Are you a stay-at-home mom who feels like there’s no time to get anything done?
Same here.
Even though my kids are older now they still need a little help getting their day up and running.
And ever since I became a full-time stay-at-home mom, I swear the days just fly by.
And now that the weather’s nice?
All my kids wants to do is want to do something—outside, wherever he can burn energy.
So, to save my sanity, I’ve put together 20 outdoor activities to keep your kids busy and give you back a little time (finally!).
These work for super hot days, boring days, long days—you name it.
From low-mess kid activities to the kind where everyone gets messy, this list has fun ideas for the whole family to keep those long days moving!
And for summer activities that beat boredom, make sure to check out my other post.
Outdoor Kid Activities (For the Younger Kids)
With my twins were toddlers, I always searched for simple ways to get them outside and burn off all that energy they had.
These outdoor kid activities are perfect for younger kids and will keep them entertained while you (finally) get a second to sit down.
1. Outside Sticky Wall
This is such a fun and easy activity to set up for the kids!
Just grab a large piece of clear contact paper, peel off the backing, and stick it to a fence, wall, or sliding glass door with the sticky side facing out.
Use painter’s tape around the edges to help keep it in place.
Then, gather things from around the yard like leaves, flowers, grass, sticks, or even lightweight toys, and let the kids stick and create all kinds of designs.
It’s a mess-free outdoor activity that keeps little hands busy and helps them explore nature while they play!
2. DIY Sand and Rock Box
For an easy sensory activity, grab a shallow plastic bin and fill one side with sand and the other with black beans and sticks or even pretzel sitcks to create a fun mix of textures.
Add in some toy construction trucks, scoops, and cups, and let the kids dig, pour, and haul their “materials” around.
You can even hide little treasures or dinosaurs in the sand for them to find.
It’s super easy to set up, works for a wide range of ages, and keeps kids busy with creative, hands-on play for hours!
3. Bubble Snakes
This is such a fun outdoor activity and super easy to set up!
Just cut the bottom off a plastic water bottle, then stretch a sock over the open end and secure it with a rubber band.
Dip the sock end into a dish of bubble solution (water and dish soap work great), then have the kids blow through the mouth of the bottle.
Long, foamy bubble snakes will start to grow, making the coolest chain of bubbles that just keeps going!
It’s a cheap, easy, and super fun summer activity that my twins could do for hours.
4. Muddy Tracks and Car Wash
If your kids love getting messy, this one’s a hit (it was in my home!)!
Fill a kiddie pool with mud (just mix dirt and water until it’s nice and squishy), and let the kids drive their toy trucks and cars through to make muddy tracks.
Right next to it, set up a second bin or kiddie pool filled with clean water for a DIY car wash station.
Add sponges, scrub brushes, and soap so they can wash off their vehicles before sending them back through the mud.
It’s the perfect mix of messy play and clean-up fun—and keeps them entertained forever!
5. Water Ballon Parachute
This one is so simple and so fun! Fill up a small water balloon, tie it off, and place it inside a plastic grocery bag with the handles tied together to make a parachute.
Have the kids gently toss them in the air or drop them from something low, like a slide or porch, and watch the parachute float down with the water balloon inside.
Sometimes they land softly… sometimes they splat!
Either way, it’s a fun outdoor activity that keeps the kids laughing and moving
6. Shaving Cream Painting
For a messy and fun outdoor activity, grab a tray or plastic bin and spray a layer of shaving cream across the bottom.
Let the kids add drops of washable paint or food coloring on top, then swirl it all together with paintbrushes, sticks, or even their hands to create colorful designs.
You can press paper onto the top to make prints or just let them mix and play for the sensory fun of it.
Hose everything down when you’re done—easy cleanup and endless fun!
7. Follow the Line
This is such a simple activity, but kids love it!
Grab some sidewalk chalk and draw a big, twisty line with lots of swirls, zigzags, and loops all over the driveway or sidewalk.
Then, have your kids follow the line by walking, running, scooting, or even driving their toy cars along the path.
You can make it as easy or tricky as you want, and it’s a fun way to burn off energy while keeping them focused. Perfect for younger kids who need something active and creative!
8. Puffy Paint
Puffy paint is such a fun, squishy craft that’s super easy to make at home!
Just mix equal parts shaving cream and white glue, then add a few drops of food coloring to create different colors.
Give the kids paintbrushes or spoons and let them create puffy, textured art on paper or cardboard.
The paint dries fluffy and soft, and it’s such a cool sensory activity. Perfect for an afternoon of creative play with minimal cleanup!
9. Water Wall
A water wall is such a fun way to keep kids cool and entertained! Just attach PVC pipes, funnels, and cups to a fence or wood board using zip ties or brackets, creating different paths for the water to flow.
