FUN OUTDOOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS

Summertime is the ideal time for kids to be kids. Some of the best memories are made in summer, which is why it’s the perfect opportunity for planning activities to do with your kids. They can be as simple as camping in the back garden with your kids, or something more involved like an afternoon at the beach, or even a summer holiday in a new city. Along with lots of summertime activities and holiday ideas, we’ve included important tips for keeping kids protected while under the sun.

KEEP KIDS ACTIVE UNDER THE SUN - IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR SUMMER CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Here is a collection of ideas for outdoor activities that you can do with your kids, including ones that can be spontaneous, take place at home, don’t require much equipment, and pre-planned outings:

 

Water Balloon Fight

A hot summer’s day is all the more fun with a water balloon fight. If you don’t want to throw the balloons at one another, you could also throw the balloons against a wall. Draw a target with chalk to make the game a bit more difficult.

 

Gardening/Picking Fruit

Gardening is such a great way to get kids to appreciate where their food comes from. It’s easy to create a little container garden if you lack space, or if you have the room, create a raised garden bed, which is easy for both adults and kids to access. Plant some seedlings and watch the fruits of your labour grow. Another option is to visit a pick-your-own farm.

 

Geocaching Treasure Hunt

Turn your little ones into treasure hunters with this exciting game! Sign up to a geocaching site to get GPS coordinates to the little treasures buried all around your city or tow. All you need is a smartphone to find the treasures. Once your child finds the treasure, encourage them to replace it with a treasure of their own, to pay it forward to the next young treasure hunter.

 

Outdoor Sports

There’s nothing more classic than throwing around a ball in the back garden or on the playground, whether that’s football, rugby, softball, or kickball, you can have some competitive fun with the kids.

 

Family Bike Ride

Get the entire family together for a bike ride. This is especially great if you live in a cul de sac where there isn’t much traffic. Or go for a ride in the countryside where there is bound to be less traffic, making it safer for everyone.

 

Lemonade Stand

It’s every child’s rite of passage to run a lemonade stand at least once in childhood. Not only does it teach your child the value of money, but you might also spark their interest in business!

 

Impromptu Flea Market

Kids grow fast! They grow out of clothing, and they grow out of toys. So, how about a little mini flea market in the front yard? It’s another great way to give your child a taste for business.

 

Flying a Kite

Remember how excited the Banks children were to finally fly a kite with their father in the film Mary Poppins? It’s an old pastime, but a good one. You’ll want to pick a hill in an open area to catch the best wind for kite-flying.

 

Building a Sandcastle

This doesn’t have to happen at the beach. Your kids could build a sandcastle at the local playground’s sandpit or even at home if you happen to have a sandpit.

 

Going on a Picnic

Picnics are fun for kids of all ages. Gather up the picnic blanket and hamper filled with some favourite foods, and head to the local park, or even your back garden.

 

Visiting a Park/Playground

You don’t have to go very far to plan an exciting day for your kids. A simple outing to the local park or playground can lead to a day filled with fun and activity.

 

Visiting a Waterpark

There’s nothing more refreshing than wading in water on a hot day. And a public pool or waterpark filled with various pools, water slides, sprinklers, and much more will cool off the entire family on a hot summer’s day.

 

Water Sports

Whether you head to a local lake or a beach, water sports can be another way to enjoy summer. There are so many possibilities including canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, paddle boarding, and more.

 

Running Through Sprinklers

What's more fun than running through the sprinklers on a hot and humid summer’s day? It takes almost no effort to pull out the garden hose and set up a sprinkler on your lawn.

 

Backyard Camping

Go ahead and set up a tent in the backyard, and, if you want to go all the way, set up a little campfire and grill hot dogs and s’mores all while singing songs, telling spooky stories, or simply gazing at the stars after the sunset. Then it’s off to the tent at bedtime. If you must, you can still use the toilet in the house!

 

Kiddie Pool in the Garden

You don’t have to have an in-ground swimming pool for the kids to have some fun in the water in your own back garden. A kiddie pool – available in different sizes, so it can even fit on a small balcony – can do the trick!

 

Trampoline Jumping

Whether you or one of your neighbours owns a trampoline, this could be a really fun activity for kids. It’s also great for kids to let out pent-up energy. And be sure to join in the fun!

 

Bird Watching

Grab a pair of binoculars and head to the park or forest for some bird watching. It may help to have an avian guidebook with you so you can point out the different types of birds.

 

Skipping Rope/Hula Hooping/Hopscotch

Let your kids pick the activity they prefer – skipping rope, hula hooping, or hopscotch. You can turn any of these activities into a contest.

