Are you struggling to find fun and exciting outdoor activities for your family or friends this summer? With school out and the sun shining, it’s the perfect time to get outside and make some memories.
Did you know that spending time outdoors can improve your physical health, boost your mood, and strengthen family bonds? In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 45 summer outdoor activities that will keep your family entertained all season long.
From thrilling adventures to relaxing pursuits, there’s something for everyone on this list!
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Outdoor Activities for Families
Spending time outdoors as a family is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. From exploring sculpture gardens to enjoying thrilling rides at amusement parks, there are plenty of fun activities that everyone can enjoy together.
Street fair or festival
Visiting a street fair or festival is an exciting outdoor activity for the whole family during the summer months. These colorful events feature a variety of entertaining attractions, such as live music performances, delicious food vendors, and engaging art exhibits that captivate children and adults alike.
Many festivals also include thrilling carnival rides, interactive games, and lively parades that create a festive atmosphere filled with joy and laughter.
Street fairs and festivals provide a fantastic opportunity for families to spend quality time together while exploring the vibrant culture and unique traditions of their local community.
Sculpture garden
A sculpture garden is a beautiful outdoor space filled with art that sparks children’s imaginations. These gardens feature sculptures made from various materials like metal, stone, and wood.
Kids can explore the garden, admiring the unique shapes and designs of each piece.
Visiting a sculpture garden is an excellent way for families to spend time together in nature while experiencing art. Many sculpture gardens offer interactive exhibits that encourage children to touch and interact with the sculptures.
Amusement park
Amusement parks offer a thrilling escape for families seeking a fun outdoor activity during the summer. These entertainment venues feature a variety of rides, from gentle carousels and bumper cars for young children to speedy roller coasters and spinning teacups that appeal to older kids and adults.
Many parks also have water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads to help visitors cool off on hot days.
In addition to the rides, amusement parks typically have midway games where children can win prizes, as well as live shows and costumed characters that add to the festive atmosphere.
Tourist activities
Tourist activities can be a fun and educational way to spend time with your kids during the summer. Many cities offer guided tours that showcase local history, architecture, and culture.
These excursions often include stops at famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest. Your children can learn about the area while spending quality time together as a family.
Popular tourist attractions like zoos, aquariums, and science centers also provide engaging experiences for kids of all ages. Visiting these places lets your children see exotic animals up close, explore hands-on exhibits, and discover new scientific concepts.
Wine tasting
Wine tasting is an excellent outdoor summer activity for parents to enjoy while their children play nearby. Many wineries offer beautiful outdoor spaces with stunning views, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Sipping on a crisp white or a bold red while taking in the scenery can be a delightful way to spend time together as a couple.
Some wineries even provide picnic areas or lawn games, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids while savoring the flavors of the vineyard’s finest creations. With a little planning and a designated driver, wine tasting can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for parents seeking a brief respite from the daily grind of child-rearing.
Biking
Biking is a fun summertime activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Pedaling through scenic trails or around the neighborhood park provides a great opportunity for exercise and fresh air.
You can make it a fun game by challenging your kids to spot different types of birds, flowers, or trees along the route.
Before heading out, ensure everyone has a properly fitted helmet and bike. Pack some snacks and water to keep energy levels up during longer rides. Look for bike paths with minimal traffic and plenty of interesting sights to keep the little ones engaged.
Great garden exploration
Great garden exploration is a fun outdoor summer activity for families. Visit a botanical garden or arboretum to discover the wonders of nature. These lush green spaces are filled with diverse plant species, from towering trees to delicate flowers.
Stroll along the winding paths, admire the vibrant colors, and inhale the sweet fragrances. Encourage your children to observe the various leaf shapes, textures, and patterns. Play games like spotting different types of insects or birds.
Many gardens offer interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs tailored for kids. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the serene surroundings. Exploring a garden is a delightful way to spend quality time together while nurturing a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the natural world.
