80% of kids are reluctant to play outdoors and leave their devices full of games, social media, or texting. While this is unsurprisingly true, living a sedentary lifestyle at a young age is not healthy. Healthcare specialists warn parents—and kids of the health risks of staying most of the time indoors.

While technology is making our lives easy, there are tons of setbacks that affect our daily lives, health, and overall well-being. Kids these days are way far worse than our generation. As the weather starts to entice us to go out and have fun, parents resonate to various activities to keep their kids off the screen and closer to nature.

Now it's time to act and allow your kids to explore and be active. We've broken down the simplest outdoor activities your kids can do and guarantee that they'll indeed like this and engage more. Read along; you might be surprised that you'll like them too.

What Are The Best Outdoor Activities For Kids?

Whether you're moving to a new area or planning to do several home renovations to keep your family and kids off the screen is already a challenge. If you live in a community with an outdoor sports court, close to a park, or have an open space in the backyard, we've got the best ideas and activities to keep you and the kids moving, sweating, and interacting the right way.

You don't need to build a gymnasium-size play area to keep the kids active and play outdoors, off the screen, and monitor their physical and mental development. Simply do a local search for “the best Kids Activities nearby” and you are to sure find something they will enjoy, whether that be a trip to the local orchard, an afternoon at the play park, a picnic, or a day at the beach. There are simple and engaging activities your kids can try even in your backyard and still catch some sunshine and sweat.

As the average kid spends merely 5 minutes outdoors and approximately 7 hours or more indoors, on-screen, this digit is significantly alarming, and parents need a wake-up call. It's no one's fault, and there's no need to point fingers at who's the culprit. We're here for the best solutions, and one of them is to introduce exciting and straightforward outdoor play and activities.

1. Fun Court Games

If your community or backyard comes with an outdoor sports court, then you're in luck as there are plenty of fun and interactive activities to play with. Almost any ball game can be played in this open space and let your kids have fun, get the hype, catch up with sunshine, sweat, and tons of fresh air. In-Ground Basketball Hoops are designed to keep everyone moving, practice basic basketball techniques or improve your shooting games.

Besides the kids, parents will surely agree with us on this part. There are plenty of activities you can do if there's an outdoor sports court near you. The possibilities are endless, so are the games: volleyball, basketball, tennis, baseball, soccer, and more. Now, let your child practice what they learn online and show-off their skills.

You might be surprised to meet new kids on the block, and the next day, your kid is already out playing and having fun!

2. Scavenger Hunt

Whether a made-up treasure hunt in the backyard or the park, a scavenger hunt allows your child to explore and conquer new boundaries while learning several things and improving their sensory skills. From leaves, flowers, twigs, or pebbles, there are plenty of ways to hunt for unique treasure while having tons of fun.

Assuming you've played this game during your childhood, wouldn't it be nice to reminisce about memories that made a significant impact on who you are now? Why not let your child experience that too. The pleasure of exploring and having fun, being independent, and finding a treasure is something to look forward to, especially if they'll do it with siblings and friends.

3. Obstacle Course (Toy-made or Chalk)

What's all those boxes of toys in your attic if you'll just let dust sit off and play with them. Here's a twist, you can set up your home to be a unique host for an obstacle course directing the kids outdoors. Grab those cones, toy tunnels, pylons, and every possible thing that can "hinder" them from reaching the finish line (with a prize) fast.

Take advantage of working with various elements, including chalk, to keep the obstacles extra challenging. your child won't mind if you'll make extra effort to keep everyone moving and participating. This can be a new tradition and let the whole family bond too.

4. Riding A Scooter, Bike, or A Simple Walk

Gear up and put those trainers on; now is the time to have a routine walk outdoors. If you have pets, they need to have a walk and play to keep their health at a significant level. Allow your child to walk with your pet, ride their scooter or learn to balance with their bike. If you scooter or ride your bike to the nearest park, don't forget to bring the picnic basket too.

5. Water Games

When the weather is nice and all sunny, it's the perfect time to play with the water. Either swimming or playing in the backyard with their siblings—water bombs are the best way to soak, get the hype, and play outdoors. You can also turn things into a battlefield with a gel gun. Ditch the screen now, fire up the barbeque grill and let the sprinklers, water guns, or the pool ready. It's not always summer, so make the most of it.

Since there are still limitations to the normal activities, check whether you can head over to the beach and, from there, pitch a tent and gather seashells. So many simple things can make your child look forward to going outside.

6. Gardening

If the area is limited and there are no outdoor sports courts in the closest park nearby, how about letting your child grow their veggies in a pot? Perhaps a little space in the backyard can make more fun activities. Gardening is one of the best ways to let your child participate and have fun while moving and learning new skills.

If you have a more extensive gardening area, let your child dig, rake, water, or pluck some weeds. You can stroll to the nearest farmer's market or visit the closest farm where you can pick your fruits or veggies.

How Playing Outdoor Benefits Your Child?

Studies show that a child who spends more time playing outdoors is happier, more relaxed, and healthier than a kid who stays indoors watching tv. Being outdoors can also enhance short-term memory, cognitive skills, and concentration.

While you cannot find the perfect words to describe while going outdoors can improve a human's mood, better cognitive functioning, here are several benefits why going out is suitable for your child's physical and mental health:

It helps build confidence
Promotes imagination and creativity
It helps develop various sensory skills and stimulation
It teaches your child responsibility
it improves their creative thinking
It allows your child to move and improve motor skills
It reduces fatigue and stress
It lowers your child's body mass index
Improves mental and physical health
Improves the muscle strength
Improves self-awareness and bond with parents
Improves positive interaction with fellow kids
It helps them appreciate nature/outdoors more

Final Words

Don't let technology harbor the best time for your child to explore and have fun while outdoors. These simple and fun outdoor activities can be tweaked to meet your unique demands. Let you and your child move today and have fun bonding together. Simple steps can make a difference, and you might be surprised that your child will remember the times you went outside more than the time you bought them new toys.

6 Favorite Simple Outdoor Kids Activities