With so much access to iPads, TVs, and video games, it can be tough to motivate your kids to play outside — that’s where outdoor activities for kids come in. By prompting them with a specific activity, you can gently urge your child to take part in some screen-free activities that build their strength and endurance, improve their mood, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Our favorite outdoor activity for kids is this National Geographic butterfly growing kit which has everything you need to raise 5 real butterflies! Keep reading to learn more about it and see the rest of our top picks.
The best outdoor activities for kids
National Geographic butterfly growing kit – Best overall
If you’re on the hunt for an opportunity to give your children an up-close and personal encounter with nature, the National Geographic outdoor activity set for kids is the perfect solution. This kit has everything needed to create a butterfly habitat, including a transparent mesh enclosure, feeder, and stickers for decorating. Plus, a voucher for five baby caterpillars is included, so your kids can witness their transformation into beautiful butterflies.
What’s more, the learning guide that comes with the kit is a treasure trove of information about the butterfly life cycle, enabling your kids to gain a comprehensive understanding of the process and track their progress precisely. Additionally, a hang-up poster is included, serving as an inspiring visual aid that encourages your children to frequently monitor their chrysalises. With this all-inclusive kit, your kids can enjoy the delightful experience of constructing, embellishing, and observing butterflies, making it the best product on our list.
Pros:
- Easy to install and maintain
- Eco-friendly and energy-efficient
- Automated and adjustable temperature controls
Cons:
- Not a good choice for older kids
Wowmazing giant bubble wands kit – Most fun
With the Wowmazing outdoor activity set for kids, you can provide your little ones with an engaging and interactive toy that inspires creativity and exploration while keeping everyone entertained. This exceptional set includes a giant bubble maker, two pouches of bubble concentrate, and a handy booklet that offers tips and tricks for creating the most massive bubbles you can imagine. The kit’s two-handle design is crafted specifically to make the longest and biggest bubbles possible, ensuring that your kids will capture the attention and admiration of passers-by with their giant, colorful bubbles.
Made of non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials, this toy provides peace of mind for parents, knowing their children can play with it safely. Additionally, the bubble maker and concentrate are made with high-quality materials, guaranteeing that the kit will last for years of outdoor fun and learning. But what makes this toy even more remarkable is its lightweight and durable design, which makes it easy to use, even for young preschoolers. With this incredible kit, your kids can embark on a fun and educational bubble-making adventure they’ll remember for years.
Pros:
- Two-handled wand design easily blows bubbles
- Thick cord is less prone to tangling
- Includes easy-to-follow directions for simple setup
Cons:
- A little pricey
Hapinest find and seek scavenger hunt – Most versatile
The Hapinest outdoor activity set for kids is a fantastic kit that offers an exciting and enjoyable game for your little ones. With 35 find-and-seek cards, two instruction cards, and a handy drawstring bag, this kit is perfect for playing at home and taking along with you on your outdoor adventures. This game’s unique design caters to kids of all ages, even those who cannot read yet, thanks to its picture recognition feature.
Plus, it offers three different ways to play, along with helpful instructions to get your kids started and ensure they make the most of their experience. With a vast selection of cards to choose from, this game will never get boring, and your kids can explore the natural world around them in a fun and engaging way. Whether you’re looking for a game to play at home or on the go, the kit is an excellent choice that provides hours of entertainment and adventure for your children.
Pros:
- Fun for kids 3 years and up
- Versatile and easy to customize
- Keeps kids busy and engaged
Cons:
- Some may find the cards too small
Motoworx toy rocket launcher – Most engaging
The Motoworx outdoor activity set for kids toy is an exciting and fun outdoor toy with adjustable angles and jump force features. It’s an excellent way for your kids to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while enjoying hours of entertainment. The kit includes a launch pad that’s easy to assemble and eight foam rockets in vibrant colors that can soar up to 100 feet in the air, making it a perfect birthday or holiday gift. The toy’s durable design ensures that your kids can enjoy endless hours of jumping and stomping fun. With minimal setup requirements, your children can instantly start running, jumping, and launching the foam rockets into the sky.
The launcher is powered solely by physical force, eliminating the need for batteries or electricity. Additionally, the yellow folding stand makes storage quick and easy. With adjustable angles, jump force, and flight trajectories, this toy encourages kids to explore their imaginative minds while honing their problem-solving skills. The kit includes eight full foam rockets in three colors, allowing your children to share with friends and family while creating an exciting outdoor experience. With its dynamic features, durable design, and educational benefits, the toy is an excellent investment in your children’s development and entertainment.
Pros:
- Attachments come in vibrant colors
- Easy to assemble and clean up
- Safe and fun
Cons:
- Foam rockets come apart easily
Cwlakon potato sack race bags – Most durable
The Cwlakon outdoor activity set for kids has everything you need for a day of fun at the park or in the backyard. It features four potato sack race bags, four three-legged race bands, four egg and spoon race games, and 12 game prizes, providing endless hours of fun and entertainment for your children. What makes this set stand out is the high-quality materials used to make it. The potato sack race bags are constructed from durable oxford cloth with a double bottom, ensuring they can withstand your children’s vigorous play.
