Unplug and Explore the Great Outdoors: Kid-Friendly Outdoor Activities

With busy lives, the rise of modern technology, concerns about safety and the unpredictable British weather, it can be hard to encourage our children to spend time in the great outdoors. That said, incorporating some kid-friendly outdoor activities into your daily routine can have massive health and well-being benefits for the whole family.

Because we understand how important getting into the fresh air is for the whole family, we've put together comprehensive guides to the outdoor equipment Mumsnet's millions-strong network of UK parents think are worth spending your hard-earned money on. From the best trampolines to burn off energy and the best paddling pools for cooling down in a heat wave, to the best balance bikes for pre-schoolers and the best RC cars for a gift that'll get them active - we've got you covered.

The good news is, spring is finally on its way, but in the midst of a cost of living crisis, most families' budgets are far smaller than usual. Instead of spending a fortune on days out and entertainment, spending time outdoors can be far kinder on your purse strings whilst improving your kid’s physical and mental health too.

We’ve tapped into the wealth of knowledge in the Mumsnet forums to bring you a list of tried and tested ways to get outside with your kids in all seasons, The best part? These activities are all recommended by real parents and are free or low-cost, meaning you can enjoy them without worrying about the additional expense.

Why is it important for kids to spend time outdoors?

Spending time outdoors is scientifically proven to be good for our children’s overall health and well-being. Here are just a few of the benefits of outdoor play:

• Playing, climbing, running, being physically active and unrestricted with movement can improve your child’s motor development and reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

• Exposure to natural daylight, especially sunlight, can act as a boost of Vitamin D, which improves calcium absorption and keeps their bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

• From mood boosts to improved attention spans, to developing curiosity and creativity, there are loads of mental health benefits from outdoor play.

• You may even find your children sleep better after some exercise, thanks to the sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin.

The chances are we’re all aware of the benefits of outdoor play, but sometimes life gets in the way, with many of us admitting that our kids spend far more time indoors and on screens than they should.

“I remember headlines a while ago about how children in the UK on average spend less time outside each day than prisoners do!” - Mentioned by Mumsnet user Lazydaisydaydream

We could certainly learn a thing or two from our international friends; many of whom embrace spending time outdoors whatever the weather.

“My family in Scandinavia have kids outdoors all the time in all weathers - lots of nurseries are full-time forest schools and even in sub-zero temperatures, babies are put down for naps outdoors in prams’ - A European approach from OverTheRubicon

From outdoor activities your kids can enjoy in the comfort of your back garden to activities based further afield, here are our recommendations for fun free activities that’ll have the kids racing to get outdoors!

Free and low-cost outdoor activities for kids

1. Play with a mud kitchen

Kids love messy play, but the thought of doing anything that involves significant cleaning up means most parents avoid it like the plague. Why not take the mess outside instead?

A mud kitchen is a great way to allow children to have unrestricted creative play, from stirring up sloppy mud pies to gathering herbs and garnishes from the garden, taking ‘orders’ and even washing up the pans after use. Pop on their wellies and puddle suits, bring out the kitchen accessories and let their imagination do the rest!

Whether you're thinking of a DIY mud kitchen or shop-bought, check out our guide to the best mud kitchens.

What Mumsnet users say

“[The mud kitchen is the] best toy in the garden but my kids love water and mess.” - Recommended by Mumsnet user Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas

“Mud kitchen! Even just an old table set up with some water, soil and pots and pans - hours of fun whatever the weather.” - Enjoyed by Mumsnet user Lou573

2. Play garden games

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space of your own, heading outside for some garden games can be loads of fun, especially when the whole family gets involved.

Whether it’s a water balloon fight or running through the sprinkler in summer, to more active games like catch, ‘red light green light’ or a high energy obstacle course; the options are fairly endless. Best of all, garden games can get kids up off the sofa and increase their energy levels, all with a healthy dose of competition.