Play
Playing outdoors offers countless benefits for children’s physical, mental, and social development. Engaging in active play helps kids build strong muscles, improve coordination, and maintain a healthy weight.
Outdoor play also encourages creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence as children explore their surroundings and invent new games. Whether it’s a game of tag, hide-and-seek, or simply running around the backyard, outdoor play provides an excellent opportunity for kids to interact with their peers, learn teamwork, and develop social skills.
Parents can facilitate outdoor play by providing a safe environment and age-appropriate equipment, such as balls, jump ropes, and outdoor toys. Joining in on the fun can also strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Outdoor Activities with Friends
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors with your friends. From surfing lessons to outdoor movie nights, there are plenty of fun activities to try together that will create lasting memories.
So grab your pals, pack your gear, and head outside this summer to enjoy some fresh air and fun in the sun!
Surf lessons
Surf lessons are an exciting outdoor activity for friends to try during the summer. Many beach towns offer group or private lessons for beginners. Experienced instructors provide boards and teach basic techniques like paddling, popping up, and riding waves.
Lessons typically last 1-2 hours and include beach safety tips. Wetsuits and rash guards protect against sun and surf. After mastering the basics, friends can practice together and enjoy the thrill of catching waves.
With proper training and practice, surfing provides a fun summer challenge for friends to enjoy the ocean together.
Outdoor movie
Watching an outdoor movie is a fun summer activity for the whole family. Many local parks and community centers host free outdoor movie nights. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to enjoy a film under the stars.
Check your city’s event calendar to find upcoming outdoor movie screenings near you.
An outdoor movie night at home is easy to set up with a projector and a large white sheet or portable screen. Choose a family-friendly film, pop some popcorn, and invite friends over for a backyard cinema experience.
Rooftop dining
Rooftop restaurants provide a delightful outdoor dining experience for families during the summer. Many eateries offer a special menu featuring fresh seasonal ingredients, refreshing beverages, and mouthwatering desserts.
The open-air ambiance, combined with stunning city views, creates a memorable occasion for parents and children to bond over a meal.
When choosing a rooftop restaurant, consider factors such as safety railings, shade umbrellas, and kid-friendly menu options. Some establishments even provide engaging activities like coloring books or board games to keep young diners entertained.
Dog park
Visiting a dog park is an excellent summer outdoor activity for families with furry friends. These fenced-in areas provide a safe space for dogs to run, play, and socialize off-leash.
Dog parks often feature amenities like water fountains, waste bags, and seating areas for pet owners to relax and chat while their pups burn off energy.
Before heading to the dog park, ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and has a reliable recall command. Bring water and a bowl for your pup to stay hydrated during playtime.
Botanical garden
A botanical garden is a great outdoor summer activity for families. It offers a chance to explore nature and learn about different plant species. Many botanical gardens have interactive exhibits and guided tours that make the experience both educational and entertaining for children.
Visiting a botanical garden can also be a fun way to spend quality time together as a family. Kids can enjoy running around the lush greenery, while parents can relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Some gardens even have picnic areas or cafes where you can enjoy a meal together surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Art-making
Art-making in the outdoors is a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Set up an outdoor art studio with easels, paints, brushes, and paper.
Encourage your children to draw inspiration from nature, such as flowers, trees, clouds, and animals. They can paint landscapes, create abstract art, or even make sculptures using natural materials like twigs, leaves, and rocks.
This engaging activity helps develop their artistic skills, imagination, and appreciation for the environment.
Outdoor art-making also provides an opportunity for family bonding and quality time together. You can organize a group art project where everyone contributes to a large mural or collage.
This collaborative effort fosters teamwork, communication, and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, you can turn art-making into a fun game by challenging your kids to create specific themes or use limited colors.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity that the entire family can enjoy together. It’s like hiking, but with special footwear that helps you walk on top of the snow. Snowshoes distribute your weight evenly, so you don’t sink into deep powder.
Many ski resorts and parks offer snowshoe rentals and guided tours suitable for beginners. Kids will love exploring snowy forests and fields while getting some exercise in the fresh air.
