Discovery Building Sets contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon or other links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

43+ Outside Activities For Fun On The Go Exploration

By /

Let’s get the kids outside to play!

Getting kids outside is a simple way to support their growth and development. Running, jumping, climbing, and playing in nature strengthen their muscles and motor skills while giving them space to be curious and creative. 

Outdoor play isn’t just great for movement—it also encourages problem-solving and social skills, whether stacking rocks, chasing bubbles, or playing a game with friends. Simple activities in the backyard, at the park, or on a nature walk give kids plenty of ways to play, grow, and learn!

We know finding time for outdoor activities can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together plenty of easy activities to keep your little ones engaged. 

Let’s get started—there’s always something waiting to be discovered!

outside activities-blocks for on the go exploration-mother and daughter enjoying the outdoors with some wooden nesting blocks
For some fun outside activities, just head to the backyard or park!

Outdoor Discovery & Nature Exploration

Kids are natural explorers, and the outdoors is full of things to see, hear, and touch. These simple activities encourage curiosity, spark imagination, and help kids foster a love of nature.

1. Backyard Bingo

It’s a simple game for all ages. Make bingo cards with pictures of everyday outdoor items—like leaves, birds, or rocks. As your child spots each item, they mark it off. Five in a row means bingo!

2. Cloud Watching

Spread out a blanket and look up at the sky. Ask your child what shapes, animals, or objects they see in the clouds. Watch how the clouds shift and change, and talk about what might happen.

3. Dandelion Wishes

Find dandelions that have gone to seed. Show your child how to blow the seeds into the air while making a wish. Watch together as the seeds float away and talk about where they might land.

a girl blowing a dandelion in a park making a wish

4. Go On a Bug Hunt

Suggest that your child lead the family on a bug expedition. Encourage them to find as many different bugs as possible and then tell you what they know about each one.

5. Listening to Nature Sounds

Sit quietly outside with your child and listen to the sounds around you. Do birds they hear birds chirping, leaves rustling, or maybe even a distant dog barking? Try closing your eyes to focus even more on the different sounds.

6. Miniature World Discovery

Mark off a small area (2 feet x 2 feet) for exploration. Then, watch your child as they dig up and examine their discoveries.

7. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Work with your kids to create a scavenger hunt list of things to collect in nature. You can build lists around different categories, such as color (things blue in nature), texture (soft things in nature), or shape (square things in nature).

Next, head out on a walk to see how many items your child can find. Be sure to bring along something to collect all their riches! When you are finished collecting, consider these wooden blocks for kids to showcase their treasures and add beauty to your block play area.

Grab Our Fall Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable

mother, son and daughter out on a nature walk. They are bent down exploring something in the grass

8. Nature Tic-Tac-Toe

Collect multiple of the same items from nature, such as rocks, leaves, pinecones, pods, shells, or feathers. Use sticks to create a tic-tac-toe board. Then, play a game with your child.

9. Nature Trivia

Create a set of age-appropriate nature trivia questions. One set of nature trivia for kids and one set of nature trivia questions for adults. Place each inquiry along a trail in your neighborhood, park, or backyard.

Provide an answer sheet for each participant or group. Depending on the children’s ages, you can do this individually, in pairs, or as a family.

10. Nature Walks

Go on a walk with your child and look for things in nature to collect. Consider taking a nature book (from home or the library) to help identify items found along the way. If you have a set of compact wooden nesting blocks with magnification, bring them along.

Pro tip: Save all their treasures to make a nature tray or the outside arts & crafts below.

11. Outdoor Activity Cards

These are ideal for solving the dreaded “I’m Bored!” Create individual cards with fun, simple outdoor activities your child can complete when they can’t think of anything to do – for example:

  • Read a book in a hammock.
  • Play a board game under a tree.
  • Catch raindrops on your tongue.
  • Jump in the puddles.
  • Make a maze with sticks or rocks.
  • Play hopscotch.
  • Fly a kite.
  • Blow bubbles.
a young girl sitting in a large arm chair outside reading a book with a zebra looking over her shoulder

12. Sensory Walk

Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on different surfaces, such as grass, dirt, sand, or smooth stones. Encourage your child to describe how each one feels—soft, rough, cool, or warm. This helps build body awareness and strengthens the child’s sense of touch.

