Whether it is winter or summer there are plenty of activities that can be done outside.
From going to the beach to snowboarding to just sitting around the campfire there are outdoor activities for everyone.
Oftentimes the weekend comes around we are sitting there wondering what we can do.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ideas out there!
Here are just a few to help you out:
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Activities in the Winter
Boating/canoeing
In the winter boating and canoeing are fast, fun, and easy to do.
We recommend checking out your local leisure centers that will supply everything you need and make sure you take something warm to wear.
Since it is the winter, ensure you keep yourself hydrated and pack enough food to the last day. Otherwise you will feel dehydrated and low on energy.
Building a fort or igloo
If you are a keen DIYer, then this will be right up your street! If you do not have the tools already, try borrowing them from a friend or family member who does so you can build a fort the family and especially the kids will love.
Building a snowman/woman
Probably the most popular activity to do with your kids in the winter is building a snowman/woman. It is cheap to do (free snow) and will keep the kids occupied for hours!
Camping/hammocking
Who doesn’t want to spend time in nature? Even though camping and hammocking seem like summer activities, a lot of families are choosing to take their camping trips in the winter.
Cross country skiing
In the winter a lot of parks and recreation centers will produce trails for you to go Cross Country Skiing. Check with your local center for times and dates.
Not only is this activity fun to do, but it will also keep you fit and healthy.
Downhill skiing/boarding
One of the least popular on the list and pretty specialist, this is something that most will not have the opportunity of doing. However, if you are lucky enough to live near a ski resort or an area with a lot of hills or mountains, give downhill skiing a go!
Fishing
You can either go normal fishing or winter fishing. Depending on where you live and if you have nearby lakes or rivers, this can be a cheap and enjoyable pastime.
Gathering around the campfire
Whether you are out camping or sitting in the back garden, sitting by a campfire is a great activity to do with the family.
Go For Walks
This is something that can be done all year round, but in the winter it is especially fun. You tend to appreciate your surroundings more when there is snow around you.
Going on a hike or walk in the woods
Similar to the last point, but actually walk, ride or drive to your local woods and go on a hike.
This will be great for the kids as it keeps them active and you can admire the wonderful views your local woods have to offer.
Just make sure you don’t risk it and go hiking on your own. It is much safer to hiking as a group.
Going to an outdoor movie
If this makes your list, just ensure you wear something warm and wrap up! In the winter you tend to get colder more easily when sitting still, so make sure you are prepared.
Outdoor Movies have been around for several years and with the price reduction on projectors, more and more families are investing in them.
Going to the Zoo
Fancy seeing some exotic animals in the winter? Check out your local zoo! In the colder months, a lot of zoos will have special activities for families.
Hot tub
Just because it is cold outside, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice hot bath!
Hot tubs are great for this time of year because you can feel both the cold air and the heat from the water.
Related: Can I Add a Hot Tub to My Deck? (HMMM, YES AND NO)
Hunting
Popular all year round is hunting. Hunting can be done in the winter for fun or to get food during the cold months of the year.
Ice skating
We recommend going to an outside icerink instead of trying it on your local lake.
If there are short periods of freezing weather ice skating may be available at your local leisure center or rink.
Outdoor concerts
In a lot of cities in the US, they have outdoor concerts. When this is on it serves as a great activity for all ages and will keep everyone occupied for a few hours! Oftentimes, this happens at Christmas and New Year.
Roast marshmallows
There’s no better way to end the day than to go out with your family and friends, roast marshmallows, and tell scary stories.
Scavenger hunting
Since most things in the winter are covered in snow, this will be a real challenge for you and your children!
Skiing
You can either go skiing at your local ski resort or go to the nearest hill and try it out there.
The benefit of going to a local center is they will have all of the equipment you need to ski.
Check out our article – Is Downhill Skiing Harder Than Cross Country? if you were thinking of trying either downhill or cross country skiing.
Sledding
This is one for both small kids and big kids! The feeling of going downhill on a sled is amazing and will keep the kids occupied for hours.
Snow forts
Building a snow fort is one of the most popular activities to do with your kids in the winter.
It is cheap to do (free snow) and will keep the kids occupied for hours! However, you would need a lot of snow before you can build one.
Snowball fights
What better way to get your own back on family members than to have a snowball fight?
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is such an awesome way to get outside in the winter. You might be forgiven for thinking this is an extreme sport, but, it is actually gaining in popularity every year.
It is great exercise, and parents catch on quick that it can be a hobby that will keep their kids busy for hours outside.
Snowmobiling
If you are lucky enough to live near some open fields, you can go snowmobiling! If you haven’t got a snowmobile you could probably hire one.
Snowshoeing
This activity has gained some popularity lately as well. Snowshoeing is fun because you can go pretty much anywhere where there is snow on the ground and just start walking.
It’s a good way to spend an afternoon with friends and family members, especially those who aren’t big into winter sports. After all, why sit around inside on a beautiful day?
Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is the latest snow sports craze. You can either go at a ski resort or hire your own tube and go down the hill yourself.
