Outdoor Activities

KNOW THE DOWNSIDE OF BEING STUCK INSIDE? WE CAN HELP!

Housekeeper. Cook. Teacher. Referee. Being a parent can be challenging at times, especially when spending weeks on end inside … together … with kids … and pets … and each other. It’s time to listen to the advice of parents through the ages: “Why don’t you go outside and play?”

When inside activities turn into downside boredom, it’s time to get outside for some fresh air and fun. To help out when the oasis of ideas dries up, we’ve cobbled together some great ideas that might just help you survive another week or two or four with the family.

ADVENTURE

Let’s get down to business. Jar the kiddos out of boredom with one or two or all these adventurous and interesting activities.

SCAVENGER HUNT

A blast from the past, or maybe just from the last camping trip, this seek and find favorite will keep everyone busy for at least a few minutes. Start by making a list (or use ours!) of things you see around your neighborhood. Make it as easy. Make it difficult. The choice is yours. Perhaps make it a contest with a small prize (E.g. ice cream, in-app purchase) or just for fun. Whatever process, be safe and follow the guidelines of your town.

GEOCACHING

No clue what this is? You’re not alone. You can learn more about it on Wikipedia, but it’s basically a technology-enhanced treasure hunt. While this might be ideal for the older kids, little kiddos will find this super fun to do with mom or dad. Download an app and find additional instruction on one of the largest sites for geocaching.

SIDEWALK CHALK OBSTACLE COURSE

Sidewalk chalk is a great tool for kids to express themselves. But they can also activate that creativity (and burn off some of that pent-up energy) with a sidewalk chalk obstacle course. Start here. Jump this line. Run in a circle and then do five push-ups. There are many possible combinations. Let the imagination run wild or get some inspiration from this pink-loving bundle of energy. 

OLD RELIABLE

With 30 minutes of activity under their belts, the kids are certainly worn down by now, right? Right?! Right. Even with all that fun under their belts, kids are always eager to do more. And while creative activities can get the juices flowing, don’t forget about those reliable activities that have gotten families out of the house throughout time.

BIKE RIDING

Grab the helmet and hit the road or sidewalk or multiuse path. Wherever you choose to ride, the wind in their hair and the bugs in their teeth will do your gaggle a ton of good. Pack up some water and snacks and head to the park. Sound simple? It is! Which is also why it might not be top of mind when scrounging for ideas.

KICK A BALL

In the United States, soccer isn’t the most popular sport on TV. But a uniform truth is that kicking a ball around for a little while can be fun for anyone. Whether it’s soccer or a quick game of kickball, grabbing a ball and heading to the backyard can kick out a little boredom.

CLOUD GAZE

Scavenger hunt – done. Obstacle course – check. Bike riding – yep. It’s time for a break and a trip back in time to when kids (and adults!) had time to lounge on their backs and stare at the clouds.  That one looks like a cat. Hey, there’s a chicken! That one looks like dad after he just woke up from a nap!. Yikes! Whatever the shape you might find, take a break and let a peaceful mind wander. Bonus points to the gazer who finds one that looks like a heart.

GET TO WORK

So, you’ve tried to have fun. And you’ve tried to relax. But everyone is still feeling a bit restless. Well, it has come to this, hasn’t it? Time to put the kids to work.

WASH THE DOG

While these days you might be going a day (or two?!) between showers or baths, the poor old pooch regularly goes for … how long?! Wow! But no judgment here. Really! We mean it! In any event, Cooper or Luna or Lola is probably ready for some scrubbing. Grab the garden hose and, preferably pup-friendly soap along with your pint-sized staff to get down to business. Don’t forget the towels … for everyone!

WASH THE CAR

Chances are your car is probably about as dusty as your office chair right now. And as long as you’re washing things, why not freshen up that Ford? While your little helpers may not have quite the technique of that detail guy down the street, you just might have a little fun in the process.

WATER THE YARD

Did you know that some people out West wash their cars (and dogs) in the yard to water the grass while getting things clean? Such is life in the arid parts of our fair country. If you’re not out West or otherwise didn’t think of driving a two-ton vehicle on that manicured lawn, tell the kids to go old school and water the lawn manually. With sprayer in hand, wander from corner to corner applying an even amount of water. Or, better, yet, stick your thumb over the end of the flowing tube and send those kids off screaming. They’ll have fun and you might just get a little relief from your own cabin fever.