52 free things to do outdoors with kids

We always try to get out and about at the weekends as much as possible, I think we all need it after a week cooped up in offices and classrooms. Now that Spring will (hopefully) be here soon we’ll try and get outside after school as well for some fresh air and a bit of exercise.

Sometimes it can be difficult to think of things to do with kids that don’t cost lots of money, but often the free activities are the most fun! Getting out in the fresh air, exploring nature, and doing it all together as a family are what great childhoods are made of.

If you’re looking for some ideas to get the kids outside and away from iPads and TV screens, here are 52 free things to do outdoors with kids…

1. Go for a walk in the woods
2. Hunt for bugs
3. Collect different kinds of leaves to do crafts with
4. Play Pooh sticks
5. Do some bark rubbing
6. Go bird watching
7. Splash in puddles
8. Visit the beach
9. Collect shells and pebbles
10. Paddle in the sea and jump waves
11. Build sandcastles
12. Collect pebbles to paint at home later
13. Ride your bike, scooter or skateboard
14. Play catch
15. Blow bubbles
16. Make a daisy chain
17. Fly a kite
18. Climb a tree
19. Build a den
20. Plant some flowers
21. Make mud pies
22. Visit the park
23. Feed the ducks
24. Play hopscotch
25. Roll down a hill
26. Have a picnic
27. Go geocaching
28. Learn to hula hoop
29. Wash the car
30. Draw on the fence or path with chalk
31. Collect sticks to make a stick man
32. Wash your toys in soapy water
33. Make your own bird feeder
34. Go on a scavenger hunt
35. Make a bug hotel
36. Have a water fight
37. Build a campfire
38. Toast marshmallows
39. Catch butterflies
40. Learn to skip
41. Look for animal tracks
42. Go fishing
43. Pick blackberries
44. Collect conkers, acorns or pinecones
45. Hunt for fossils
46. Go crabbing
47. Paddle in a stream
48. Create your own obstacle course
49. Make perfume out of petals
50. Create a fairy garden
51. Walk a dog (yours or a neighbour’s)
52. Make a treasure map

I hope these suggestions for things to do outside with children have given you some inspiration! Which ones will you be doing this weekend?