachelor’s degrees are in). She currently volunteers on the Hike it Baby National team as a contributing blogger.

    You can find more from Katie online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @familyinwanderland
    Website: http://www.familyinwanderland.com
    Facebook: @familyinwanderland
    RWMC posts: Katie Fox

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING

    Mud Activities for Kids: 7 Creative Ways to Have Fun with Mud

    As parents, we see mud and only see a mess. But to children, mud is an abundant and attractive medium for creation, exploration, and adventure. Mud is fun! Playing with mud engages all the senses, encourages creativity, and creates long-lasting childhood memories. Now more than ever families need ways to keep kids safe at home and entertained in our own backyards. What’s for more to a child than giving them permission to get muddy! Today, we have Brandi Markham, Maryland teacher and mom of 3 here to share her family’s favorite mud activities for kids with you and lots of ways your kids can have fun with mud!

    The magic and benefits of mud

    Mixing soil, water, and other natural materials like pebbles, leaves, or grass provide children endless possibilities for learning and fun. Many of us parents have fond childhood memories of creating mud pies, digging for worms, or making streams and valleys in the mud. But it’s not just about fun. Children benefit from messy play, particularly muddy play. Mud play has also been associated with a range of benefits including increased happiness, improved well-being, stronger immunity, and a deeper connection with nature. 

    Now more than ever, kids need fun, safe and easy activities they can do in their own backyard. Playing with mud is definitely one of them! It’s a simple concept with tons of adaptability and allows kids to get dirty and creative! Kids will love having permission to get messy and parents will love the endless hours of unstructured outdoor playtime these simple mud activities provide. 

    Creating a mud play space

    If possible, consider setting up a dedicated mud play space for your kids. Maybe in a corner of the yard that you don’t mind getting really messy! With kids, the mud probably won’t stay contained to one location, so consider where and why they’ll be moving around the yard when choosing a spot. They’ll probably need access to water, so a nearby water spout or hose is ideal. This also helps for clean-up. 

    If you have a mud kitchen, all the better to create some really amazing mud confections! You can buy a pre-made mud kitchen or make your own from wood pallets or an old desk or shelving unit. You could even just set up a table – kids are creative and don’t need much. Stock your mud kitchen with all kinds of old pots, pans, utensils, mixing bowls, and kitchen gadgets. You can usually find these things second-hand very inexpensive, so you’re giving extra life to these items. 

    If you don’t have a dedicated spot in your yard for a mud patch or a mud pit, it’s easy to create one! You can fill a plastic kiddie pool with mud so the mud is contained and won’t get all over your yard. You can also create a mobile mud patch by filling a wheelbarrow with mud, which can be moved around the yard, as necessary and easily emptied and hosed out. 

    Best mud activities for kids - making mud flower pies

    Mud activities for kids

    But kids don’t need to understand why this type of play is important to their development.  What’s important is that we, as parents, provide opportunities for them to do it – and give them permission to get dirty! Mud play was a huge hit with my kids and even earned me the title “Best Mom in the World” from my son. So, before we get to International Mud Day on June 29th, read on to find out some fun and simple and fun mud activities for kids.

    1. Mud pies

    If your childhood was anything like mine, you already know all about the most classic way to have fun with mud – mud pies. Making mud pies is perhaps the most simple and creative way to play with mud. In order to make mud pies, all that is needed is mud and some old cups, pans, pie tins, bowls, or containers. Simply send those kids outside to the mud and let them loose! Watch your child’s creativity shine. My kids have used sticks, flowers, leaves, and anything else they find in the yard to decorate their mud pies. The options are endless.

    Mud Activities for KidsMud Kitchen Ideas and Mud Activities Making Mud Pies with Kids

    2. Mud soup

    Another simple way to have fun with mud is to make mud soup. For our mud soup, we pulled out the witch’s cauldron from Halloween and some spoons for mixing. If you don’t have a witches cauldron, don’t worry! Buckets, large mixing bowls or a punch bowl would all work just as well. Sticks are great for mixing. First, my kids started with dirt and added water to make the mud. Then, they added all kinds of special ingredients to make their mud soup especially tasty. They added leaves, sticks, mulch, water, flowers, seeds, pebbles, and anything else they could find. Mmmm…delicious! 

    Mud activities for kids - Mud SoupMud Soup - outdoor play activities for kids

    3. Mud sculptures

    Mud sculptures were a new idea for our family. This was one of my favorite mud activities because it involved art, as well as science. My daughter quickly learned that she had to have a certain ratio of mud and water in order for her sculpture to stand. So building mud sculptures was as much a science experiment as it was creative play. If you have clay-heavy mud in your area, all the better for this one. You can also add some modeling clay to your mud to help with the consistency.