For calmer days, why not take their usual toys outside instead? Toys such as playsets, drawing, puzzles or playing with patio chalk outside can offer a great alternative setting for everyday play.

If you're looking for great garden games and toys, we've rounded up the best outdoor toys, as recommended by Mumsnetters.

What Mumsnet users say

“[We love] lots of active and dance games. Musical statues, musical bumps (if you can find something to sit on so they don't get wet), Simon says (things like 5-star jumps to keep them moving), What's the time Mr Wolf etc.” - Suggested by Mumsnet user user1495884620

“Chalk can be lots of fun - for drawing, hopscotch or water gun targets. It washes off in the rain or can be hosed down. We also used to set up obstacle courses.” - Recommended by Mumsnetter Barbarara

3. Family scooting or bike riding

Trying to encourage your child to go for a walk, especially one purely for enjoyment can be met with some resistance, but if in doubt, just add wheels.

Bike riding and scooting can be a great shared activity to spend time together as a family. Mumsnetters found that building in an element of choice and stopping somewhere fun along the way can encourage even the most reluctant of kids to get their trainers on and head out the front door.

If you're looking for new wheels for your kids, check out our guides to the best scooters, best kids' bikes and the best trikes for babies and toddlers.

What Mumsnet users say

“Find something that they really enjoy and use that. My daughter (3) loves going out on her scooter, so that's a surefire way to get her out of the house! She loves collecting things while we're out, like flowers, sticks and pinecones so we turn that into a game. Also, letting her take the lead on which way to go.” - A tip from Mumsnet user SerenityReynolds

4. Den building

Den building can be a fun and educational activity outdoors with your kids and can help  them become more familiar with their natural surroundings. From seeking out long straight branches for the frame to collecting smaller supplies such as twigs, dried leaves and grass for camouflage; building dens can also encourage communication, teamwork, problem solving and creativity.

What Mumsnet users say

“Get den building with them - we take a picnic and go for a walk to find a good place to build our den (turns a walk into an adventure which they are less likely to moan about!).” - Experience of Mumsnet user Laflouder

“We try and spend a couple of hours in the woods a day, usually, we do a picnic lunch and then the children do scavenger hunts and build dens” -  Advice from Mumsnet user brambleon

5. Treasure hunts / Scavenger hunts

Scavenger hunts offer a great incentive to get children off their devices and running around in no time and are ideal for siblings or groups to play together. Simply provide a list of items to find and a small tub or bag for collection, offering a prize for the child who collects the most items from the list. It could be simple items such as a daisy or stone, to slightly more challenging items such as a worm, ladybird or pinecone.

If you don’t have a garden or are a little more limited on space, you can even host a scavenger hunt at your local words or walk around your local neighbourhood - just choose your items wisely.

What Mumsnet users say

“You could do a Scavenger hunt? Look for coloured leaves, feathers, flowers and pebbles. She could collect some for a fairy garden or flower pressing” - Suggestion from Mumsnet user BabloHoney

“You can print treasure hunts from the internet and you can put the trail anywhere: back garden, the park or a wooded area. You can either reward them with a toy or sweet or you can reward them with later to bed one night or a few extra minutes on their Xbox/iPad etc. If you put the clues around your street (if it is safe), get the neighbour's kids to join in - a great way to meet them and their parents!” -  Top tip from Mumsnet user littlemonkey5

6. Gardening / grow vegetables

Gardening is not only a great way to spend some quality one-on-one time with your children, but can also be educational too - introducing them to new foods as they learn about seeds, growing their own and caring for nature.

Children will love scooping out soil, placing it in pots, adding their seeds and using them with the watering can to help them grow. Expect lots of excitement when the seedlings start to pop through the surface. You could even have a family competition to see who can grow the tallest sunflower or biggest tomato.