Just bundle up in warm, waterproof clothes and bring snacks and water for your adventure.
Architecture tour
Exploring the city’s architectural gems is an enriching summer activity for families. Many cities offer guided walking tours that showcase iconic buildings, historic landmarks, and unique design elements.
These tours provide an interactive way to learn about the history, culture, and artistic influences that shape a city’s skyline.
Architecture tours are not only educational but also visually captivating for children. Seeing towering skyscrapers, ornate facades, and innovative structures up close can spark their imagination and curiosity.
Flea market
Exploring flea markets is an exciting outdoor activity for families, especially during the summer months. These bustling marketplaces offer a treasure trove of unique finds, from vintage clothing and antique furniture to handmade crafts and collectibles.
Flea markets provide an opportunity for children to learn about bargaining, budgeting, and the value of money. They can also discover interesting items from different eras and cultures, sparking their curiosity and imagination.
Parents can turn a trip to the flea market into a fun scavenger hunt, challenging kids to find specific items or the best deals. This engaging game teaches them to be observant and resourceful while enjoying quality time together.
Street art
Street art offers a fun and creative outdoor activity for kids. Exploring vibrant murals, graffiti, and installations in your city can spark their imagination. Many street artists use spray paint, stencils, and wheat paste to create colorful works on walls and sidewalks.
Observing these urban canvases encourages children to appreciate art in public spaces.
Parents can take their kids on walking tours to discover street art in different neighborhoods. Snap photos of the bold imagery and discuss the artists’ messages. Street art introduces young minds to social commentary and self-expression beyond gallery walls.
Gardening
Gardening is a fun and educational outdoor activity for kids. It teaches them about plants, responsibility, and patience. Give your child their own small plot or container to care for.
Help them choose easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, herbs, or sunflowers. Show them how to prepare the soil, plant the seeds, water regularly, and pull weeds. Watching their plants sprout and grow will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Gardening also encourages healthy eating habits. Kids are more likely to try vegetables they’ve grown themselves. Let them help harvest the ripe produce and use it in meals. They’ll learn where food comes from and appreciate the work that goes into it.
Drive-in movie
Drive-in movie theaters offer a unique and nostalgic outdoor experience for families during the summer months. Pack up the car with cozy blankets, pillows, and favorite snacks, then head to a nearby drive-in to catch a family-friendly flick under the stars.
Many drive-in cinemas feature playgrounds or open spaces where kids can run around and play before the movie begins, making it a fun-filled evening that combines entertainment and outdoor activity.
Outdoor Activities for Couples
Outdoor activities for couples can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Romantic adventures like doubles tennis, mini golf, or exploring a farmer’s market make for perfect summer dates.
Doubles tennis
Doubles tennis can be a fun and engaging outdoor activity for parents and kids. It promotes teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. Playing doubles allows family members to bond while getting exercise and fresh air.
Tennis clubs or public courts often have kid-sized racquets and low-compression balls. These help children learn proper technique and rally consistently. Consider signing up for family lessons or a junior program.
With practice, your crew will develop the racquet skills and court awareness needed to enjoy this classic summer sport together.
Car wash
Washing your car together can be a fun bonding activity for couples during the summer. Gather supplies like sponges, buckets, and car-safe soap. Spray each other playfully with the hose as you suds up the vehicle.
Work together to scrub the exterior and clean the windows until they sparkle. Finish by drying the car with soft towels to prevent water spots. Your ride will look shiny and new, thanks to your teamwork.
For extra excitement, turn the task into a friendly competition. See who can clean their half of the car the fastest or most thoroughly. The winner earns a prize, like choosing the music on your next drive.
Farmer’s market
A visit to a farmer’s market is an excellent outdoor activity for couples. These open-air markets offer a variety of fresh, locally-grown produce, artisanal goods, and unique crafts.