    Kids can get as creative as they want with this activity. Mud sculptures can be anything from figures, shapes, mud animals. Try building a mud house using mud bricks. Feel free to add sticks, leaves, flowers and more to those sculptures to make them extra awesome! Older kids may be better at this activity, but it’s simple enough for even little kids. If you have kids in the early years, they’ll enjoy just squishing the mud between their fingers. Let the older kids make the sculptures and then let the little ones destroy them!

    Ways to learn with mud - mud sculpture making for kids

    4. Mud painting

    Another fun art project to do with mud is mud painting. This can be done in several ways. We simply took white paper outside and used our fingers to paint with mud. Handprints were a big hit, of course. The kids also painted pictures of houses and animals. This would but a fun activity to do on a light-colored sidewalk or wall outside if possible.

    If you want to get extra creative, try adding some powdered food coloring to your mud to create mud paint. Then you could use paintbrushes or sponges to paint with your colored mud. Mud paints are a fun way to play in the mud and still be artsy and creative. Let the kids have fun and see what they make!

    Mud Activities for Kids - mud paintingMud Painting - outdoor nature crafts for kidsMud Art - how to make mud paintMuddy Hand Print - mud art projects for kids

    5. Muddy car wash

    Creating a muddy car wash was a big hit for all of my kids. They enjoyed driving their cars around the backyard to cover them with dirt mud so they could visit the car wash. In order to create the car wash, we added some dish soap to a bucket of water. Then the kids used one of their doll brushes to scrub their cars clean. We even had to refresh the water a few times because they had so much fun with this simple activity. 

    This can also be done with larger cars (think Tonka Trucks) or even with bikes and tricycles. Let the kids ride their bikes through mud puddles and get as dirty as possible, then go through the mud car wash to get them clean! This is a super easy, fun and creative way to let the kids play in the dirt and enjoy outdoor play time. 

    Mud Car Wash - fun ways to play with mud and dirtWays to have Fun with Mud - Car Wash - Mud Activities for KidsMuddy Car Washing - fun outdoor activities for kids

    6. Mud bath/spa

    Ok, are you ready for the mother-lode last two muddy activities for kids? These next two mud play activities for kids may be a tough sell for some parents, but I guarantee they’re going to be a BIG hit with your kids. Both these activities require a LOT of mud and a LOT of clean-up, but they’re also going to create some epic memories, amazing opportunities for photos and SO MUCH FUN.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, create a mud bath or mud spa for your kids. This activity is probably best saved for a warm day. You can create a mud bath/spa at home in the backyard or even at the beach in sand. For their mud spa, my girls dug a big hole in the sand and filled it with water. Next, they took turns covering each other with mud. This was great at the beach since they could run to the water to clean off afterwards, but it could be done just as easily at home with a water hose or sprinkler. If you’re at home, try filling a kiddie pool with mud and letting them take a mud bath. That way the mud is contained. This is sure to be a big hit for the kids!

    mud activities for kids - mud bath

    7. Mud sliding/pit

    Finally, one of the best, but messiest ways to have fun with mud is to create a mud pit or mudslide! If you’re playing in a big patch of mud for any of these activities, then this is probably inevitable anyway. The kids will enjoy running and sliding, digging and jumping in the mud. Don’t be afraid to let them go! Dress them in clothes that they can get as muddy as they want, so you’re not worried about them ruining anything. Just be sure to have a hose ready for clean-up and towels available to dry off. 

    Ways to have Fun with Mud - muddy bootsMuddy Hands - ways to let kids have fun with mud

    Fun with mud

    What are you waiting for? Now it’s time to head outside, let the kids go, and live it up…we have nowhere else to be right now. I promise the smiles will be worth it. 

    And if you just can’t stomach the thought of your kids getting this mess and dirty, but still want to give them a fun sensory activity, try making this fairy mud from Happy Hooligans from toilet paper and soap! 

    What is your child’s favorite mud activity?

    About the author

    Hello, I’m Brandi! My husband & I live just outside of Washington, DC with our three littles. They are my favorite people in the world & my biggest inspiration. I am a full-time elementary teacher & a part-time photographer, but mostly I enjoy photography as a hobby. I love chocolate, animals, & nature! Summer is my favorite because we get to spend all of our time outdoors! 