The three-legged race bands are made from high-quality nylon and hook-and-loop strips, making them easy to fasten and sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear. The egg and spoon race games are non-toxic and odorless, ensuring children can play with them safely. Also, the set’s non-toxic materials and ease of use make it perfect for any party or event, from carnival-themed birthday parties to family reunions and field day events. With this comprehensive set, your kids can enjoy hours of outdoor fun and exercise while honing their motor skills and coordination.
Pros:
- Comfortable bands around the sacks
- Suitable for large outdoor events
- Fun for adults and kids
Cons:
- Some pieces may be missing
NASA air rocket launcher kit – Most durable
The NASA air rocket launcher kit propels fun and learning to new heights, making it an ideal addition to any outdoor activities for kids. This innovative kit, designed to keep your kids active, deploys compressed air to launch model rockets as high as 250 feet. The excitement doesn’t just end with the launch; the process of pumping air and preparing for the launch also adds to the thrill, engaging young minds in a hands-on, scientific pursuit. The rocket structure, renowned for its durability, withstands repeated launches, promising long-lasting amusement for both kids and adults.
High-performance engineless rocket launches are the key highlight of this kit, providing a safe yet exhilarating experience. If you’re looking for a way to introduce your kids to the fascinating world of aerodynamics or simply engage them in a fun outdoor activity, the NASA Air Rocket Launcher Kit serves as an excellent choice. Its emphasis on safety, combined with its ability to deliver high-powered entertainment, makes it more than just a toy. It’s an educational tool that ignites curiosity, fires up the imagination, and keeps your kids active.
Pros:
- High and controlled launch
- No engine, safe for kids
- Durable and sleek rockets
Cons:
- Need for additional purchase (bike pump)
Outdoor activities for kids: A buyer’s guide
As technology continues to dominate our lives, it’s more important than ever to encourage kids to get outside and explore the world around them. The right outdoor activities not only provide your kids with a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise but also promote creativity, problem-solving, and socialization skills. From climbing trees and building forts to playing sports and going on nature walks, the benefits of outdoor activities for kids are endless.
With so many options available in the market, finding the perfect outdoor activity for your child can be a daunting task. Don’t worry! Our comprehensive buying guide will help you navigate the overwhelming options and find the ideal outdoor activity that will keep your kids active, engaged, and happy for hours on end.
How to find great outdoor activities for kids
Safety
When selecting an outdoor activity for your kids, it’s important to ensure the product is safe for children and meets all applicable safety standards. Also, look for certifications such as Child Safety Standard (CPSC) or ASTM International Standards from trusted organizations. This can give you peace that the product is free from potential hazards.
Age range
Also, consider the age range of the kids you need to accommodate when purchasing outdoor activities for kids. Different activities suit different age groups, so select something age-appropriate.
Fun factor
Consider activities that will keep your children engaged and entertained and have a high fun factor. Always choose activities that offer a variety of games or challenges so kids won’t get bored quickly and will continue to be entertained by the activity long term. Also, choose activities that offer various options and can be adapted as children get older so they will stay entertained by the activity for years.
Set up and storage
Before buying a toy for your kids, ensure you understand how easy it is to set up and store it when it’s not in use. Some activities can be easy to assemble while others may require more effort and tools to set up correctly. Additionally, some products may be large in size or require additional storage space which you should consider before purchasing. So always select one that fits into your available space.
Weight capacity
Depending on the type of activity you are looking at, it’s important to think about how much weight the product can handle before it needs to be replaced or reinforced. This will ensure safety for anyone using the product and help extend its lifespan by not overloading it with weight beyond its capacity.
Weather-proofing
When selecting an outdoor activity toy or kit for your kids, opt for one that can hold up against different elements to ensure longevity and enjoyment from your purchase. Some activities might require more weather-proofing than others, so always look for products designed specifically to withstand harsh conditions like UV rays, rain, snow, wind, and more.
Environmental-friendliness
Also, choose an activity toy that’s eco-friendly and not harmful to the environment in any way. This could include using non-toxic materials such as wood or recycled plastic in construction, avoiding products with chemical treatments applied during production, and ensuring energy-efficient components are used where possible.
Common questions about outdoor activities for kids
How can I encourage my child to take part in outdoor activities?
You can encourage your child to participate in outdoor activities by making them fun. Get creative with it, and let your child help pick out the activity so they feel more involved in the planning process. Also, ensure they have all the necessary supplies to feel comfortable participating in these activities, so they don’t think twice about going outside for fresh air and physical activity.
Do outdoor activities keep my kids entertained for an extended time?
Yes, outdoor activities can keep kids engaged and entertained for hours, depending on your chosen activity and how creative you get with it. Some activities may require patience, but others can be enjoyed for extended periods.
What outdoor activities are safe for my kids?
It’s important to ensure that all outdoor activities are safe for kids by adhering to safety guidelines. Some safety precautions should be taken according to the specific activity given by the manufacturers before using the product.
Are outdoor activities good for my child’s physical and mental health?
Yes, outdoor activities provide countless physical and mental health benefits for children, including increased muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance, improved coordination, enhanced concentration, decreased stress levels, better sleep, increased self-esteem, improved moods, a stronger immune system, and protection from environmental toxins such as air pollution.
What outdoor activities will help my child develop their skills?
Outdoor activities such as biking, playing sports, golfing, tree climbing, fishing, and kayaking can help your child develop their physical skills, such as coordination and strength, as well as their cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making. Participating in team sports also teaches children essential social skills such as cooperation and communication.
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