 

Cloud Gazing

Kids and adults alike will enjoy gazing into the sky in the afternoon. Lay down a blanket in the grass and everyone can lie down to gaze into the sky (wearing sunglasses, of course). Make a game out of it: Ask the kids to find shapes in the clouds.

 

Gathering Wildflowers or Leaves

Whether you’re on a hike or just a forest walk, the kids can gather flowers or leaves, which then can be pressed and saved in a nature scrapbook.

 

Outdoor Bowling Game

Gather up empty plastic bottles from your recycling bin, add a large ball, and you’ve got a game of bowling for the kids. The driveway or the sidewalk can serve as the bowling lane.

SUMMER OUTDOOR CRAFT IDEAS FOR KIDS

Crafting with your kids is an ideal activity to do outside in the summer, especially because you can keep the mess out of the house. Some of the following crafts also incorporate outdoor activity, which means your kids are getting to be outside under the sun for more summer fun.

 

Fortress

Gather up supplies that can be used to make a fortress, like cardboard boxes leftover from a move, crates, branches, twigs, etc. Help your kids build the fort, and then break out some child-safe paints and let them paint the fort.

 

Wind Chimes

Any numerous found objects can be turned into a wind chime, such as seashells, bark, twigs, hollow reeds, sticks, etc. Use twine to tie the objects together to create a homemade wind chime that can be hung on the porch.

 

Sundial

This is a fun way to teach kids about how the time of day is related to the sun. Start with a large board, then glue on 12 pebbles, and finally add a long twig to represent the hand of the sundial. Let your kids watch as the time changes as the day progresses.

 

Sidewalk Chalk Murals

A bucket of different colours of chalk will surely reveal your kids’ inner artist. Let them colour on the drive or on the pavement. Don’t forget to take photos of the masterpieces to add to your summer scrapbook.

 

Tie-Dye T-shirts

With just a few dyes, rubber bands, and buckets of water, you can create tie-dye t-shirts for your kids. And, of course, the kids can help, but make sure they wear clothes you don’t mind getting splashed with some extra colour.

 

Nature Diorama

Head out on a treasure hunt with the kids to find small objects that can fit inside a shoebox. Then, decorate the inside of the shoe box, by painting a background and then gluing in the found objects. Leave it up to your kids’ imaginations to describe the scene inside the diorama, such as a fairy’s garden or a troll’s den.

 

Melted Crayon Art

This is a great use for all those leftover, broken crayons you have laying around the house. Have your kids help sort the colours into shallow plastic cups. Keep similar colours together so that you don’t create muddy brown colours. Then, place the cups on a tray and set them out in the sun to melt. Once melted, your kids can paint with the melted crayons onto canvas. Or, if you have silicone ice cubes or chocolate moulds, they can pour the colours into the moulds, then freeze them, producing new crayons in fun shapes and vibrant colours. Or you can dip plain white candles into the different colours of melted crayons to create multi-coloured candles.

 

Painted Pet Rocks

Your garden is bound to have rocks. Let the kids go for a hunt to find the prettiest, smoothest ones. Then set out various colours of child-safe paint, and let the kids go to town painting them.

 

Sun Prints

For this project, you’ll need photo-sensitive paper. Then send the kids to gather flowers, leaves, branches, etc. Lay the collected items on paper and set them out in the sun. After a while, the paper will transform under the sun, taking on the image of the items placed on it.

 

Pinecone Birdfeeder

Instill a love for nature in your kids with this crafty project. Gather up some pinecones from the yard, park, or forest. Tie a string on the top part, spread peanut butter on the pinecones, and then roll them in birdseed. Hang each pinecone on a tree branch, and step back and watch the birds come to feed.

 

End-of-Summer Scrapbook

Don’t just let the memories of summer evaporate into thin air, take photos of all the moments, then print them out, and gather them up in a scrapbook. Add any pressed flowers or leaves from your nature walks, and any other mementoes that can fit in the pages of the scrapbook.

TIP FOR THE BEST SUMMER WITH KIDS

Here are some additional tips for spending quality time with your kids during the summer.

 

Spend Some Time Together With Your Kids Every Day

Set aside time each day to do some activities together to connect or simply have fun. You don’t have to make a huge production every day – it can be as simple as playing a game or relaxing together.

 

Structure Your Kids’ Days

Adding structure to your kids’ summer can help a lot, especially because summer can often break up the routine they’ve been used to the rest of the year. Give your kids’ days some shape, so they know what to anticipate. Set up a schedule, separating the summer days into mornings, afternoons, and evenings to make planning your children’s programs much easier.