    You can find more from Brandi in the following locations:
    Instagram: @brandimarkham
    RWMC posts: Brandi Markham

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Creative Backyard Play Spaces for Kids

    We’re all spending a lot of time at home these days. And while that’s fine, we need to make sure a significant portion of that time is outdoors. Kids need outdoor playtime and the good news is that they can usually make the most of whatever outside space they have. This could be anything from a backyard, to a doorstep, a rooftop, a balcony, patio, or driveway. Today, we have the amazing Jemma of Thimble & Twig, London teacher and mom of 4, showing us how to make creative backyard play spaces for kids that encourage play and time outside!

    The importance of time outside

    Time outside is so beneficial for little ones, as is unstructured free play. Combining playtime and outdoor space means that kids can learn as they play.  Outdoor play can help kids to become inventive, explore, and learn about the world around them. While they’re inventing and playing games with siblings or friends, they are improving their communication skills, learning about compromise, and how to negotiate. There are so many amazing benefits to unstructured free play outdoors.

    However, not everyone has an outdoor space that encourages unstructured free play. Your outdoor space may not feel inviting to kids or inspire their imaginations. But, it doesn’t take much to change that! With a few simple changes or updates to your outdoor play area, you can create a space that encourages open-ended unstructured playtime and sparks your child’s imagination.

    creating outdoor play spaces for kids

    Creating outdoor backyard play spaces

    Below, we’ve listed a few creative backyard play spaces and areas that you can incorporate into your backyard, patio, deck, balcony or any outdoor area. These can be interpreted and reinvented in a number of ways, based on your space, budget and age/interests of your kids. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your outside space to make it more kid-friendly. A lot of the ideas below can be created cheaply or at no cost at all.

    outdoor play areas for kidsBackyard spaces for kids to climb

    Climbing space

    A climbing space is a great activity and form of exercise which uses every muscle in the body, and many, many parts of the brain! Climbing is awesome for children’s minds, bodies, and coordination. Kids love climbing, so it’s a good idea to include some sort of climbing space in your outdoor play area.

    A climbing frame is amazing, but you could equally create a great climbing space out of old tree trunks, wood pallets or old chairs. If you have a strong wall in your garden or a fence, let your kids climb on it. Allow tree climbing or set up a rope climber. You could also use these climbing holds to create a climbing wall along a fence or the side of your house! 

    backyard play space sandpitbackyard play space for digging

    Digging space

    Digging helps kids get immersed in imaginary worlds – they can pretend to dig to Australia or make sandcastles and fairy houses. The physical act of digging can strengthen hand muscles (needed for holding a pencil and handwriting) and improve hand-eye coordination.

    Try to include a simple digging area in your outdoor play space to make your garden fun for kids. You could include a sandbox with buckets and shovels or a muddy digging area with toy cars. Set up a garden area where the kids can plant veggies and help dig up the weeds. Give them an area to dig for worms or look for rolly-pollies. 

    Water Sprinkler Games

    Water space

    The best parenting advice I ever received was to “just add water” whenever kids were getting antsy or grumpy! If ever my son is feeling restless, I give him a squirty bottle of water and send him water the flowers! This simple task turns into a game and unstructured free play, which can occupy him for hours!

    It makes sense that kids would love any kind of water space in a garden or backyard. You can start with a bucket of water and some pots and pans for mixing and stirring. Give them a hose and let them wash their toy cars (or your car!). Set up a water table or fill up a plastic sandbox with water. Add a kiddie pool or a sprinkler. Make an easy water wall out of plastic recycling – kids will love the pouring action! Add some funnels and this would be great for the hot summer months ahead! If you need more inspiration, see our favorite water games here!

    growing a vegetable garden with kidsbackyard play space for gardening with kids

    Growing space

    Another great element of a kid-friendly backyard is a space where kids can experiment with growing their own flowers, fruits and/or vegetables. Give them some compost (or let them help with the composting process), a few pots, dirt and seeds and let them loose planting. Talk out your plan, but let them decide where to plant and position their pots.

    If your kids plant the seeds themselves, they’ll be much more likely to care for the plants. Give them a hose or a child-sized watering can and they’ll be prepped to love on their garden! If you’re feeling more adventurous you could add a vegetable or fruit garden. You can check out our post for ideas for the easiest and best kid-friendly vegetables!

    dinosaur-garden-1

    Small world space

    Kids love a space to have imaginary made up adventures with their toys. Tiny things fascinate kids, so a “small world” space it’s a great thing to add to an outdoor area. Depending on what your kids’ likes and interests are, there are countless ways to tailor a small world space just for them. There are some brilliant ideas in this Fairy Garden post and we have a great post on creating a dinosaur garden for kids.