13. Stargazing Adventure

Head outside on a clear night to gaze at the stars and create memories. See if your child can spot bright stars or patterns in the sky. Use a star chart or an app to find constellations together.

Creative & Outdoor Art Activities

Taking art outside gives children more space to create and explore with different materials. Many indoor craft activities can also be easily adapted into outdoor art activities. 

The following activities use nature as inspiration and encourage hands-on fun with colors, textures, and movement.

a giant chalk face with small sticks for a nose and mouth. small leaves for the eys and eylashes. you see the hands and feet of a child creating the art

14. Build a Fairy House

Gather sticks, leaves, and rocks to build a tiny house for bugs, fairies, or imaginary friends. Encourage your child to design walls, a roof, or even tiny furniture using natural materials.

15. Create A Nature Collage

Have the kids collect things on their nature walk and then glue them to a piece of paper, creating a one-of-a-kind collage.

16. Giant Outdoor Art

Secure a large sheet of paper to a fence or lay it on the ground. Have your child create with paint, markers, or nature brushes, such as leaves and pinecones. This gives kids plenty of space to explore colors and textures while making their own big masterpieces.

17. Ice Cube Painting

Freeze colored ice cubes with popsicle sticks as handles. Once frozen, let kids slide the ice cubes across paper or pavement to “paint,” watching the colors blend as the ice melts. This is a simple, hands-on way to explore art, color mixing, and some science!

18. Leaf Rubbings

An alternative to painting the leaves is to use them to complete leaf rubbings. Simply lay the leaf between two pieces of paper and run a crayon or colored pencil over the top paper. The leaf details will magically appear!

19. Make Nature Bracelets

Wrap a strip of masking tape (sticky side out) around your child’s wrist. Head outside to collect small leaves, petals, and grass to stick onto the bracelet. It’s a simple way to explore textures and colors while creating a wearable piece of nature art.

20. Paint A Hiking Stick

What kid doesn’t love having their own hiking stick to take on their outdoor expedition? Help them find the perfect stick to create a one-of-a-kind with paint.

21. Paint Leaves

Collect large leaves and decorate them with paint, glitter, beads, feathers, and more!

22. Paint Rocks

Gather relatively flat rocks with a smooth surface and paint them! For children who know how to print their names, have them write a letter on each rock and then use the stones to spell out their names in the garden.

fine motor painting activities-young girl painting rocks with a brush wearing a paint smock

23. Painting with Nature

This technique uses natural materials, such as pinecones, grass, flowers, leaves, or twigs, to create a unique art piece. Simply dip them in paint, then brush, roll, or splatter to create a design.

24. Sidewalk Chalk Ideas

Keeping a bucket of sidewalk chalk on hand means you always have plenty of chalk activities to keep the kids busy. Chalk art ideas might include creating murals, patterns, paintings, or designs on the sidewalk, driveway, or fence.

Sidewalk chalk games are a fantastic way to spend an afternoon outside. Think sidewalk chalk hopscotch. How about drawing a maze or obstacle course on your driveway? Whichever you choose will require only chalk and a little effort to create.

You can make them as simple or challenging as needed to suit your child’s skills. Plus, they will love moving through it over and over.

three young girls creating sidewalk chalk self portraits

25. Spray Bottle Art

Fill spray bottles with diluted paint and let your child spray paint onto a large sheet of paper. You can tape the paper to the fence, an outside wall, or the ground. This activity strengthens small hands and fingers while letting children explore colors.

Mud & Water Play

Scooping, mixing, and splashing are what make water play so much fun. These activities let little ones explore different textures, build fine motor skills, and enjoy messy, hands-on learning. 

Playing outside might mean the kids get dirty, but a little dirt never hurts, so encourage them to dig a hole, make mud pies, or find worms and bugs. 

a young child jumping in puddles wearing red rubber boots, jeans and a blue jacket

Pro tip: To make clean-up fun, let them run through the sprinklers!

26. Float or Sink Items

Gather leaves, sticks, pinecones, and small rocks, then drop them into a tub of water to see which ones float or sink. Encourage your child to make guesses before testing each item—it’s a simple way to explore science through play!