Add in elbows and curves to make it extra fun!
Give the kids cups or a watering can to pour water through the top and watch it twist, turn, and splash all the way down.
It’s the best backyard activity for hot days, and you can switch up the design whenever the kids want a new challenge!
10. Chocolate Oobleck
Watch out! This outdoor activity can get messy!
To make Chocolate Oobleck mix 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water and stir in a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for that chocolatey touch.
It turns into a crazy substance that’s solid when you squeeze it but runs like liquid when you let it go.
Set it up outside in a bin and let the kids scoop, pour, and squish—it smells amazing and keeps them busy forever.
Plus, it washes right off with water!
Outdoor Activities (For the Older Kids)
These outdoor activities are great for older kids who love high-energy games, creative projects, and soaking up the sunshine.
These ideas will keep them moving, creating, and having fun outside—all while giving you a break from the constant “I’m bored” comments!
11. Campfire Camping
Set up in the backyard or at a campsite, roast hot dogs, make s’mores, and roll out sleeping bags to watch the stars.
Add in some ghost stories or late-night laughs to make it extra fun.
It’s such an easy way to spend time together, unplug, and turn an ordinary night into a family memory they’ll love
12. Flag Football
Flag football is a great way to burn energy and get older kids moving!
All you need are some flags (or bandanas) and a football to set up a fun, low-contact game in the yard or at the park.
Kids can run, pass, and compete without the tackles, making it perfect for all skill levels.
It’s a fun, active way to spend an afternoon and get everyone in the family involved!
13. Water Balloon Dodgeball
Take a classic game of dodgeball and make it way more fun with water balloons!
Fill up a bunch of balloons, split into teams, and try to tag each other with splashes instead of balls.
It’s high-energy, super easy to set up, and the perfect way for older kids to cool off while running around.
Just be ready for lots of laughing, soaking wet clothes, and requests to play again!
14. DIY Outdoor Spa
Set up a DIY outdoor spa for the ultimate relaxing afternoon.
Grab towels, nail polish, face masks, cucumber slices, and set up stations for foot soaks, manicures, and facials right in the backyard.
Add some lemon water, music, and shade, and it’s basically a spa day at home—easy, fun, and a cute way to enjoy the sunshine while getting pampered!
15. Garden Tea Party
Turn a sunny afternoon into a fancy backyard tea party! Set up a table with pretty cups, lemonade or iced tea, and a few easy snacks like cookies, fruit, and finger sandwiches.
Let the kids dress up, decorate the table with flowers, and enjoy some relaxing time outside.
It’s a fun way for older kids to feel a little extra and make the most of a beautiful day with a simple, sweet activity
16. Paint & Snack Picnic
This is such a fun, laid-back activity for older kids who love to create!
Pack up some paint supplies, brushes, and canvases along with a picnic full of easy snacks like fruit, crackers, and cookies.
Find a shady spot in the yard or park, lay out a blanket, and let everyone paint while they snack and enjoy the fresh air.
It’s the perfect way to spend a slow afternoon outside with good food and creativity.
17. Sports Tournament
For kids who love a little competition, set up a backyard sports tournament with a mix of games like soccer, basketball, frisbee, or relay races.
Keep it simple with teams, scorecards, and small prizes (or just bragging rights!). Let the kids pick the events and spend the day running, playing, and staying active.
It’s a fun way to turn a regular afternoon into a full-on family challenge that keeps everyone moving
18. Bike or Hike
When the kids need to burn off some energy, grab your gear and head out for a family bike ride or hike.
Pick a trail, park, or neighborhood route and make a day of it with snacks, water, and a few breaks to explore.
Older kids will love the adventure, and it’s such an easy way to stay active while enjoying fresh air and sunshine together.
19. Giant Yard Games
My twins loved playing giant yard games, and honestly, so did I!
Set up oversized versions of classics like bowling, Connect Four, tic-tac-toe, or ring toss right in the backyard.
You can buy them or DIY your own with a few supplies.
It’s such a fun way to keep older kids busy, and they’ll play round after round while laughing and getting competitive.
Perfect for family nights, BBQs, or just a chill summer afternoon!
20. Plant Pot Painting
This is such a fun and creative outdoor activity for older kids!
Grab some terra cotta pots, acrylic paint, and brushes, and let the kids design their own colorful planters.
Once they’re dry, you can add flowers, herbs, or succulents and display them around the yard or porch.
It’s a simple, artsy project that keeps them busy and adds a cute touch to your outdoor space.
Outdoor Fun for Toddlers and Kids
There ya go! I hope you found some good outdoor activities this summer for your little ones!
Make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more kid, crafts and mom stuff!
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