Stadium Tours
This one is for those who like sports! If you have stadiums nearby, be sure to take a tour as they are interesting and let you see parts of the stadium that aren’t open to the public usually.
All kinds of sports have stadiums nearby, so take advantage!
Stargazing
Stargazing in the winter is great! Some have even said that you can see more stars in the winter than at any other time of year.
Tobogganing
Check your local leisure center/go-kart track if they have any sessions available for tobogganing.
They provide the sleds and helmets!
If you feel like being a bit more adventurous, buy your own toboggan…it’s cheaper than you think! Just try to avoid hills with traffic on them.
Tracking animals in the snow
Now, this isn’t something you would do every day, but if you have a keen interest in animals, then try to find out which animals live near where you live.
You can go out on specific trails that are set aside for this purpose and track them down!
Winter swimming
Some may call this brave and others would call this stupid. If you want to go ahead and try winter swimming, then, this is the activity for you! This activity will get your blood flowing and your adrenaline pumping.
Activities in The Summer
Go to the beach
There’s no better place to go in the summer than the beach. You can even make a day of it and pack a picnic.
Camping
The thought of sleeping under the stars with all of your family members sounds like a great idea, right?
This is one activity that you can do whether you have children or not. Just make sure to check the weather forecast before you go!
It is also a good idea to get yourself organized before you go regarding what and how much food you intend to take.
Fishing
Fishing is something that everyone should try at least once in their lives. The feeling you get when you take home a good catch and then cook it up for dinner that night is priceless.
There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than this…or there isn’t so far!
Go to an Amusement Park
Looking for something with some fun and excitement? Go to an amusement park! The choice is vast, so you are sure to find one in your state/country somewhere.
Go on a boat ride
This works well whether you are by the sea or not. Boat rides can be quite relaxing and let you take in the beautiful scenery around you.
Not only that, but they will help you to get rid of any built-up stress that may have been piling up throughout the week.
Go tubing down a river
This activity probably sounds familiar because it is just like snow tubing…but in water instead!
If this sounds good to you, then check out your local leisure center’s activities schedule for times when they run these sessions..you won’t regret it!
Grilling out
Similar to having a barbecue, you can grill out with friends and family members either inside or outside your house.
The summer is warm, so it doesn’t matter where you do this activity as long as you still get to enjoy yourself…and the food!
Attend an outdoor concert
Whether you go to a local concert or a larger pop concert, there is no denying that this activity will be great!
Just make sure to check the weather forecast before you go as some concerts might even be canceled due to bad weather/
Go on a road trip
Road trips are fun and exciting. You never know what you might end up seeing along the way, so take advantage of the ‘unknown’.
Ride a Ferris Wheel
Even though they have been around for years, Ferris wheels are still just as exciting as they were the first time. If you haven’t gone on one before, then now is your chance!
Be a Tourist in Your Own City
When was the last time you took a wander around your nearby town or city? You may have been living there for a few years and not realized just how much there is to see. Get your camera ready and go explore!
Go 24 hours without the tv or internet
This may make a few of you shudder at the thought, but what better way to detox from the day-to-day muck that’s been clogging up your mind?
If you haven’t tried this before we recommend you do, and you never know, it might be the most enjoyable 24 hours you’ve had in a long time.
Bird/Wildlife Watching
If you very rarely spend much time in nature, then you have got to try bird and wildlife watching.
It is a lot more peaceful than you would imagine, and it will calm your mind like nothing else.
Horseback riding
You can either take lessons if you have never ridden a horse before or go along with a family member or friend who already knows how.
This activity is great because not only do you get to see some beautiful scenery, but you will also be given the opportunity to bond with your horse.
Play Tetherball
Tetherball is a great game for kids and adults alike, and it can be played in many different places.
Just make sure the area is big enough to fit a tetherball pole…otherwise, you might end up breaking stuff!
Activities With The Kids
Build a fort using lawn furniture
There’s no better way to enjoy being outside than with the kids than building a fort using lawn furniture.
You can grab two chairs, put them at right angles to each other, then lay the table down with one of the legs resting on top of the chair backs. Use rope or bungee cords to hold it all together.
Going for a bike ride
Taking the family out on a bike ride is a good opportunity to spend some quality time with your kids.
Plus, you get outside and exercise at the same time! What more could you want?
Hiking
Who hasn’t gone hiking before? This is another one of those activities that many people love to do with their family. You don’t even need to go too far.
You can simply travel to your local woodland area and take a stroll.
Light a fire and roast marshmallows
If you like barbecuing, then this is for you. You don’t even need to go camping to enjoy roasting marshmallows over an open flame.
Simply light the barbeque and place some marshmallows on a skewer and enjoy!
Swimming
Everyone loves swimming, especially if you live in a hot climate. It is great exercise too.
If you don’t want to go the pool route, then head down to the local beach or lake and have some fun splashing around in the water.
Hanging out in the hammock
Is there anything better than hanging out in a hammock on a hot summer day?
Your backyard is probably large enough that even if it’s crowded your kids can find some place to hang out and just chill.