Strolling hand-in-hand through the market stalls, you can sample delicious fruits and vegetables, like crisp apples, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Engaging with friendly vendors, you can learn about their farming practices and discover new recipes to try at home.
Beyond the edible delights, farmer’s markets often feature live music, creating a lively atmosphere for a fun date. You might even find handmade jewelry, pottery, or artwork to take home as a memento of your special outing.
Group workout
A group workout is a fantastic way to stay active and bond with your partner during the summer. Many parks and recreation centers offer outdoor fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, or boot camps.
Exercising together can be motivating and help you both stay committed to your health goals. Plus, the fresh air and sunshine provide an added mood boost.
Look for group workouts that accommodate different fitness levels, so you can participate at your own pace. Bring water bottles, towels, and sunscreen for your outdoor sweat session.
Mini golf
Mini golf is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together. This scaled-down version of golf involves using a putter to hit colorful balls through obstacles and into holes on a themed course.
Most mini golf courses feature creative designs with whimsical decorations, challenging layouts, and interactive elements that keep kids entertained. Playing fun games like mini golf helps children develop hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking skills while fostering friendly competition and camaraderie among family members.
Many mini golf facilities also offer additional attractions like arcade games, snack bars, and picnic areas, making it easy to turn a round of mini golf into a full day of family fun.
Water balloon fight
Having a water balloon fight is an exciting summer activity that kids love. Fill up colorful balloons with water and head outside for a refreshing battle. This game encourages teamwork as children strategize with their friends or siblings.
It also helps develop hand-eye coordination and agility while they dodge and throw the balloons. Make sure to have towels ready for drying off afterwards and emphasize the importance of cleaning up any broken balloon pieces, especially at a local park.
Water balloon fights provide an opportunity for family bonding time outdoors. Parents can join in the fun or supervise to ensure safety. Consider setting up obstacles like lawn chairs or trees for kids to hide behind during the game.
Bonfire get-together
A bonfire get-together is a perfect way to spend quality time with your children outdoors. Gather around the fire pit, roast marshmallows, and make s’mores together. Tell stories, sing songs, and enjoy each other’s company in the warm glow of the flames.
Safety is key when having a bonfire with kids. Choose a designated fire pit area away from flammable objects and overhanging branches. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the fire unattended.
Teach your children about fire safety and supervise them closely around the flames.
Restaurant patio
Dining outdoors on a restaurant patio is a delightful summer activity for families. Many eateries offer comfortable seating areas with umbrellas or awnings to provide shade from the sun.
These open-air spaces allow you to enjoy a meal while savoring the warm weather and fresh air.
Restaurant patios often feature fun amenities like fountains, string lights, or live music, creating a festive atmosphere for kids and adults alike. Some establishments even provide games such as cornhole or giant Jenga to keep children entertained while waiting for their food.
Unique Outdoor Summer Activities
Unique outdoor summer activities offer exciting ways to enjoy the warm weather. From making a fairy house with your kids to playing disc golf as a family, there are endless possibilities for creative fun in the sun.
Outdoor drumline or band
Attending an outdoor drumline or band performance is a thrilling summer activity for kids and parents. These energetic shows feature talented musicians playing catchy tunes on drums, xylophones, cymbals, and brass instruments.
The lively music and synchronized movements create an exciting atmosphere that gets everyone moving to the beat.
Most outdoor drumline or band performances take place in parks, at festivals, or during parades. They offer a great opportunity to expose children to different musical styles and instruments while enjoying the fresh air.
Pack some snacks, bring a blanket to sit on, and let your family experience the joy of live music together this summer.
Frozen ice dino dig
Frozen ice dino dig is an engaging outdoor activity that lets kids become paleontologists for a day. To set it up, freeze small plastic dinosaurs in a large block of ice using a plastic container or bowl.
Place the ice block outside on a warm summer day and provide your little ones with tools like toy hammers, scoops, and salt. As the ice melts, they can chip away at it to excavate the hidden dinosaurs, just like archaeologists unearthing ancient fossils at a dig site.