    If your child is into cars, trucks or trains, you could create a small space with roads where they can play. Using simple masking tapes or washi tapes – you could create a whole town for them to play with their cars! If your kids are into tractors, create a space where they can dig and create with their toy diggers, which will help develop their imaginations. Or using water and sand you could create a small world beach area with toy fish and sharks. The possibilities are endless!

    chalk board in gardenbackyard creativity play space for kids

    Creative space

    Incorporating art into the outdoors makes so much sense. It’s less messy and much easier to clean up for a start! Spread out a sheet and let your kids go wild with paints. Put the paints in a spray bottle and let them squirt or turn mud into paint (just add food coloring to mud) and let them play! Set up an outdoor chalkboard or an easel for them to draw to their heart’s content. Another easy way to let kids get creative outdoors is to give them a cardboard box to paint on! If you have a fence, try using washable chalk or chalk paint and when they’re finished with their masterpiece, they can wash it away with a paintbrush or the hose. No fence, just use the chalk on the sidewalk or the driveway! It’s a classic and well-loved kid-friendly activity for a reason! 

    outdoor mud play area for kids

    Muddy space

    Kids love nothing more than getting muddy and playing with mud is a great textural sensory activity. If possible, give your kids a little patch in the yard to dig in. No dirt? Get some potting soil and fill up a kiddie pool with it! Add some simple shovels, pans and bowls with mud in to mix and stir. You can create a mud kitchen with pallets if you want a more permanent place for kids to be able to mix, create and make potions. Or there are plenty of mud kitchens available on the market. My kids love making concoctions and creations in their mud kitchen! Check out our mud kitchen post for tons of ideas of mud kitchen recipes and potions. Or this post has 7 awesome & fun ways to play in mud.

    mud painting for kids

    Amazing backyard play spaces for kids

    These are the basic elements for creating some super fun backyard play spaces for kids in your own yard that will encourage outdoor unstructured free play. Adding elements like these to your space will provide a safe and secure outdoor play and learning area for kids close to home and keep them entertained. Hopefully, this has given lots of creative play ideas for garden and backyard spaces to make them truly exciting for kids. Try adding a few of these and they’ll want to play outside all day long!

    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

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER

    Hidden Benefits of Outdoor Winter Play for Children

    As the old saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life!” And nothing provides quite a much variety throughout life as the changes of the seasons. When the seasons change, a whole host of new outdoor activities become available for families and for children. And winter is no exception. Today we have Ginny from 1000 Hours Outside, a homeschooling mom from Michigan (where it is a balmy 21 degrees outside, which may actually feel quite nice depending on where you live) sharing her perspective on the benefits of outdoor winter play. Instead of riding out the frigid temperatures and waiting for spring, we hope this post will encourage you to head outside for some beneficial outdoor winter play!

    Outdoor Winter Play is Worth Every Bit of Your Time - hidden benefits of playing outside in the winter for kids

    Benefits of Outdoor Winter Play

    Winter is worth it

    Depending on your location, there will be certain seasons that are more conducive to outside time than others. Winter is probably not too many parents’ favorite season for outdoor play. The gloves, the hats, the scarves, the snow pants, the layers, the whining! We know! We know! It probably takes longer for you to get everyone dressed in their layers than the time you actually spend in the open air. Am I right?

    Yes, you’ll have a pile of wet and melting gear afterward. And lots of muddy clothes to wash. But, instead of looking at seasons as good or bad we like to look at them as opportunities to try new things. Yes, winter brings its own set of challenges, but it also brings special magical outdoor activities you can’t do any other time. We promise you that getting outside in the winter months is worth your time and effort! Read on to learn just some of the benefits of outdoor winter play. We just might turn you into a fan of winter after all!

    benefits of outdoor winter play for kids

    Winter play enhances brain function

    Did you know that increasingly complex movements enhance brain function? We tend to think of movements becoming more intricate only through that first year of life. A baby begins by lifting the head and then pushing to all fours. Next, baby is crawling pulling up and finally walking, all within a relatively short span of time. But what then?

    After those initial milestones, the milestones continue though not as linearly. Think of the complexity of bike riding and swimming, pitching a baseball and climbing a tree. Children who are given ample time to play outside and try these activities will naturally progress to more difficult bodily movements, all while boosting brain function.

