Why outdoor time helps
Outdoor play gives kids space to move in ways they can't indoors: running full speed, climbing, rolling down a slope. The US Physical Activity Guidelines say children ages 3 to 5 should be active throughout the day, and children ages 6 to 17 should get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity each day. Unstructured outdoor play is one of the easiest ways to get there.
Each slate shows the age range chalked in on a ruler from 2 to 12, plus energy and mess on a scale of one to three marks. Ages are a rough guide; you know your child best.
Outdoorsabout 30 min
Nature scavenger hunt
- Energy
- medium
- Mess
- medium
You need: A short list or picture card, a bag
Find a smooth stone, a feather, three kinds of leaves and something yellow.
Outdoorsabout 20 min
Nature color match
- Energy
- medium
- Mess
- medium
You need: A paint chip card or crayons scribbled on a card
Find leaves, petals or stones that match each color on the card.
Outdoorsabout 15 min
Bubble chase
- Energy
- medium
- Mess
- medium
You need: Bubble solution and a wand
An adult blows bubbles. Kids pop them with a clap, a stomp or one finger.
In or outabout 15 min
Water painting
- Energy
- low
- Mess
- low
You need: A chalkboard or dry pavement, a cup of water, a brush
Paint shapes with plain water and watch them fade as they dry.
More like thisNature hunts
A nature scavenger hunt turns a walk into a game. Make a short list, or draw pictures for pre-readers: a smooth stone, a feather, a pine cone, three kinds of leaves, something red, something that smells nice. Older kids can try harder items like a leaf with jagged edges or a seed that can fly.
A color match is a gentle version for younger kids. Make a card with colored stripes using crayons or paint chips, then look for leaves, petals and stones that match. Remind kids to collect only what is on the ground, and to leave flowers growing and animals alone.
Bubbles and simple fun
Bubbles are a classic for toddlers and preschoolers. An adult blows the bubbles, and kids chase, clap and stomp them. For older kids, try big bubble wands made from two sticks and a loop of string. Other easy ideas:
- Roll a ball back and forth with a toddler, then kick it, then throw it.
- Make a "fairy house" or "bug hotel" from sticks, bark and leaves.
- Dig in a sandbox or a patch of garden soil with spoons and cups.
- Play follow the leader around the yard, over logs and around trees.
For team games like freeze tag and capture the flag, see backyard and park games. For chalk, see sidewalk chalk games.
Dressing for the weather
| Weather | What helps |
|---|---|
| Hot and sunny | Shade during the middle of the day, hats, light clothing, sunscreen, frequent water breaks |
| Light rain | Rain jacket, boots, a change of clothes waiting at home |
| Cold | Layers, a hat and gloves, and coming in before kids get too chilled |
| Windy | Snug jackets, and staying clear of trees with dead branches |
Safety basics
Stay within arm's reach of young children near any water, including buckets, wading pools and ponds. Check playground equipment for hot surfaces in summer. For babies younger than 6 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping them out of direct sunlight; ask your pediatrician about sun protection for your child.
Teach kids not to touch plants they don't know, mushrooms or wild animals, and to wash hands after outdoor play and before eating. Check for ticks after time in tall grass or woods, especially in areas where they are common. Your local health department can tell you what to watch for where you live.
What if we don't have a yard?
Parks, school playgrounds after hours where allowed, trails and even a wide sidewalk all work. Many outdoor games need only a small open space and a few minutes.