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100 Fun Things to Do Outside This Summer at Home

Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff

Schools out for summer! We’ve created a list of 100 things for your kids to do outside this summer right at home! See how many of these you can check off the list this summer.

Related Article: 70 Things to Do with Kids at Home 

100 Fun Things to Do Outside This Summer at Home

Arts, Crafts, and DIY Activities for Kids

  1. Make DIY chalk paint, then decorate the driveway. Instructions here.
  2. Make and play with your very own water table. Ideas here.

    DIY comfortable water table for toddlers (via www.diynetwork.com)
    DIY comfortable water table for toddlers (via www.diynetwork.com)
  3. Collect and paint pet rocks.
  4. Create a DIY water wall. Instructions here. 
  5. Make DIY bubbles. Instructions here.
  6. Create a sheet masterpiece. Hang up an old white sheet and let the kids paint.
  7. Make a gameboard out of chalk. Ideas here.
  8. Make a homemade water blob. Instructions here.
  9. Make homemade popsicles. Ideas here.
  10. Tie-dye shirts, beach towels, shorts, dresses, sheets – anything! Instructions here.
  11. Create a fairy garden. Ideas here.
  12. Make a paper-mâché piñata and fill it with treats. Instructions here.
  13. Shadow trace your toys on a sunny day. Instructions here.
  14. Make slime. Instructions here.
  15. Create a DIY slip and slide with a tarp, water and some dish soap.
  16. Paint kind messages on rocks and leave them around your neighborhood.
  17. Make ice cream in a bag. Instructions here.
  18. Recycle old crayons by melting them in the sun. Instructions here.
  19. Press leaves and flowers into an old book or scrapbook.
  20. Paint with fruit or flowers. Instructions here.

    painting-with-flowers-nature-art-the-art-kit-pinterest
    Photo credit: theartkitblog.com
  21. Paint with a (clean!) fly swatter.
  22. Make a collage from things you find in nature.
  23. Create a toy car wash or bike car wash.
  24. Make pine cone bird feeders and hang them in a tree. Instructions here.
  25. Make leaf rubbings. Instructions here.
  26. Learn about the history and significance of totem poles and make your own. Ideas here.
  27. Paint with colorful ice. Instructions here.
  28. Plant a butterfly garden. Tips here.
  29. Weave with nature. Instructions here.
  30. Make a DIY composter. Instructions here.

    Image of supplies needed for Nature Cat Make a Composter activity.
    Photo Credit: pbs.org
  31. Practice hammering nails into scrap wood (with supervision).
  32. Fill a plastic container with toys for a frozen giant ice block. Instructions here.
  33. DIY giant pick-up sticks. Instructions here.
  34. Make your own giant Jenga game. Instructions here.
  35. Make a worm farm. Instructions here.
  36. Paint with water. Ideas here.
  37. Make friendship bracelets.

Nature and Classic Outdoor Activities

  1. Plant a garden. Here are a few tips for gardening with kids.
  2. Have a picnic. Bonus: Use ingredients from your garden!
  3. Practice photography skills by taking pictures of nature
  4. Go on a nature scavenger hunt around your neighborhood or backyard. 
  5. Build a mud kitchen. Ideas here.
  6. Enjoy storytime outside. Try a book about nature!
  7. Hug a tree.
  8. Keep an outdoor journal: Write or draw in a journal, documenting thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

    outdoor journal, things to do outside with kids
    A young adolescent girl writes or colors in a notebook or journal on a blanket on the grass on a sunny day. High quality photo
  9. Play nature i-spy.
  10. Go stargazing.
  11. Catch a lightning bug.
  12. Go puddle stomping after a storm.
  13. Look for shapes in the clouds. Bonus: Create stories with the shapes you see!
  14. Take an outdoor nap (in the shade).
  15. Have a bonfire.
  16. Collect and identify the plants growing in your yard.
  17. Climb a tree.climb a tree
  18. Build an outdoor fort.
  19. Play hide and seek.
  20. Find a quiet spot outside, close your eyes and meditate for five minutes.
  21. Go for a walk and measure how far things are from your house.
  22. Play in a sandbox.
  23. Catch and release bugs you find in your yard.
  24. Make a daisy or clover crown. 
  25. Use a magnifying glass to explore the world of insects
  26. Whittle some sticks.
  27. Design mud sculptures.
  28. Set up an outdoor movie night.
  29. Give the dog a bath with the garden hose.
  30. Help clean out the garage.
  31. Keep a list of the birds that visit your backyard.
  32. Hang up some lights, put on music and have an outdoor dance party.
  33. Have a tea party with stuffed animals and dolls.
  34. Decorate your bikes, especially for holidays like the 4th of July.
  35. Have access to water? Go fishing.
  36. Give the car a good wash.
  37. Set up a lemonade stand.
  38. Read a book under a tree.

Games and Sports

  1. Fly a kite
  2. Make an obstacle course. Ideas here.
  3. Learn how to do a cartwheel.
  4. Set up a backyard tightrope. Instructions here.
  5. Use non-toxic, washable spray paint to make a backyard twister game. Instructions here.
  6. Play backyard bingo.
  7. Use laundry baskets to play frisbee golf.
  8. Do a sack race with pillowcases.
  9. Run through the sprinkler.

    Run through the sprinkler. fun things to do outside in the summer time
    child jumping and playing through a sprinkler in a backyard on a sunny day
  10. Learn a new outdoor sport.
  11. Have a water balloon fight.
  12. Ride bikes.
  13. Play hopscotch.
  14. Play lawn checkers.
  15. Outdoor board games: Bring your favorite board games outside and enjoy playing them in the fresh air.
  16. Hula hoop.
  17. Learn to juggle.
  18. Set up makeshift bowling pins and use a ball to knock them down.
  19. Practice skipping rope.
  20. Play catch with a ball.
  21. Set up two goals and play soccer.
  22. Make a miniature golf course in your yard.
  23. Have a shaving cream fight.
  24. Have a water gun fight. 
  25. Play tag with a wet sponge.
  26. Play a game of marbles.
  27. Do outdoor yoga.
  28. Play balloon volleyball.
  29. Host an egg and spoon race.
  30. Use an old bed sheet to play a parachute game.
  31. Lace-up your shoes or rollerblades and play street hockey.

Have more suggestions on fun outdoor activities to try with kids? Send them to us at [email protected] and we will add them to our list! 

Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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