Spending time outdoors as a family is a great way to bond, have fun, and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for something adventurous or more laid-back, there are plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities to choose from.
Here are 10 fun ways to spend the day outside:
1. Go for a hike
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with your family. Choose a trail that is appropriate for your family's skill level and pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. You can hike with children of any age! Hiking with toddlers is a wonderfully enriching activity for them (and you). This is a great activity for older kids and teens—not to mention the ideal family bonding time,
2. Have a picnic
If the weather is starting to warm up by you, it's finally time to eat al fresco. Pack a basket full of sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks and head to a local park or nature reserve for a family picnic. Bring along some games or activities to keep everyone entertained after the meal. If it's not too warm by you, be sure to pack some jackets or blankets.
3. Visit a zoo or animal sanctuary
Many zoos and animal sanctuaries have outdoor exhibits that allow visitors to see animals up close in their natural habitats. This can be a great way to teach children about the importance of conservation and the natural world.
4. Go on a Hanami
Hanami is a Japanese tradition and means ‘flower viewing.’ Heading out on a Hanami is an opportunity specifically to take in the beauty of flowers. Reserve a spring day each week to Hanami. Choose an arboretum, local park, or a walk around the neighborhood. But this time, don’t walk past the flowers but be intentional about absorbing the beauty of spring blossoms.
5. Plant a garden
Spring is for gardening! And planting a garden together can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Choose some vegetables or herbs that you can use in your cooking and watch them grow over the course of the season.
6. Set up a scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is fun in each and every season. It is an ideal way to help your child discover nature while having a blast. Set up a scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park for your kids to complete. You can create a list of items for them to find or leave clues that will lead them to a hidden treasure.
7. Camp out
It may be too chilly depending on where you live but camping is a great way to disconnect from technology and spend some quality time with your family. Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows over a fire, and tell stories under the stars.
8. Take a bike ride
Go for a leisurely bike ride together and explore your local community. Make sure everyone wears helmets and follows the rules of the road.
9. Go kayaking or canoeing
Rent a kayak or canoe and take a scenic trip down a nearby river or lake. This can be a great way to see wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature.
10. Make nature art
Whether you invest some time finding the "perfect" nature arts and craft project on Pinterest or Instagram. Or you'd rather head out and see what inspires most with ephemeral art like mandalas. Nature is the ideal muse. Nature poetry, nature drawing, nature photography, or even nature journaling are all wonderful ways to spend some high-quality family time outdoors.
Truthfully, we could go on and on listing fun and family-friendly outdoor activities. Because, really, any time spent outdoors in nature as a family is time well-spent. Whether you choose to go for a hike, have a picnic, or play outdoor games, the most important thing is to spend quality time together and enjoy the beauty of nature.
