8 Free Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities

Are you looking for family-friendly outdoor activities?

Our family has made getting our kids outdoors a high priority, and the results are powerful. I’m revisiting this post today now that our oldest is a teenager, and I’m grateful that she still loves spending time outdoors.

8 Free Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities

If you’re looking for free outdoor activities for your family during this time, you’re in the right place.

Here’s our family’s list of fun ways to enjoy the outdoors together.

Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities:

1. Wildlife Scavenger Hunts

For this activity, I create a list of items we are likely to see in the forest near our home: pinecones, different colored rocks, ferns, various leaves, and other plants. We hike through the woods together and check each object off our list when we find it.

2. Obstacle Courses

Obstacle courses work in backyards, play parks, and wooded areas. Plan a short course, add a few obstacles to jump over, climb up, or shimmy under, and you’re all set. Our kids love to compete against themselves by being timed on these courses.

3. Treasure Hunts With Buried Treasures

Bury your treasure in advance, make your map, and you’re all set!

4. The Amazing Race

For this activity, you’ll need to plan the course in advance. Hide notes at various locations with each note leading to the next location. Put a prize at the final destination.

5. Photo Scavenger Hunts

Similar to a regular scavenger hunt, create a list and keep track of items spotted by taking photos. This is especially fun in the springtime when wildflowers emerge. It’s also a great way to learn to identify flowers.

6. Frog Egg Collections

Collecting frog eggs and raising them to full-grown frogs is a great family project. Read here for more details.

7. Tally Charts for Miles Traveled

One way to motivate children to hike is to create a tally chart and keep track of miles hiked. When you reach your goal (which will vary on the age of your children), celebrate in a simple way: ice cream, a campfire in the woods, or a prize that will motivate your children.

8. Go Geocaching

Geocaches are small containers containing toys and other trinkets. They are located in most parts of the world. Check out Geocaching.com for details. Our family loves Geocaching!

Find More Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities Right Here:

Additionally, I put together a new resource to share these ideas with you. Hours of Outdoor Fun includes 20 practical ways to get your family outside today. These free outdoor activities include printables for the scavenger hunts listed above, step-by-step instructions, and much more! This is a free gift from our family to yours! Click here for your free download.