Outdoor Activities for Kids and Parents

Taking part in outdoor activities with a child provides many benefits. Most adults simply do not get enough exercise, and outdoor play can help to provide much needed physical activity for both the adult and the child. Similarly, many studies have shown that fresh air can really benefit the health of both adults and kids, helping to reduce stress and headaches and promote a sense of wellbeing. In addition, spending time with their children can help parents to bond with them and create stronger relationships.

Parachuting

Playing with a parachute is a unique and fun way for small or large groups of parents and kids to have fun outdoors. It is suitable for all ages and there are plenty of variations to keep everyone entertained. Parachute activities can include ruffling the parachute up and down, pushing it up into the air and then pulling it down to provide a ‘den’ for everyone to sit underneath and spinning the parachute with a child sitting in the middle of it. Parachuting is ideal for groups of eight to ten people, and it is very easy and great fun.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo is a unique variation on the classic game of tag and involves playing tag with closed eyes in a swimming pool. The game is ideal for playing on hot days, and is suitable for anybody who is able to stand up safely in the pool. It is best played in small groups.

Flashlight Hide and Seek

Children love hide and seek, as do their parents! One way to make the game unique is to play it with flashlights, in the dark. The hiders should be given five minutes to carefully find a good place to hide, using their flashlights, and after this time the seeker has to find them using their flashlight. The hiders should be encouraged to move around while the seeker tries to find them to make the game more interesting. This game is very exciting; however, it should only be played in a secure area, such as a garden, so that children cannot become lost, and obstacles such as an outdoor table and chairs should be removed from the play area. Flashlight hide and seek is medium in difficulty.

Wally Bally

This game involves two teams of people with water balloons, a volleyball net or something similar to divide the teams, and two towels. The first team places a water balloon on their towel and throws the balloon over the net, with the opposition trying to catch it in their towel and then throw it back. The team that bursts the least water balloons when catching them wins. Wally Bally is an excellent game, as it is great fun and can be played by people of all ages.

Dodgeball

Dodgeball is a family favorite and is sure to be a hit. Each team stands on a bench and the ball is thrown from bench to bench to try to hit the legs of the players. Players must jump or dodge the ball so that it does not hit them; any players who are hit by the ball are out. The last team to have players left on the bench wins. The game can be made unique by playing with water bombs instead of balls.

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This article was written by Katie Green, who specializes in family-related topics. She has recently become an auntie for the first time and is now interested in all things baby!