These days, children grow up surrounded by technology. Smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and instant internet access are completely normal to them. While technology is fantastic it does mean it can be difficult to get kids outdoors, when they have the world at their fingertips they’re less interested in running around outdoors than previous generations have been. But it’s so important to get them away from their devices and outside, learning about the real world and what matters. Here’s how you can go about it.
Camping
Camping is an affordable and fun holiday option that the whole family can enjoy, and it’s a brilliant way to get children outside. From building campfires to putting up tents, cooking on a barbeque and generally running around and having fun- it’s a great way to get kids outdoors and away from their screens without it feeling like a chore. You can experiment with different types of accommodation to suit your comfort level. If you go away with friends and their children it could be a fun bonding experience.
Gardening
Gardening is an active hobby, and also teaches children patience. It shows if you work hard now, something fantastic will grow later on. They’ll pick up lessons about soil, plants, and how to care for them along the way. Since the growing season is relatively short in most places, it’s worth investing in a greenhouse to stretch this out as long as possible. If you have an old dilapidated one in your back garden, you could bring it back to life with some new sheeting for your greenhouse and a good clean. Start with easy-to-grow crops in your area and build confidence before tackling harder ones. Children are more likely to try foods that they’ve grown too, so could be a good way to encourage healthier eating.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to keep your family fit- even if you have younger children you could simply pick an easier hiking trail. You get to observe nature, you could print out fun worksheets online and do a nature trail, take photos or look at birds and wildlife through binoculars. Collecting natural items like leaves, cones, and stones can become crafts or little keepsakes later. Make these walks fun, keep the conversation light and upbeat and encourage them to really get into it. Even during the colder months, simply wrap up warm and wear wellies to keep your feet dry.
Take The Kids out for a Fishing Adventure
Fishing isn’t just a hobby, there’s plenty that it can teach children. One of the main lessons is learning patience, a skill many kids and even adults don’t always have built in, but one that can be valuable throughout life. Learning that good things come to those who wait and practicing calm and patience during uncertainty is a fantastic lesson. You could fish and keep your catches to clean and eat- again something you could teach children. Alternatively, letting the fish go teaches respect for wildlife while still enjoying the experience.
City Breaks With Lots of Walking
City breaks can be just as active and adventurous as time in the countryside. Exploring a new place on foot is a brilliant way to really take it in—you stumble across hidden coffee shops, quirky markets, beautiful old buildings and street performers you’d never notice from a bus or taxi. Walking is free, and with plenty of snack stops and ice cream breaks along the way, kids can enjoy it too. Museums and galleries often have family-friendly trails, and many cities have parks and open spaces for running around when little legs need a break. Pop on a pair of comfy shoes and you’ll cover miles without even realising it.
Cycling Trips
Cycling is a fun and accessible way to cover longer distances while still enjoying the outdoors. Family-friendly cycle paths, old railway lines turned into trails, or even just a loop around a local lake can make for a great day out. You can pack a picnic in a backpack, stop off whenever you see something interesting, and really make it an adventure. Many tourist destinations now offer bike hire—including child seats or trailers—so you don’t always need to bring your own. Cycling keeps everyone fit and gives children a sense of independence as they learn to handle their bikes.
Wildlife Spotting
Kids often love animals, so a day out centred around spotting wildlife can be magical. This could be something simple like going to a nature reserve with binoculars, or heading to a coastal area to look out for seals, puffins or even dolphins if you’re lucky. Keeping a little notebook to record what you’ve seen makes it feel like a real expedition. You could take photos, draw sketches, or even create a scrapbook when you get home. It’s an activity that encourages patience, observation, and appreciation for the natural world.
Beachcombing and Rock Pooling
A day at the seaside doesn’t have to just mean swimming and sunbathing. Beachcombing and rock pooling are great ways to keep children busy and curious. Armed with a bucket and a net, they can spend hours exploring little ecosystems, discovering crabs, shrimps, starfish, and unusual shells. It’s both fun and educational—kids learn about tides, habitats and marine life without even realising they’re being taught. Add in sandcastle building and maybe roasting marshmallows over a beach fire (where permitted), and it becomes the kind of trip they’ll remember for years.
Outdoor Treasure Hunts
Treasure hunts are a fantastic way to make any walk or trip outdoors more exciting. You can create your own by hiding small trinkets, or download printable scavenger hunts that challenge kids to find certain leaves, insects, or landmarks. Geocaching—where you use GPS to find hidden containers left by other adventurers—takes it up a notch and makes it feel like a real-world video game. It keeps kids engaged and gives them a sense of achievement when they find each item. Whether in a local park, forest, or even within a city, this is an activity that can be tailored to any location.
Conclusion
Spending time outdoors or exploring somewhere new doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive or stressful. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip, a few hours at the beach, or a city break where you rack up thousands of steps without even realising it, these activities all get kids moving, learning and making memories. The bonus is they also give you plenty of chances to slow down, switch off from screens and just enjoy being together.