27. Jump in Puddles

Let your kids stomp, splash, and jump in puddles after a rainy day (or with some help from the hose). This activity builds coordination and balance while allowing kids to explore cause and effect in a fun, hands-on way.

28. Mud Kitchen Fun

Set up a play kitchen outside with bowls, spoons, and dirt to mix up “mud pies” and other creations.

  • Mud pies: Mix pretend pies using a bucket, dirt, and water. Decorate with leaves, sticks, or flowers.
  • Nature Soup: Collect leaves, flowers, and small twigs in a bucket of water and stir up some pretend “soup.” As a child, this was one of my favorite outside activities.
an outdoor mud kitchen with a young child off to the side wearing bright yellow pants and a blue and green jacket

29. Plant a Vegetable Garden

Consider planting easy-to-grow vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, radishes, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes with your kids. You might also try strawberries!

Pro tip: Check what works best for your growing zone, and then plant away.

30. Scoop and Pour Water Play

Set up a water bin with cups, bowls, strainers, basters, and spoons. Then, let your child scoop, pour, and transfer water between containers. This simple activity strengthens fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination and keeps kids engaged for hours.

31. Water Balloon Games

Fill up water balloons and try different games, such as tossing them back and forth, aiming for a target, or stomping to make them pop. Cooling off while practicing coordination and teamwork.

kids reaching into a bucket of filled water balloon getting ready for water balloon games

32. Water Paint the Fence, Sidewalk, or Driveway

So easy! All you need is a bucket of water and a paintbrush. Then, let them “paint” the fence, driveway, or sidewalk. They’ll love watching their marks disappear as the water dries, and it’s a mess-free way to practice brush strokes and creativity.

Movement & Gross Motor Activities

Running, jumping, and balancing help children build strength and coordination. These activities encourage movement and allow children to practice big-body skills outside.

For more outdoor activity ideas, try these gross motor activities. Remember, outdoor play is beneficial to adults, too! So join the fun.

young girl with pigtails, wearing a turquoise shirt and plaid shorts laying across the red monkey bars

33. Balance Beam (or Log) Walk

Lay down a wooden beam or a sturdy log and invite your child to walk across without falling off. This simple challenge strengthens coordination, concentration, and core strength.

34. Balloon Games

Blow up a balloon and try different games, such as keeping it in the air, hitting it back and forth with hands or fly swatters, or setting up a simple tennis match. Balloon play is excellent for hand-eye coordination and safe for all ages. Try more balloon games here.

35. Blow Bubbles

Bubbles are a childhood classic. Every year, we included them in the kids’ Easter baskets when they were growing up. Children can dip a bubble wand and watch the bubbles float away.

They can also try catching them, popping them with different body parts, or seeing how far they can travel—this is a simple way to enjoy outdoor play.

young girl outside blowing bubbles

36. Build an Obstacle Course

Set up a course with giant blocks, chairs, pillows, or other outdoor objects. Kids can climb over, crawl under, and jump between stations, encouraging problem-solving, balance, and full-body movement.

37. Classic Outdoor Games

Encourage kids to get physical and play the classics like Duck, Duck, Goose, Freeze Tag, or Mother May I. These simple, high-energy games help toddlers practice listening, following directions, and playing with others.

  • Follow the Leader: Take turns leading and have everyone copy their movements, such as hopping, skipping, stomping, or waving their arms. This is a fun way to build coordination while encouraging kids to be creative.
  • Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch grid with chalk or use flat stones to create one outside. Teach your child to toss a rock and jump through the spaces on one foot, building balance, and number recognition.
  • Red Light, Green Light: One person calls out “Green Light” to signal everyone to move forward and “Red Light” to make them stop. This ideal game makes practicing listening skills, self-control, and quick movements fun.
  • Shadow Tag: Like tag, players try to step on each other’s shadows instead of touching them. It is a great way to keep kids active while making them more aware of their surroundings.
  • Simon Says: Try adapting this classic game with nature-themed movements, such as “hop like a bunny,” “flap like a bird,” or “wiggle like a worm.” It builds listening skills and gets kids moving in playful ways.
classic outdoor games for kids - hopscotch with two young kids feet on teh board.

