9 Awesome Things to Do Outside With Kids (That They’ll Actually Love)
In a world filled with screens, schedules, and school assignments, there’s something incredibly refreshing about ditching it all and heading outside with your kids. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor family or just looking for some weekend inspiration, there are endless ways to connect with nature and each other.
Here are 9 fun, memory-making outdoor activities that kids of all ages will love—and spoiler alert: we’ve saved the best one for last.
1. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Perfect for all ages | Free | Easily customizable
A nature scavenger hunt is one of the simplest, most flexible activities for kids—and it turns even a short walk into an adventure. It’s free, and can happen almost anywhere.
How to do it:
- Create a list of items for your kids to find—think leaves of different shapes, a smooth rock, a pinecone, something red, animal tracks, or something fuzzy.
- Hand kids a clipboard, pencil, and maybe a magnifying glass or binoculars.
- Head to a park, trail, or even your own neighborhood.
- Give bonus points for creativity: “Find something that smells interesting” or “spot an insect that flies.”
If you have older kids, turn it into a times team competition or a photo scavenger hunt where they have to snap pictures of their finds.
Why kids love it:
It taps into their curiosity and sense of discovery. You’re not just “going for a walk”—you’re hunting for treasure.
Tip: Click here for a printable nature scavenger hunt PDF
2. Pitch a Tent in Your Backyard
Low-stress camping intro | Great for young kids | Overnight fun
You don’t have to drive hours into the wilderness to give your kids a camping experience. Backyard camping offers all the magic of sleeping outside—without the long car ride, packing chaos, or public bathroom struggles.
Here’s what to do:
- Set up a real tent (or make one from blankets and furniture if you’re short on gear)
- Let kids bring their sleeping bags, flashlights, and favorite stuffed animals.
- Make s’mores over a portable firepit or in the oven.
- Tell stories under the stars, play flashlight tag, or do some glow-in-the-dark crafts.
Want to make it even more special? Add a little scavenger hunt beforehand, or host a backyard movie night on a sheet with a projector.
Why it works:
It gives kids the thrill of being “away from home” with the safety of knowing the bathroom is only a few steps away. It’s a perfect trial run for families new to camping or with very young children.
Pro Tip:
Let the kids help set up the tent and choose the bedtime snacks. Ownership makes the experience more memorable.
Bonus Tip: Click here for a First-Time Camping Checklist
3. Try Geocaching (Treasure Hunting for the Digital Age)
Fun for tweens and teens | Free | Great for exploring your town
Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunt using GPS. There are millions of geocashes hidden around the world—you’d be surprised how many are in your neighborhood!
How to start:
- Download a geocaching app and create a free account.
- Open the map to find caches near you.
- Follow the GPS to the location, and search for the hidden container.
- Sign the logbook, maybe trade a small trinket, and log your find online.
Caches range from tiny magnetic capsules hidden on street signs to lunchbox-sized containers in the woods.
Why kids love it:
- It feels like real-world gaming (and you can log “achievements” in the app).
- It gives walks and hikes a clear purpose.
- You get to hide caches too, which flips the experience from hunter to game-maker.
Pro Tip:
Bring a small backpack with tradeable items (stickers, erasers, toys), a pen for logging, and a phone charger. Some caches can be trickier than expected!
Bonus Tip: Click here for a guide for How to Start Geocaching With Kids.
4. Hike a Family-Friendly Trail
Active & educational | Accessible almost anywhere | Builds confidence
Hiking is one of the most versatile outdoor activities out there. Whether you’re in the mountains, near the beach, or in the suburbs, there’s likely a trail nearby just waiting to be explored. Best of all, hiking is an open-ended adventure—no two trips feel the same, and kids get to lead the way.
How to make it fun for kids:
- Choose short trails with interesting features: waterfalls, lakes, bridges, rock formations, or even caves.
- Let kids carry their own mini backpacks with snacks, a water bottle, and a field journal or camera.
- Create challenges: “Who can spot the most kinds of birds?” or “Let’s find three different leaf shapes.”
- Take breaks to explore, build fairy houses with sticks and leaves, or just throw rocks in the stream (it’s always a hit).
What it teaches:
Hiking promotes endurance, observation, and independence. It also offers natural entry points into conversations about ecology, wildlife, geology, and outdoor ethics (like Leave No Trace).
Pro Tip: Start with easy loops or out-and-back trails under 2 miles. Use AllTrails or Gaia GPS app to find family-friendly routes near you. Look for trails tagged as “easy” with positive reviews from other families.
Bonus Tip: Click here for the best Kid-Friendly Hikes in California.
5. Have an Outdoor Art Day
Creative & calming | Good for all ages | Encourages mindfulness
Art and nature go hand in hand—especially for kids.
Simple outdoor art ideas:
- Sketching & Watercolors: Set up easels or bring out sketch pads, let kids draw what they see: trees, birds, insects, or even clouds.
- Nature Rubbings: Place paper over leaves, bark or rocks and rub with crayons to capture textures.
- Mud Painting or Leaf Stamping: Get messy with natural paintbrushes made from pine needles, sticks, or grass.
Why it’s great:
Outdoor art fosters creativity, mindfulness, and fine motor skills. It’s also low-pressure and non-competitive, making it great for sensitive or younger kids.
Bonus Tip: Click here for a Nature-Inspired Art Projects for Kids
6. Plan a Picnic Adventure
Easy to plan | Encourages independence | Great entry-level outing
Picnics turn a simple meal into an event. You don’t need to travel far—even a neighborhood green space or lakeside spot will do the trick.
How to level up a simple picnic:
- Let the kids help plan the menu and pack the food.
- Bring a few simple extras: a frisbee, soccer ball, bubbles, or a kite.
