The Many Little Joys

You are here: Home / Archives for Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities

Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt: an easy way to capture cute fall photos of kids

Do you want to get some adorable fall photos of your kids at the pumpkin patch this year? Get kids on board by turning the photo shoot into a game with this free printable pumpkin patch scavenger hunt for kids!

Do you want to get some adorable fall photos of your kids at the pumpkin patch this year? Get kids on board by turning the photo shoot into a game with this free printable pumpkin patch scavenger hunt for kids!

Visiting the pumpkin patch each year is one of my favorite parts of fall. And it’s hard to resist wanting to take some adorable pictures of your own little pumpkins as they wander through the fields.

The problem is that, if your kids are anything like mine, they have no interest in pausing to pose for your perfect photo op. They are far too busy exploring and playing to sit still and say cheese!

But what if you could let them play AND capture the perfect fall photos you dream of?

…

Read More

Silly sidewalk chalk jack-o-lanterns: an easy Halloween activity for kids

Sidewalk chalk isn’t just for summer! The next time you have one of those perfect-weather fall days, head outside and get creative by making these sidewalk chalk Jack-o-lanterns with your kids!

Sidewalk chalk isn't just for summer! The next time you have one of those perfect-weather fall days, head outside and get creative by making these sidewalk chalk Jack-o-lanterns with your kids!

If there is one tradition that defines Halloween (other than trick-or-treating), it’s got to be…pumpkin carving!

Have you carved yours yet?

If you haven’t carved (or painted) pumpkins yet, this activity is a great way to get kids thinking ahead of time about how they want to decorate their pumpkins. And if your family has already decorated your pumpkins, it can be a fun way to bring to life different ideas you didn’t use for the real deal.

…

Read More

Hiking Treasure Map for Kids: A Fun Adventure

Want a simple outdoor activity to engage your kids while hiking? Try a hiking treasure map to make your next nature adventure into an epic quest!

Want a simple outdoor activity to engage your kids while hiking? Try a hiking treasure map to make your next nature adventure into an epic quest!

Hiking is one of my favorite summertime activities. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…the mountains are my happy place. Being in nature feeds my soul and brings out the best in me.

We go hiking pretty regularly during the warmer months, and as much as I love it, I’ll be the first to admit that hiking with kids can sometimes be…challenging.

To make hiking more enjoyable for kids, I’ve found it’s essential to add elements of fun and excitement.

…

Read More

Creating a Nature Cutting Tray for Kids: A Fun and Educational Activity

Encourage your kids to discover the beauty of the natural world and develop fine motor skills with this simple nature cutting tray activity.

Encourage your kids to discover the beauty of the natural world and develop fine motor skills with this simple nature cutting tray activity.

Are you looking for a new way to invite your kids to play outdoors? Try creating a nature cutting tray! It’s a simple activity to spark your children’s creativity, enjoy some fresh air, and develop fine motor skills.

…

Read More

20+ fun water balloon games for kids (beyond having a water fight)

Keep kids entertained and cool this summer with some creative water balloon games! Simple to set up…hours of summer fun!

Bunch of water balloons

Playing with water balloons is a classic and summertime activity for kids, but traditional water balloon fights can easily use up hundreds of balloons in just a few minutes…and often end in someone crying.

If you want to avoid tears and have your water balloons last more than 37 seconds, try some of these creative water balloon games for kids instead!

…

Read More

Super easy 3-ingredient sidewalk chalk paint you can make in one minute!

Want a ridiculously easy outdoor play idea your kids will love? Make this quick and easy sidewalk chalk paint with just cornstarch, water, and food coloring!

Muffin tin filled with homemade sidewalk chalk paint in rainbow colors.

If you’ve been around here long, you know that I LOVE a creative activity that takes almost no time to prep and then keeps kids busy for a LOOONG time.

This homemade sidewalk chalk paint ticks all the boxes for a perfect summer activity for kids:

…

Read More

6 fun kids activities to inspire lots of outdoor play this spring

Spring is a great time to get outside with kids, but sometimes they need a little help to jumpstart their outdoor play. These simple activities will inspire LOTS of creative fun this spring!

Spring is COMING! It’s been snowing at my house, but in the next few days spring is supposed to FINALLY arrive and we’ll have temperatures in the seventies! (Utah weather is so weird in the spring months.)

If your family is anything like mine, they’re itching to get outside and enjoy some sunshine and warm weather. We can’t wait for picnics, park trips, and bike rides.

…

Read More

Winter outdoor play ideas for kids: Creative ways to enjoy the snow

Next time your kids are bouncing off the walls on a snowy day, try one of these winter outdoor play ideas to get everyone some fresh air. You CAN enjoy the outdoors, even in cold weather!

Small child on sled enjoying winter outdoor play time.

Note: This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if purchases are made through those links. Please see my full disclosure to learn more.

When the snow begins to fall, it can be tempting to hunker down and stay inside until spring. And yet, getting outside even during cold weather has huge benefits for kids and adults. Here are just a few…

…

Read More

Earth Day activities for kids: simple ways to celebrate the planet

Help your kids appreciate the beauty of our planet (and teach them to take care of it) with these simple earth day activities for families.

Child planting a red flower in a garden. Help your kids appreciate the beauty of our planet (and teach them to take care of it) with these simple earth day activities for families.

Fun fact: In its lifetime, one reusable bag can prevent the use of 600 plastic bags. (source)

April 22 is Earth Day! It’s a great time to teach kids about the wonders and beauty of our planet…and what we can do to take care of it.

…

Read More

How to host your own Olympic backyard games + all the printables you need!

Get your family and friends in the Olympic spirit with these simple but oh-so-fun Olympic backyard games. Let the games begin!

Get your family and friends in the Olympic spirit with these simple but oh-so-fun Olympic backyard games. Let the games begin!

Note: This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if purchases are made through those links. Please see my full disclosure to learn more.

It’s summer Olympics time! Are you excited? While I’m no die-hard athlete, I love admiring the insane level of skill and dedication that Olympic athletes demonstrate.

This year, I wanted to do something a little special to get my kids excited about the games. And once I get an idea…well, there’s no stopping me.

To get everyone in the Olympic spirit I thought it would be fun to host our very own Olympic backyard games, complete with torch relay and opening ceremonies! We decided to invite some of our neighborhood friends (we’re lucky to live in a neighborhood that is bursting with kids), but you could also make this a fun family activity!

…

Read More