What Mumsnet users say

“We have a veg patch and my daughter (6) has 2 planters of her own and is currently growing peas and strawberries. She loves a good dig, often helped by our rabbit!” - Experience of Mumsnet user 5BlueHydrangea

“We have planted seeds and are going out regularly to feed them. My daughter loves playing with the watering can.” - Enjoyed by Mumsnet user Marsis

7. Nature spotting in local woods

Heading out to your local woods can offer a wonderful change of scenery, with a whole host of wildlife and birds to spot along the way. How many different types of birds can they see? Can they spot any footprints? What seasonal items can they collect? Younger children will love ‘going on a bear hunt’ or seeing if they can find The Gruffalo hiding amongst the trees.

The woodland experience can vary hugely with the seasons, but collecting fallen items such as petals or leaves can provide the perfect ingredients for a fun craft activity when you get back home. You should be careful that your children do not pick, cut or trample over wildflowers and leave them for others to enjoy, including leaving any animal habitats undisturbed.

What Mumsnet users say

“We love walking in the woods (we used to look for the Gruffalo or the little mouse and Shreks swamp)” - Suggestions from Mumsnet user ILiveInSalemsLot

“Try Autumn walks to collect leaves, pinecones, acorns etc and then home to make pictures with them” - Idea from Mumsnet user Chocolatetrifle

8. Head to your local park

If you have a small garden, or simply want a bigger space for the kids to run around, don’t forget to make use of your local park. Pack some bird seed (not bread) and head to the pond to feed the ducks. In Spring, kids will love seeing the chicks get bigger at each visit. Most parks have a playground or fitness area where the kids can let off some steam but don’t underestimate the joy that an outdoor picnic can bring.

What Mumsnet users say

“We always tried to do at least a walk or scoot, feed the ducks etc. Not fancy stuff but fresh air and exercise. Would have gone crazy staying in all day!” - Suggestion from Mumsnet user SleeplessWB

How do I find kids’ outdoor activities near me?

If you’re still struggling for inspiration, here are some ways to find outdoor activities for kids near you:

Get Mumsnet recommendations - Make the most of the Mumsnet forums. Ask for recommendations of tried and tested parent experiences for outdoor activities near you - you may just find some ‘hidden treasures’ that you didn't even know existed.

Facebook groups - Check out your local Facebook groups and tap into the knowledge and experience of locals.

Sign up for an annual pass - Whilst not free, signing up for annual passes for locations such as National Trust and English Heritage means you will always have somewhere local to take the kids at short notice. Buying in advance also means you can cut short your visit if needed (due to weather or a bad day) without feeling guilty. Many Mumsnet users ask for annual passes as Christmas gifts from family, providing a free source of entertainment all year around.

“A really good starting point is the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you are 11 and 3/4. It’s based on research that says if children have an appreciation for the outdoors and nature before 12 they will have one for life.” - Recommendation from Mumsnet user fyn

“We have several season tickets for various parks and attractions. Most are in the £30-50 range. My folks buy me one for Christmas as a family gift - it's lovely to know we can do something fun for free (and doesn't matter if we abandon the trip after half an hour if the weather is bad)” - Advice from Mumsnet user Allyo19

Getting kids outdoors when the weather is bad

Mumsnet user Gcalgske put it best when she said “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing…”

If you want to head outside whatever the weather, you simply just need to have the right gear. From a good puddlesuit to a decent pair of wellies, as well as layers to keep them warm and dry and gloves and hats if necessary.

If the weather is particularly cold or wet, accept that you might not be out for as long and find alternative things that can distract or entertain them along the way - from Peppas jumping up and down in muddy puddles to throwing poo sticks in the river or writing their name in the mud!

“Have the right gear - good waterproofs. Me and my two have had quite a few adventures in the torrential rain recently. They absolutely loved it.” - experience of Mumsnet user ThickFast

Remember, spending time outside doesn't need to involve elaborate plans and big expenses. Sometimes, just a little bit of fresh air, exercise and some family bonding can be all you need to make the day feel a little bit brighter.

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