Outdoor Activities
Outdoor play gets kids moving and exploring! Find outdoor activities and games for kids of all ages.
11 Fun Summer Camp Crafts and Activities to Try at Home
Kids don't have to go to an expensive camp to have a blast this summer! Bust summer boredom with these classic camp-inspired activities and crafts you can do at home with your kids. Find both indoor and outdoor activities for groups and individuals. read more
11 Survival Tips for Summer Boredom
All year long you look forward to summer. So why do you feel like you might lose your mind when school is out and you're at home with the kids – all day, every day? Here are some fun and affordable cures for your family's summertime, stuck-at-home blues. If your kids spend the day with a nanny or sitter, pass along these activities and tips for surviving until September. read more
5 Best Backyard Water Games for All Ages
Backyard water games are a blast for kids of all ages. When the temperatures start to rise, break out the hose and sprinklers and cool off with these wet and wild games. read more
6 Easy-to-Grow Garden Vegetables
Are you starting a garden, but don't trust your green thumb? Check out these easy-to-grow garden favorites! read more
7 Family Activities to Celebrate Screen-Free Week
Does your family spend too much time with their noses glued to screens, like computers, TVs, smart phones, the latest iGadget? If so, then perhaps give Screen Free Week a try. Screen free what? read more
7 Fun Driveway and Sidewalk Games for Kids
Looking for some classic outdoor games kids can play in the driveway or on the sidewalk, just like the good ol' days? From hopscotch to bubble-blowing contests, there's something for all ages. Best of all, you don't need a lot of equipment or a big backyard for these activities! read more
7 Winter Outdoor Learning Activities
Whether you've got snow or palm trees in your backyard, get yourself out there for some fun outdoor activities. When you're done with these, find ten more ideas for outside winter activities. read more
8 Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Day as a Family
Explore the beauty of nature with your children and them teach them the importance of caring for our planet, with these simple and meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day. read more
8 Fun (and Cheap!) Family Fitness Activities
Looking for some fun family "workouts" that feel more like play? Check out these simple outdoor activities that will get everyone in your family off the couch and help you bond while burning some calories. read more
A Cluckin' Garden in a Pot
A Cluckin' Garden in a Pot By Diana Dickinson Davis read more
Action Jumping
Action JumpingEach of these rhymes is meant for group jump rope. As everyone chants the rhyme, the jumper jumps while dramatizing the actions. I'm a little Dutch girl dressed in blue. Here are the things I like to do: Salute to the captain, bow to the queen, Turn my back on the submarine. I can do the tap dance, I can do the splits. I can do the hokey pokey just like this. read more
Adopt a Tree
Adopt a TreeTime 20 to 30 minutes Materials TreeTape measurerPaperPencil Directions Find a tree that you both think is special and adopt it.Explore it by touch. Measure its circumference.Research its variety and particular needs for optimal growth, and devote some regular time to caring for it. Extensions read more
Adventure Walk
Adventure WalkTime 20 to 30 minutes Materials None Directions Why walk on the same old route when you can head out on an adventure designed by your child? Let your child give directions for the route and follow along agreeably. Extensions read more
Aimed Long Shots
Aimed Long ShotsTime 20 minutes Materials 2 cones or other markersPlayground ball Directions Precision is the task you will work on with this activity. Mark a goal 6 to 8 feet wide to use for a target, and take turns aiming and kicking a ball that is laid on the ground so it lands between them.To assure success, the goal can be widened and the kicking distance shortened. Extensions read more
America's Top Family-Friendly Water Parks
There's no better way for parents and kids to cool off on a hot summer's day than with a plunge down a water slide. Here are some of our favorite family water parks around the country. read more
Aquarium Terrarium
Aquarium TerrariumAn Imagination Station Activity Age: 8 and upTime: 2 - 3 hours or lessType of Activity: Science Materials needed: read more
Astronomy Activities
Astronomy Activities Since the first child looked up and pondered the heavens, kids acrossthe ages have gazed at the moon and stars with a timeless sense of aweand wonder. read more
Attracting Butterflies
Attracting ButterfliesTime 10 to 20 minutes Materials Garden spot that can be viewed from a windowSeeds or plants that attract butterflies such as zinnias, marigolds, asters, hollyhocks, or other purple, yellow, and orange flowers Directions read more
Baby Beans
Children grow lima beans to find out about stages of growth in plants. read more
Backyard Camping
Backyard CampingMaterials Tent Sleeping bags Pillows Flashlight Snack Directions read more
Backyard Magic
Backyard MagicAges: 5 to 9 Indoor activity Materials: pillow case, fabric, or skirt; bulldog clip or clothespin; colored paper/paperboard, fabric paints, glue, crayons or markers, cotton, foil, felt, ribbons, streamers Your kids can have an enchanting time with some homemade magic get-up! A pillowcase, a large piece of fabric, a scarf, or an adult-sized skirt make an excellent child's cape. Use a bulldog clip or clothespin to hold the front of the cape together. read more
Backyard Picnic
Backyard PicnicMaterials Blanket Picnic food Outdoor toys Directions You don't have to trek to the park to have a picnic. Set up a picnic in your own backyard: Spread out a blanket, set up the goodies, and bring out the balls and other outdoor toys to complete the fun. In warmer weather, turn on the sprinkler or fill the kiddy pool for some water play. read more
Backyard Weather Stations
Backyard Weather StationsAge: Elementary and upTime: 2 hours or moreType of Activity: Backyard scienceMaterials needed: read more
Bath-Time Fun
Bath-Time Fun Bathtime (or pooltime) is fun time for your toddler. Playing with water is both fun and fascinating. Your child can see it, and he can touch it, but he can't hold it for more than a second before it washes out through his fingers. And pouring water, which can flow so smoothly, is not at all like dumping sand or any other solid. Old favorites such as rubber duckies or other floating animals will of course delight your toddler in the bath or wading pool. But almost anything else that floats (so long as it's safe) will also be a big hit. read more
Bedding Plants
Bedding PlantsMaterials Potting soil mix Milk cartons Used pony packs or small containers Plastic wrap Assorted seedsparsley, tomatoes, cabbage, chives, marigolds, zinnias, asters, sunflowers, squash, poppies Directions read more
Bike Challenge
Bike ChallengeTime 20 to 30 minutes Materials Scooters, bikes, and other vehiclesChalk Directions Draw an obstacle course to ride through and around. Extensions read more
Blowing in the Wind
Blowing in the WindTime 15 to 20 minutes Materials Several strips of lightweight fabric cut 3 to 4 feet long Directions This is another simple tool to encourage running. Cut a slit in the end of the strips of fabric and slide them onto your child's upper or lower arm.Attach 2 to 4 to each arm and head outside on a breezy day to move and run. Extensions read more
Breakfast in the Park
Breakfast in the ParkOur family often has picnic lunches and dinners at the beach, but I hadn't thought of having breakfast in the park until a friend suggested it. What a great idea for early risers-and you'll definitely beat the crowds! Materials Breakfast foods Blanket or tablecloth Sweatshirts Hot cocoaDirections read more
