If you have kids, I’m sure you’re familiar with all of the ways that technology can take over their lives. Video games, tablets, phones and more have made it easy for children to become couch potatoes. Getting them off of the couch and outdoors has never been more important, but if your budget is tight, it can feel impossible. These sure to please 5 family outdoor activities for free are sure to help you get them outside and away from those blasted electronics!
Stargazing – Grab a blanket and head outside after dark. Let your kids lie on the blanket and learn about the sky. Kids love learning about space and this can be a great way to both teach them and have fun at the same time. Pick up a few stargazing books at local yard sales or even a book swap. If you really must have a phone to do this, there is a really helpful FREE app from Amazon you can download. Its called Star Chart and you will be able to locate constellations with its help.
Creek play – Do you have a shallow creek nearby that you can access? If so, take the kids down and let them play in the creek. They’ll have a blast finding crawdads and other things that they don’t see every day. As with any water play, be sure that there is an adult nearby at all times even if the water seems to be shallow.
Flashlight Tag – Grab a few flashlights and head outside after dark to play flashlight tag. It is played exactly like “regular” tag except the person that is it can only tag with the beam of the flashlight. Sound silly? It is and that’s what makes it so much fun!
Flag Football – This outdoor activity is one to get the whole family together for! A fun game of flag or touch football! You don’t even have to use a football if you don’t want! Anything will work as far as what to use. Your kids will get physical activity that they need to be healthy and you’ll have a great time as a family! Whether it’s boys versus girls, parents versus kids or a combination, everyone is sure to have a great time.
Bonfire – If you have a decently sized back yard, you can have a small bonfire for the kids! Dig a fire pit several inches in the ground and line the outside of it with larger rocks or stones to keep it contained. Light a small fire and let the kids roast marshmallows, make s’mores and more! Remember you do not need a full s’mores kit to enjoy this outdoors activity. Just grab up chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers and you’re good to go.
Outdoor family fun doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most fun outdoor activities are free or really budget friendly. You just have to do your research, get creative and of course, get your family up off of the couch!
KatR says
We used to play Flashlight Tag with our kids quite often when they were young. Considering my “baby” will be 34 in 6 weeks, that was over 20 years ago! lol We called Flashlight Tag “Spotlight.”
Jacqui Odell says
Our favorite outdoor activity is bonfire!! My whole family loves doing it.
Andrea says
Well – NOT living near any of those things (I’m from New York City) – my free things could be limited to walks in the park and down by the water (which both are beautiful 😀 )
Mary Ann says
I live for summer because we spend so much time outdoors. This is what it’s all about, playing and exploring. NOT being over scheduled and electronically entertained 24/7. Great ideas!
Andrea says
I just think that it’s always good for kids to spend some time outside – too much electronics – not a good thing
tp keane says
star gazing and bonfire nights, that’s us all sorted. Love being outdoors and it’s so easy to set this up in the comfort of your back yard.
alison says
I haven’t ever played flashlight tag and I want to! My kids would love it! I think all of these ideas go along with making memories with your kids and I love it!
Jasmine Watts says
These all are great outdoor activities!! Our whole family favorite outdoor activity is bonfire!
Nicole Escat says
We are planning to have an outdoor activity and I think bonfire would be perfect.
Vidya Sudarsan says
What a nice list! The weather is just perfect for all of these activities here. Love the star gazing the best 🙂
CourtneyLynne says
Omg great list of activities!!!! A good ole Bon fire is a ways a fabulous time!!!! We have them all the time