    In Smart Moves: (Why Learning is Not All in Your Head), Carla Hannaford, Ph.D. writes “Elderly people who dance regularly decrease their risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease by 76% and those that play a musical instrument decrease the risk by 69%.” These statistics portray the importance of sophisticated movements.

    So what, you say. What does all of this have to do with outdoor winter play? Well, I’m so glad you asked! Consider the movements associated with outdoor winter play beginning with the simple act of walking in snow or on ice (in thick/heavy boots and clothing, no less). Immediately, the brain is fired up! This is a new experience – and a complex one. Legs must go higher, balance is tested. Throw in some other activities such as sledding, skiing, ice-skating, snow-shoeing, rolling and even throwing snowballs and you’ve got yourself a season that is filled with opportunities for children to challenge themselves in complex physical ways that benefit their brains and bodies.

    Running Through the Snow - physical benefits of playing outside in the winter months

    Outdoor winter play enhances creativity

    Winter brings all new possibilities for creative play, imagination and construction. Forget sandcastes, build a frozen snow castle! Or snowmen, snow mountains, snow towers, snow forts, snow volcanoes, snow lanterns, snow sculptures, snow cakes, etc. You can paint the snow, eat the snow, and make angels in the snow. Snow and ice offer kids a never-ending supply of elements for creative little minds.

    There are endless ideas floating around about using simple things you probably already have on hand like food coloring and bowls to create ice ornaments. Or mix food coloring with water in a spray bottle and letting the kids have at it. Interestingly, there is also so much variation between the types of snow that falls. Is it wet snow? Will it pack? Is it dense or light and flaky? Is it good for sledding? Building snowman? And then how should we dress the snowman? You get the picture!

    It can be easy to think of a season where everything seems monochrome as drab, one without possibilities. But the elements of outdoor winter play are so open-ended that we have at our finger-tips a literal blank canvas of endless opportunity! Creative opportunities abound during this marvelous season!

    Snow and ice offer creative outlets for kids - benefits of outdoor winter playCreative Play in Snow and Ice Makes for Stronger Healthier Smarter Kids

    Winter play enhances physical health and development

    Fresh air does a body good, but so does movement. A good romp in the snow will get the lymphatic system moving, helping our bodies clear out unwanted toxins. Additionally, these outdoor winter play movements involve muscles that may not get as much use in other seasons. The simple act of pulling a sled up a hill gives the legs a magnificent workout. In what other season would we go up and down hills over and over? This trudging through deep snow time and again does so much for a child’s physical development.

    Winter is also a time for advancing core strength. All of the balance work, keeping the body upright while sledding down a hill or slip-sliding across a frozen pond, engages the core. Shoveling helps in the exact same way and is considered “heavy work; that is, any type of activity that pushes or pulls against the body. Heavy work is crucial for developing body awareness.

    And while this is great for your child’s physical health, there’s another perk of outdoor winter play you may not be aware of! All of this intense physical activity will inadvertently help your child in academia! Students who have a strong core don’t have to expend energy or constantly think about sitting at a desk. It is a well-known phenomenon that this is something many young people struggle with these days, to the point of even falling out of the chairs at school. There’s such a cross-over between all of these benefits!

    Hidden benefits of outdoor winter play for kidsWinter play strengthens relational bonds

    Outdoor winter play engages all the senses. This is one of the reasons time in nature is often so memorable. Some of my favorite childhood memories are shoveling snow with my dad in the early mornings when it seemed that all the world was fast asleep. I remember the dark, the biting cold, and the rhythmic sounds of the shovel against the cement. I can still recall the huge piles of snow that would accumulate along the edges of the driveway, the bit of observation needs to shovel in the right direction so the wind wouldn’t bring it all right back, I remember that indescribable feeling when you’re all finished and you head inside to warm up.

    Isn’t this one the simplest things in life? Shoveling with my dad. Just me and him. It doesn’t seem like the kind of exciting memory that a child would value above so many other super fun and exciting activities, but it mattered. It stuck.  Think about it…how many of your fondest childhood memories and moments happened outside? The connections and memories you make outdoors seem to stick with you much longer than others. The magic of childhood can be found in the most ordinary places, most of which are outside! 

    physical benefits to kids of outdoor winter playHave we convinced you to get outside this winter?
    What are some of your outdoor memories from childhood?

    About the Author

    Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan and is also a children’s book author and illustrator. Her book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia was published in February 2019.

    You can find more from Ginny in the following locations:
    Website: http://www.1000HoursOutside.com
    Instagram: @1000hoursoutside
    Facebook: @1000hoursoutside
    RWMC posts: Ginny Yurich