This hands-on activity not only keeps children entertained but also helps develop their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. It’s an excellent way to spark their curiosity about prehistoric creatures and encourage imaginative play.
Fruit picking
Fruit picking is a fun and educational summer activity for kids and parents. Many farms offer “pick your own” options for fruits like strawberries, blueberries, peaches and apples.
Children love the adventure of wandering through rows of fruit trees or bushes, seeing how different fruits grow and selecting the most appealing ones to take home. It’s a great way to teach them about where food comes from and to encourage healthy eating habits.
Most farms provide containers for collecting the fruit, but it’s a good idea to bring your own baskets or buckets as well. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.
Don’t forget hats, sunblock and water for hydration on hot days. Check the farm’s website ahead of time for hours, prices and any special instructions. Some places offer tractor rides out to the orchard or field, which adds to the excitement for little ones.
Wildlife spotting
Wildlife spotting is an exciting outdoor activity that allows children to connect with nature. Grab a pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass and head to a nearby park, nature reserve, or even your backyard.
Look for birds, squirrels, rabbits, and other animals in their natural habitats. Encourage your kids to observe the creatures’ behaviors, listen to their sounds, and appreciate the beauty of the wild.
Making a fairy house
Building a fairy house is an enchanting outdoor activity that sparks children’s imagination and creativity. Gather natural materials like twigs, leaves, moss, and pebbles to construct a magical miniature dwelling for tiny mythical creatures.
Parents can guide their kids in selecting a suitable spot, such as the base of a tree or a quiet corner of the garden, to create their fairy house. Encourage children to use their artistic skills to decorate the house with colorful shells, acorns, and wildflowers, making it a whimsical and inviting space for fairies to visit.
Creating a fairy house not only provides an opportunity for children to connect with nature but also fosters their problem-solving abilities as they figure out how to assemble the materials into a stable structure.
Disc golf
Disc golf is a fun and unique outdoor activity that combines elements of traditional golf with the excitement of throwing flying discs. It’s played on a course with special baskets, and the objective is to throw the disc from a tee area into the basket in the fewest throws possible.
Disc golf courses can be found in many parks and recreation areas, making it an accessible and affordable way for families to enjoy time together outdoors.
Playing disc golf helps develop hand-eye coordination, patience, and strategic planning skills. It’s a low-impact sport that provides a good workout as players walk the course and throw the discs.
Playing in the rain
Playing in the rain offers a thrilling and memorable outdoor activity for kids during the summer months. When the clouds roll in and raindrops start to fall, children can don their rubber boots and raincoats to splash in puddles, dance under the gentle showers, or even create makeshift boats to float down temporary streams.
This simple yet engaging pastime encourages imaginative play, sensory exploration, and a connection with nature that often gets lost amidst the lure of indoor screens and gadgets.
Parents should ensure their little ones are dressed appropriately for the weather, with waterproof gear and secure footwear to prevent slips and falls. While enjoying the rain, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs of lightning or severe storms, which would require immediately heading indoors for safety.
Adventurous Outdoor Summer Activities
Are you looking for thrilling outdoor activities to keep your kids entertained this summer? From catching fireflies to planting a vegetable garden, there are plenty of exciting adventures waiting for your family.
Bug hotel
Building a bug hotel is a unique and educational summer activity for kids. These small structures provide shelter for beneficial insects like ladybugs, bees, and lacewings. Gather natural materials such as pinecones, bark, twigs, and leaves, then stack them in a wooden frame or recycled container.
Place the bug hotel in a quiet corner of your yard and watch it attract fascinating creepy-crawlies all season long.
Flashlight tag
Flashlight tag is an exciting outdoor game that kids love playing at night. One player is “it” and tries to tag others with a flashlight beam. Tagged players join the “it” team until only one untagged player remains, who then becomes “it” for the next round.
This game helps develop agility, coordination and strategic thinking skills in children. It’s a great way to spend summer evenings outside, getting exercise and fresh air. Just make sure each child has their own flashlight with fresh batteries.