Fly paper airplanes
One of the oldest activities on the list is flying paper airplanes. You can buy a pack of paper planes or just use any paper you have lying around the house…the more odd-shaped it is, the better! Let your imagination run wild.
Facepainting
If you visit your local craft store you should be able to pick some face paint up fairly cheaply. They should even have stencils for you to cut out and use!
Playground games
Not everyone likes playground games, but there are some people who can’t get enough of them.
If this is you then head down to the local park and take part in all kinds of activities like hopscotch or tag games.
You can also buy your own equipment so that you can play these games at home. It’s fairly cheap too.
Mini golf
Mini Golf is one of those timeless classics that will never grow old. Head down to your local mini golf course with the family and enjoy a game together. Plus, it’s great exercise!
Outside trampoline
In the last five years, outside trampolines have become massively popular. If you have a big backyard, then this is one of those outdoor activities that you can’t afford not to have!
Make wind chimes or wind catchers
There are lots of different types of DIY kits for making wind chimes or wind catchers.
You can make them out of practically anything like old CDs or milk jugs! If you want to go really crazy, then use both!
Draw a hopscotch board with chalk
This is an oldie but goodie-type outdoor activity. Draw a hopscotch board with chalk onto your driveway, play a few games, and have some fun.
It’s even better if you invite friends over to join in the fun!
Backyard camping (with sleeping bags and campfire)
Who doesn’t love the great outdoors? Sleeping out under the stars is an activity that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
All you need are some good quality sleeping bags and proper outdoor equipment like a tent and you’re good to go.
Water balloon fights
A water balloon fight can be quite messy but it’s also one of those outdoor activities that everyone loves doing during the summer months.
The great thing is, your kids will love it so much they’ll probably start begging for one-on-one battles!
Build your own treehouse
If you have the time, tools, space, and money then building your own tree house is one of those amazing experiences that will stay with you for life.
Not only is it great fun hanging out in them, but they are perfect places to store all kinds of outdoor toys too!
Fly kites
If you choose a windy day and head down to a park you’ll be surprised at how many people are flying kites.
You and your kids should have no problem finding somebody there that will let you join them in their fun.
You can either buy a kite or make your own with a few sticks and some paper.
Go out for a picnic
A picnic is a fun way of spending time with your kids and enjoying the great outdoors.
Pack a blanket, some drinks, good quality food, and head on out to a park or even your own back garden.
Go road biking or mountain biking
Going for a bike ride or even trying a local bike trail is a great way to get the whole family active. Even if you don’t want to cycle, it’s worth heading out just for some fresh air!
Make a birdhouse
Building a birdhouse can be done with practically anything, such as an old shoebox or even some old wood!
Make sure you clean out whatever material you use before painting over it so it doesn’t attract unwanted pests or creatures.
Once painted, find somewhere inside your yard and place it for the birds to live in.
Host a dance party
This is definitely one for the school holidays! Grab some speakers, load up your phone with good music, and invite your kids over to host a dance party.
This is ideal if you have an open backyard or large living room space. Make sure there are no breakables or valuables nearby though!
Build a mud kitchen
If it’s not raining outside, then grab the spades and buckets and build a mud kitchen for your kids!
They’ll love getting messy while playing in their own little ‘house’ that they’ve created themselves.
Activities With Adults
Surfing
What better way to spend time with your friends than to take a surfing lesson? It can be as short as an hour, but it’s a great way to bond and remember the ‘good old days before work and children.
Take a group hike through your surrounding woods or fields
There’s nothing quite like getting outside and exploring new paths than by going with friends and loved ones.
You might even discover a new trail that hasn’t been used for decades but is still in perfect condition.
Camping
Camping is one of the more popular activities on this list. It can be done with just a tent and some food, or you can bring the luxuries of the city along with you. Either way, it’s a great time to bond and wake up in nature.
Hiking
Another popular activity on these lists is hiking. It works for most ages, and it’s a great way to get in touch with your surroundings.
Whether this is done locally or you take a drive out to the mountains, it’s an ideal way to spend your day.
Swimming
This is another activity that most people enjoy. If you’re thinking of doing something in the pool, then consider swimming with friends and family members.
Yoga
So popular as indoor activity, yoga can also be done outside or even in a local park with others.
There are several different types of yoga you can do, so give it a try. It’s definitely better than having to go to the gym by yourself every single day.
Fishing
Another great outdoor activity is fishing, especially in warmer weather when you can bask in the sun while doing something productive.
This usually requires at least one other person but it’s well worth it when you bring home dinner that night or take fish fry lunches with coworkers.
Kayaking
Why not kayak down your local river? Have fun on the water without getting too wet! This can be done both in the summer and winter months.
Backpacking
Backpacking is usually more of an ambitious trip-style rather than a quick weekend trip. However, it’s perfect for those who want to go out and explore new areas where few other people have been.
Canoeing
Rent a canoe if you’re looking for an activity that will allow you to float down your local rivers or seas. You can travel quite far without having to do much work at all, which makes this ideal for the lazier adventurers out there!
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Main Image – Photo by Yogendra Singh
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