 

Try Something New This Summer

Trying something new is always fun. Experiment and play around with creativity. If you’ve never done an art project with your child, this might be the time to start. Or, if you’ve never travelled with your child, this might be the perfect opportunity to do so.

 

Limit Technology

The more you limit your kids’ screen time, the better they’ll get at finding creative things to do with their time this summer. This means limiting the use of phones, TVs, game consoles, and computers.

 

Plan Ahead

Planning in advance is the best way to approach the summer. Plan outings for the weekends and activities for the evenings when the entire family is at home.

 

Don’t Be Afraid of Spending Time at Home

Children don’t need expensive and extravagant holidays to find happiness. There are plenty of fun and free things to do with your kids at home this summer without paying a penny.

 

Join in the Fun

You can’t underestimate how excited your kids will be when you join them in activities. Whether they’re jumping on the trampoline, playing kickball, or enjoying a game of hide-and-seek, you’ll be surprised how much fun they’ll have – and you’ll have – once you join them.

IDEAS FOR THE BEST SUMMER HOLIDAY WITH KIDS

There’s no shortage of fun summertime activities to enjoy with your kids! Whether you want to spend time at the beach, explore new cities, or take an exciting road trip, we’ve rounded up some ideas and tips on where to go, what to do, and the essentials to pack.

 

Where to Go

With so many options on how to enjoy your summer holidays, it can be a challenge to pinpoint the best activity for your family. To help you narrow it down, it helps to first choose where to go. Here are some ideas for a little summertime inspiration:

  • Water fun. Heading to the beach or a lake is never a bad idea on a hot summer’s day. Kids love splashing in the water, swimming in lakes, and playing on the beach. You can also use it as an opportunity to try new, fun things, like paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing.
  • Buzzy cities. Discover new cities in your area or take a longer trip via train or plane. Traveling is fun for kids and their excitement of exploring a new city will certainly rub off on you! Add in a bit of culture and go see a show at an outdoor theatre.
  • Nature immersion. Spending time outdoors is not only fun for kids, but also healthy! Take in nature with a hike in the forest, hills, or mountains. You can also go camping for an exciting night sleeping under the stars.
  • Theme parks. The summer could very well be synonymous with theme parks and water parks! Kids of all ages can enjoy the rides and games, plus going to a theme park or water park is a great excuse to eat kid-approved food.
  • Road trip. By stocking up on snacks and car games, kids will have a blast on a road trip! The best part about a road trip is that getting to your destination is half the fun.

 

What to Pack

Summertime activities usually require a few extra supplies. Preparing ahead of time means you’ll be ready for any excitement that comes your way! Consider what you’re planning to do, as some activities might require specific supplies and gear. In general, though, summer does have a few staples:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hats or caps
  • Bug spray
  • Bottles of water
  • Food
  • Blanket for an impromptu picnic.

Other than that, it helps to make a list of what to pack for your specific activity. For example, if camping, you’ll need camping supplies like a tent, sleeping bags, portable stove, etc. Or, if you go to the beach, you can pack swimsuits, toys, umbrellas, rash vests, all of which are a must.

 

What to Do

There’s so much to do in the summer months! What you and your families enjoy depends on your interests, but some examples include the following:

  • Go for a boat ride. Whether that’s in a motorboat, rowboat, or even a canoe, riding in a boat is instant fun for kids. You can rent boats on the lake, at the beach, or in a neighborhood park.
  • Rent bikes. A bike ride for the entire family is an excellent option for summer fun. Find designated bike paths through new cities or in parks and stop along the way to get ice cream or have a picnic lunch.
  • Play in the park. Whether you stick to a city park or head out into the countryside, a day at the park or local playground might be all you need to have a little fun. Bring some equipment like balls, a kite, or picnic supplies.
  • Play outdoor games. Even if you stick to your own garden, outdoor games are a lot of fun. Try playing horseshoes or bowls!
  • Go to the zoo. Kids love animals, as do many adults. Going to the local zoo is a fun way to pass the time as you learn all about the world’s creatures. Or try to spot animals in their natural surroundings, such as at a nature reserve. Take some binoculars with you and try to spot as many critters as possible!