- Combine it with a short hike, nature scavenger hunt, or outdoor story time.
Why it matters:
Picnics promote ownership and participation, especially when kids get to choose the food and plan the outing. It’s a good way to slow down and appreciate the outdoors together—without screens and distractions.
7. Try Stargazing (Without a Telescope)
Magical & relaxing | Great wind-down activity | Builds curiosity
You don’t need fancy equipment to enjoy the night sky. This easy, screen-free activity is both educational and magical.
Tips for a stargazing night:
- Choose a clear evening with little to no moonlight.
- Find a dark sky area away from city lights
- Lie on a blanket, and look up
- Use stargazing apps like SkyView can help you identify stars, planets, and constellations.
Pro Tip: In summer and early fall, you might even catch a meteor shower!
Bonus Tip: Click here for a guide to Stargazing With Kids: How to Inspire Young Astronomers
8. Start a Garden Together
Hands-on learning | Nurtures responsibility | Can be done in any space
You don’t need acres of land or a green thumb to start gardening with your kids. Whether it’s a few pots on the porch or raised beds in the backyard, gardening gives children the opportunity to nurture something living and watch it grow.
Why gardening is perfect for kids:
- It builds patience and responsibility as they care for their plants.
- Kids are more likely to eat veggies they’ve grown themselves (yes, even kate).
- It offers a chance to talk about pollinators, composting, and sustainability.
Easy ways to start:
- Let kids choose a few veggies or flowers to plant
- Begin with fast-growing seeds like radishes, beans, or sunflowers—they give kids quick gratification.
- Assign them tasks like watering, weeding, or harvesting.
Make it fun:
Create a garden journal where kids draw what they planted and track growth over time. Add decorative plant labels made from popsicle sticks, or paint old flowerpots together on a craft day.
Pro Tip:
Use clear, shallow containers to let kids watch roots grow. You can also plant a “pizza garden” with tomatoes, basil and peppers!
Bonus Tip: Click here for a guide to How to Start a Kids’ Garden
9. Go on a Multi-Day Rafting Trip (Yes, Even With Kids!)
Unplugged bonding | Builds confidence | Pure family magic
If you want to give your kids an experience they’ll talk about for years, consider a mult-day family rafting trip. It’s like summer camp, national park adventure, and unplugged vacation all rolled into one.
These trips offer the perfect mix of adrenaline and chill. You’ll paddle through breathtaking canyons, camp on remote river beaches, and spend your days completely immersed in nature.
Wondering if you can go whitewater rafting if you don’t know how to swim? The answer is, yes! Learn more about how to stay safe on the river.
Why rafting trips are great for kids:
- They build confidence through teamwork.
- There’s a natural balance between activity and downtime.
- Kids get the rare chance to go completely screen-free and actually love it.
- They learn about ecosystems, wildlife, geology, and history—without it feeling like school.
Now, let’s talk about where to go. Here are three river trips that are perfect for families:
South Fork American River (California)
Just a few hours from the Bay Area and Sacramento, the South Fork of the American River is one of the most popular family rafting destinations in California—and for good reason. With its warm water, splashy Class II-III rapids, and proximity to Gold Rush history, it’s both fun and educational.
- Length: 1/2 day, 1 day and 2 day trips
- Best for: Ages 7+, first-timers and local families
- Why it rocks: Action-packed rapids that aren’t too scary, plus riverside camping and historical side stops near Coloma (the birthplace of the Gold Rush).
Pro tip: Hire a professional guide like Tributary Whitewater for the best possible experience.
Lower Klamath River (Northern California)
The Lower Klamath River is a fantastic choice for first-time rafters. With gentle Class II-III rapids, warm summer temperatures, and stunning canyon views, it’s perfect for families with younger kids.
- Length: 3 days, 2 nights
- Best for: Ages 4+, beginner paddlers
- Why it rocks: Calm water sections make for great swim breaks, cliff jumping spots, and riverside games.
Pro tip: Hire a professional guide like Tributary Whitewater for the best possible experience.
Rogue River (Southern Oregon)
The Rogue River is a classic family rafting destination with a mix of splashy rapids, calm pools, and lush forests. It’s one of the few rivers in the U.S. with a designated Wild & Scenic section, meaning it’s protected and absolutely gorgeous.
- Length: 4 days, 3 nights
- Best for: Ages 7+, families who want moderate thrills
- Why it rocks: Tons of wildlife (think river otters and bald eagles) and amazing camp setups.
Pro tip: Hire a professional guide like Tributary Whitewater for the best possible experience.
Snake River (Hells Canyon, Idaho/Oregon)
Looking for a bit more adventure? The Snake River through Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America—and it’s an epic place for a family trip.
- Length: 4 days, 3 nights
- Best for: Ages 7+, more adventurous families
- Why it rocks: Big sandy beaches, ancient petroglyphs, exciting rapids and world-class fishing.
Pro tip: Hire a professional guide like Tributary Whitewater for the best possible experience.
Why Rafting Trips Make the Ultimate Outdoor Family Experience
- Active, immersive, and screen-free
- Combine adventure with camping (or glamping)
- Tons of opportunities to learn about nature, history, and wildlife
- Bond over s’mores, not screens
Whether you’re paddling the South Fork American on a weekend or exploring the wild canyons of the Snake River, rafting creates lifelong memories and serious bragging rights for your kids.
Wrapping It All Up
Outdoor time is more than just fun—it’s essential for kids’ growth, mental health, and imagination. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee at the park or drifting through canyon walls on a raft, these adventures help build stronger bonds and better memories.
So grab your gear, unplug for a while, and make this the summer your family discovers just how good the outdoors can be.