For added safety, set boundaries for the play area and have everyone wear light-colored clothing.
Clean-up hike
A clean-up hike combines the joy of exploring nature with doing good for the environment. Parents can teach their children about responsibility and care for our planet while enjoying a day out in the fresh air.
Equip the family with gloves and bags to pick up trash along hiking trails. This activity not only cleans up natural spaces but also instills a sense of community and environmental stewardship in young hearts.
Families who participate in cleanup hikes experience the outdoors uniquely, learning about local wildlife and plants as they work to preserve them. It’s an excellent way for kids to see direct results from their efforts, turning outdoor fun into meaningful action.
Plus, this kind of adventure can spark conversations about recycling, pollution, and ways to live more sustainably at home.
Planting veggies
Planting vegetables is a fun and educational outdoor activity for kids during the summer. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are easy crops to grow in pots or raised beds. Give each child their own garden trowel and watering can to nurture their plants.
They’ll love watching the seeds sprout and plants grow over the season. Harvesting fresh produce to eat teaches kids where food comes from. Gardening also helps develop responsibility, patience and an appreciation for nature.
Pressing flowers
Pressing flowers is a fun and creative summer activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. It’s an easy way to preserve the beauty of nature and create unique artwork. To get started, gather some fresh flowers, leaves, or petals from your backyard or a nearby park.
Place them between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as newspaper or blotting paper, and then sandwich them between heavy books or a flower press. Leave them for a few weeks until they are completely dry and flat.
Once the flowers are pressed, your children can use them to make beautiful crafts like bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed artwork. They can arrange the pressed flowers in patterns or designs on paper or cardstock, and then glue them in place.
Firefly catching
Firefly catching is a magical summer evening activity for kids. These bioluminescent insects light up the night sky with their enchanting glow. Give your children clean glass jars with lids that have airholes punched in them.
As dusk falls, head out into a field or wooded area away from bright lights. The fireflies will begin their light show, blinking on and off. Let your kids chase after them, cupping their hands around the fireflies to trap them gently.
Once caught, they can place them carefully in the jars to observe for a short time.
After watching the fireflies up close, release them back into the night. Explain to your children the importance of being kind to these delicate creatures. Firefly populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and light pollution.
Golf
Golf is a classic outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Many golf courses offer family-friendly options like miniature golf or pitch-and-putt, which are perfect for introducing children to the sport.
These smaller courses feature shorter distances and simpler layouts, making them more manageable for young players. With child-sized clubs and colorful balls, kids can develop hand-eye coordination and learn the basics of putting and chipping in a fun, low-pressure environment.
As children become more comfortable with the game, they can progress to larger courses or driving ranges. Many facilities provide group lessons or summer camps specifically designed for junior golfers.
These programs are led by experienced instructors who teach proper technique, etiquette, and sportsmanship. Spending time on the green also offers valuable opportunities for parents to bond with their children, enjoy the fresh air, and get some light exercise together.
FAQs
1. What are some fun outdoor activities for summer?
There are many exciting summer outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hosting an outdoor game night with friends, going on a camping trip, attending outdoor concerts, or trying outdoor yoga classes.
2. How can I incorporate birdwatching into my summer plans?
Birdwatching, also known as birding, is a great summer activity that allows you to connect with nature. To get started, research local bird species, invest in a pair of binoculars, and always wear proper eye protection when observing birds in their natural habitats.
3. Can you share a few ideas for outdoor games?
Absolutely! Some popular outdoor games include cornhole, giant Jenga, ladder toss, and bocce ball. These games are perfect for backyard gatherings or picnics in the park. They’re easy to learn and provide hours of fun for players of all ages.
4. What should I consider when planning a summer camping trip?
When planning a summer camping trip, it’s essential to choose a suitable location, pack appropriate gear, and ensure you have enough food and water. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast, obtain necessary permits, and familiarize yourself with local wildlife and safety guidelines. With a little preparation, your camping trip will be a memorable adventure.