As the weather starts to get warmer, I start to think about getting outside and doing stuff. I’m tired of being stuck in the house and the kids sitting around because it’s too cold to go out to play. The warmer weather motivates us all to get out and get moving. It makes me want to have some outdoor fun!
There are just so many things you can do outside that will improve your health, physically and mentally. Just being out in the sun can do wonders for your mood. Ever heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Exercise can also improve your mental and cognitive health. So, what could be better than putting the two together?
Not only will it improve your health, to get outside and get moving, but it will get your kids off the screens and promote more quality bonding time together.
Not sure what to do once you get out there that the whole family will enjoy? Check out my list of ideas that will have you moving and having a great time together without too much prep work ahead of time.
Ideas for Outdoor Fun
- Go for a nature walk. It doesn’t have to be just a walk though. Toss a ball around while you’re walking or make up silly ways to walk that everyone else has to mimic.
- Do some gardening. Whether you have an in ground garden or just a few pots, you can plant some flower or vegetable seeds. The kids will probably enjoy digging in the dirt and they’ll get to learn about how things grow.
- Make an obstacle course. You don’t have to have any special equipment to set it up. You can use toys, chalk, jump ropes, frisbees and whatever else you have laying around. Get creative and let the kids help come up with some of the ideas.
- Make up different types of relay races if you have at least 4 players. If it’s hot outside, it might make it even more enjoyable to add some water to the relay.
- Pass a ball around in a circle to each other. Make it more fun by having a category, for example colors. Each player names a different color when they receive the ball, trying not to repeat colors already named. The number of categories are endless. You could also come up with an action that the player has to perform with each catch.
- Tag is always a fun outside game. There are so many different versions of it too. Why not try tucking socks into your waistbands or clipping clothespins on the backs of shirts. You’re not out until your socks or clothespins are removed. Everyone can be a “tagger” at the same time in this version.
- Set up a workout circuit in your driveway or yard. Have different stations for different exercises. Everyone picks a different station to start at and you can set a timer for how long you stay at each one. Minimal equipment is required since there are so many bodyweight exercises you can do. Just have some items to mark each station or some chalk. Use the timer on your phone or download a Tabata timer that will time your workout time and your breaks in between. Working out is more fun together!
- Go for a bike ride. Make it a scavenger hunt to make it more fun. Come up with a list of things to try to find on your route. Make sure you add some things that are definitely on your route or it might be a little disappointing.
There you go, eight different ways to have some outdoor fun with your family! With different variations created by you and your family, they should provide hours of activity. So, get out, get moving, and enjoy your family time! Won’t it be great knowing that you’re not just having fun, but you are all getting healthier at the same time?
If you try some of my ideas or have your own that I can add to my list, I’d love to hear about it! Just let me know in the comments below.