TIPS FOR SPENDING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN: BEACH HOLIDAY

Summertime and the beach go hand in hand. A day playing in the sand, relaxing in the sun, and swimming in the surf is a day well spent. To make the most of your time at the beach, consider the following:

  • What to pack. Days at the beach are different than days playing at the park or hiking in the countryside. To enjoy your time at the beach and stay safe and comfortable, there are a few necessities to pack:
  • Sunscreen. A broad-spectrum, waterproof, and kid-friendly sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ is your best bet for keeping your kids’ skin protected from the damaging effects of the sun. As an addition to sunscreen and to provide more protection from UV rays always wear protective clothing, sunglasses and use a beach umbrella/tent.
  • Hats/caps. Cover your kids’ delicate skin with hats or caps. Bonus if they have a wide brim or neck flaps.
  • Sunglasses. Eyes are just as vulnerable to sun damage, so a pair of UV filtering sunglasses are great on bright days. Plus, kids love wearing them!
  • Beach towels. Towels designated for the beach are usually longer, wider, and more absorbent. You’ll thank yourself later for getting one of these rather than just grabbing a bath towel from home.
  • Swimsuits & rash vests. Of course, swimsuits are a must when hanging out at the beach! Go a step further and get swimwear with UV protection built in.
  • Cooler with bottled water and food. Staying hydrated is important, especially when spending so much time outside in the sun and hot weather. Keep yourself and your kids safe by drinking water regularly and eating hydrating snacks like fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Beach umbrella & tent. Although sunscreen can filter some of the harmful UV rays, it’s best to keep kids shaded as much as possible.
  • Beach ball or frisbee. The sea offers a near endless source of entertainment, but you can vary your activities by bringing toys like beach balls, frisbees, kites, and more.
  • Plastic buckets, shovels, and sandcastle moulds. Enhance your kids’ fun at the beach by bringing sandcastle-building materials. You can even make a friendly competition out of it!
  • What to do. Now that you know what to bring, the question remains, what should you do with your children on the beach? With all the supplies listed above, you surely won’t run out of ideas for entertainment! But if you need some inspiration, consider the following:
  • Build sandcastles. As mentioned above, have fun building sandcastles and even make a competition out of it! When you have finished ask your kids if they’d like to destroy them. For some, that’s the best part!
  • Swim or wade in the sea. The most obvious thing to do at the beach with kids is to enjoy the sea. Kids love swimming, slashing, or playing games in the surf.
  • Play volleyball. Bring a net and something to secure it, then for a more kid-friendly version of the popular game, use an inflatable beach ball. You can also play in the shallow parts of the sea!
  • Toss a frisbee. Frisbee is always fun for kids, as it elevates the cherished game of playing catch. The best thing about tossing the frisbee on the beach? You can dive for it in the sea!
  • Go for a walk. Beachcombing is truly underrated. A simple stroll along the surf can be very relaxing for your kids and they can play games or find treasures along the way. (Be sure to look up any local guidelines about taking items from the beach, as many advise against it.)
  • Collect seashells. Again, it’s best to check with local guidelines, but if allowed, you can collect seashells or other beach goods with your kids and use your finds for future craft projects.
  • Play a game of ‘I spy’. While walking along the beach or cooling off in the shade, play a few rounds of the classic game ‘I spy’. On a busy beach with lots of activity, the game is even more fun and challenging!
  • Play family tug-of-war. This game is extra fun on the beach because you can dig a hole along the shore, fill it with seawater, and watch the losing side get a little muddy! Luckily, you can jump in the surf to clean off.

TIPS FOR SPENDING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS WITH CHILDREN: MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

Perhaps your family is more interested in spending time in the mountains, or maybe you’d like to spice up your summers and explore both the beach and the hills! In that case, your list of what to pack and activities ideas is slightly different.