38. Fly a Kite

Pick a breezy day and take a kite to an open space. Let your child run while holding the kite string, and watch it lift into the sky. This is a fun way to explore the wind.

39. Hula Hoop Fun

Try spinning the hoop around the waist, rolling it on the ground, or jumping in and out. Hula hoops are a great way to get kids moving and build coordination.

40. Make a Maze

Use sticks, rocks, or chalk to create a simple maze on the ground. Let your child walk, run, or crawl through it, figuring out the best way to reach the end.

41. Pinecone Toss

Set up buckets or chalk-drawn circles as targets, and have kids toss pinecones to see if they can land inside. This fun game will help kids practice aim and coordination using natural materials.

Pro tip: If pinecones aren’t available, use small balls, rolled-up socks, water balloons, or other round items.

42. Roll Down a Hill

Here is one to enjoy the outdoors without any preparation, or supplies. Find a safe, grassy hill and let your child roll down. Let them feel the motion and laughter that comes with it.

Pro tip: If you have older kids, let them try a piece of cardboard to slide down the hill for a thrill ride.

family enjoying the outdoors rolling down a grassy hill

43. Stack Rocks

For a variation on block play, use rocks instead of wooden blocks. Collect different-sized rocks and see how many or how high your child can stack them before they fall over. This hands-on activity builds patience, fine motor skills, and an understanding of balance.

While this list of outdoor activities is just a sampling of all the fun things to do outside, we are sure you will find plenty to do.

For even more activities, check these outdoor activities for fall.

Outdoor Activity Ideas

While there are many things to do outside at home, sometimes it is nice to experience new fun outdoor activities for children. Consider exploring your local zoos, gardens, farms, parks, and hiking trails.

Google “outside activities for kids near me,” “things to do outside in your neighborhood,” “free outdoor activities for kids,” or “nature activities for kids” to discover ideas from the visitor’s bureau, chamber of commerce, nature center, or local parks and recreation sites.

Outdoor Fun

Being outside sparks your child’s curiosity as they climb trees, pick flowers, toss rocks, splash in streams, and look for animals. 

Part of the fun is using cool tools for exploring. Things like:

Our magnification blocks:

  • Are perfect for examining natural, tactile, and other detailed materials found in nature.
  • Encourage exploration of the small wonders of nature. With their unbreakable acrylic inset windows, your child can investigate their surroundings.
  • Unlike traditional magnifying glasses, this wooden block set is safe and sturdy for all your preschooler’s fun outdoor activities.

These wooden blocks for kids will help you introduce your preschooler to science, inspire them to examine nature close up, and allow them to display their special nature trinkets.

wooden square blocks-magnification blocks-wooden nesting blocks-young girl using the blocks to examine something found in nature
Wooden Square Blocks – Magnification Blocks

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

Outdoor play isn’t just about having fun—it’s essential for healthy development. Fresh air, movement, and unstructured play support physical, mental, and social growth.

You don’t need to plan every moment or entertain them nonstop. Just get outside and let their imaginations run wild. Climbing, digging, building, and pretend play all come naturally when kids have the space to move and explore.

With so many ways to play, your kids will fall in love with nature in no time! Plus, daily outdoor play naturally reduces screen time—it’s a win-win. 

Running, jumping, and hands-on activities keep kids engaged while strengthening motor skills, coordination, and balance.

Bring the fun outside with constructive play! Whether stacking wooden building blocks or creating obstacle courses, open-ended play is just as exciting outdoors.

Remember when your parents sent you outside to play? They were right! The benefits of outdoor play last a lifetime—so let’s keep the tradition going.

Children Who Spend Time Outdoors In Nature Are More Likely To:

After all your exploring, be sure to save those things your child found outside. The materials collected can be used in nature crafts, including this nature tray.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s embark on outdoor discovery, laughter, and endless memories. Adventure awaits, my friend!

Grab this wooden block set or these wooden blocks for kids, and head outdoors with your kids today!

It Is Time To Get Outside And Play. Let’s Go!

Enter your info to receive play inspiration, fun activities for kids outdoors, and special offers directly in your inbox. We will also send you your FREE Outdoor Activities Printable!