  • What to pack. Although some supplies for a mountain adventure remain the same for spending time at the beach, there are some distinct differences that you won’t want to forget.
  • Sunscreen. Again, go for a kid-friendly, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF50+. Since you won’t be playing in water.
  • Bug spray. Bugs love the shade and moisture of the mountains, so bug spray is a must for avoiding itchy bites the next day.
  • Hats/caps. Keeping the sun out of your face goes for both the beach and mountains. If you’re hiking, opt for wide brims or neck flaps to avoid sunburn on those extra vulnerable parts.
  • Hiking boots. Although it’s tempting to head out into the wilderness in trainers, a good pair of sturdy hiking boots will support your kids’ feet and ankles and help prevent injury.
  • Tent. If camping, you’ll need a tent! Don’t forget all the supplies that come with it, like a rain cover and stakes for keeping it secure in the wind.
  • Sleeping bags. Remember that, even in the summer, higher elevations can get quite cold at night. A sleeping bag is your best bet for making sure your family stays warm through the night and early morning hours.
  • Cooler with bottled water and food. Just like at the beach, don’t forget provisions. Staying hydrated is also important when exploring the mountains but opt for snacks that offer a bit more energy, like granola bars, trail mix, and peanut butter sandwiches.
  • Binoculars. What’s that in the sky? Binoculars can make a day in the mountains a lot more fun! Create a challenge by trying to find as many birds as possible.
  • Compass. Teach your kids hiking safety by showing them how to use a compass. Not only will it keep you on track, but it’s also fun for kids to watch how the compass changes direction.
  • What to do. The mountains don’t offer the same array of activities as the beach, but the classic pastimes are a big source of entertainment for families and kids. Even just a standard hike can do the trick! But if you’re looking for more ideas to keep your little ones entertained in the mountains, consider the following:
  • Bird watching. Bird watching has been around for centuries, but recently it has gained a lot of interest. There’s just something about watching animals in their natural habitat, and birds are usually colourful, beautiful, and interesting to watch. Don’t forget binoculars, an avian guidebook, a camera, and a notebook for tracking which species you find.
  • Collect forest goods. In some areas, a leave-no-trace mentality is encouraged, so just like taking items from the beach, check with local guidelines before collecting anything. However, if you get the green light, bring a small bag and gather some leaves or pinecones for future craft projects at home.
  • Press flowers. Again, check the local guidelines and make sure you’re not grabbing any threatened or poisonous species. But if allowed, pick wildflowers for a bouquet or for pressing in scrapbooks.
  • Compass fun. To practice using a compass and learn the importance of this tool, you can play some games with it! Ask your kids to find specific directions or map the trail as you walk.

CARE FOR YOUR KIDS' SKIN UNDER THE SUN

Being under the sun in the summertime is undoubtedly fun for kids, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with risks, namely sunburn. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburn, eye damage, premature skin ageing and wrinkling, and may lead to skin cancer at a later stage in life. That’s why it’s so important for everyone, especially kids, to wear sunscreen.

 

Why Do Kids Need Specific Sun Protection?

The lighter your child’s skin, the less melanin, the more prone they are to the effects of harmful UV rays. Protect your kids’ skin every time they head outdoors, whether it’s playing in the garden, hiking, swimming, playing on the beach, etc.

Here’s how to protect your child’s skin when they’re outdoors:

  • Use sunscreen. Regardless of your child’s skin tone, use a sunscreen that’s a minimum of SPF50 or higher. Also, make sure that the product is broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) and is water-resistant. It’s important to apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day as the sun’s harmful rays can penetrate the skin in any weather. Be sure to use a generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed areas of your child’s skin and reapply often, especially if they’ve been in the water.
  • Avoid the sun’s strongest rays. The sun is the most powerful – and harmful – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this time, kids should stay in the shade as well as be covered with sunscreen.
  • Cover up properly. When your kids are outside, besides wearing sunscreen, they should also be wearing clothes that offer good UV protection, garments that aren’t easily see-through. Unless you’re at the beach, it’s best kids wear baggy long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. Kids over 3 years old can wear short sleeves as long as they’re protected with sunscreen. Babies under 6 months should wear sunscreen if sun exposure cannot be avoided, but ideally should be kept in the shade and out of direct sunlight entirely.
  • Use sunglasses. The sun’s rays can damage the eyes just as much as the skin. Continued sun exposure can lead to cataracts later in life. Opt for sunglasses that have full UV protection. Let your child choose a fun pair of sunglasses so that they’ll be more inclined to wear them.
  • Double-check your child’s medications. Unfortunately, some medications may make your child’s skin more sensitive to sun rays. Check with your pediatrician and be sure to read labels before heading outside with your child. If your child must take the specific medication and must go outside, be sure to take extra precautions with your child when outside, which can include wearing long sleeves, long trousers, a hat, and sunglasses.

CHOOSING THE BEST SUNSCREEN FOR KIDS

When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen for your baby or child, NIVEA has your kids covered!

CONCLUSION: KIDS AND SUNSCREEN

Make this summer truly memorable with fun outdoor activities you can do with your kids, weekend outings, and holiday trips. Your kids will surely have a blast making unforgettable memories with you. And, by the end of the season, you’ll have enough photos and mementoes to fill a scrapbook.

Sunburns shouldn’t spoil your children’s summer holidays! Using sunscreen before your kids head outdoors can help prevent sun-damaged skin and ensure your kids are having fun while being protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Always read the label and follow the directions of use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.

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