If the weather is nice, it’s important to find some fun and relaxing outdoor activities to do with kids. Spending the day in nature is a great opportunity to give them space to run and play. In addition, it also allows them to explore and engage with parts of the world they haven’t seen.
5 Fun and Engaging Outdoor Activities to Do with Kids
From sparkling lakes to snow-capped mountains, Mother Nature has a lot to offer your little adventurer. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor activities dads can do with kids!
Fishing Trip
There’s fewer activities that create a bond between a father and his children than a fun and relaxing fishing trip. Explore the outdoors and teach your kids the appreciation of nature, patience and quality time with family. You’ll likely need to stock up on fishing gear for both you and the kids, so be sure to check out L.L Bean for fishing gear, outdoor clothing and more!
Biking Excursion
Cycling is a great activity for adults and kids. Not only will you get to explore new areas and trails, but you’ll also get a bit of exercise too! If your child is still a little shaky on the bike, look for trails that are paved and flat. These can be through parks, around lakes, or even along a quiet street in your neighborhood.
However, feel free to hit the mountains if they’re feeling a little more adventurous. With an Ascend Mountain Bike, they’ll feel confident to tackle any dirt trail! And don’t forget the refreshments! Bring a picnic basket with their favorite foods and find a quiet place to have lunch on the ride.
Kayaking Trip
On a nice sunny day, there’s nothing like spending some time on the open waters. Grab a kayak and a couple of life vests and paddle around some of your local lakes or rivers. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a location with calm or minimal currents. It’s also a good idea to make sure your child has experience swimming. While flipping a kayak is rare, they’ll feel more comfortable if they have basic swimming skills.
Unless you’re traveling with an older child, your little one might not be able to paddle with you. However, they can still enjoy the changing scenery and fresh air from the bow of the boat. It’s one of the most relaxing outdoor activities dads can do with kids!
Overnight Camping Trip
Spending the night in nature is one of the best outdoor activities to do with kids. It also gives you both the time to relax and to bond without any distractions (no Wi-Fi, no tablets, no TV!). You can simply spend your days playing ball, roasting marshmallows, stargazing, and telling spooky stories over the campfire.
Camping can also teach them valuable skills that they can use in the future. They’ll learn about packing, setting up a tent, building a campfire, and outdoor safety skills. Keep in mind that your camping trip does require a bit of planning. You’ll also need the right equipment, including a tent, child-size sleeping bag, and camp furniture.
Also get the most comfortable camping outfits for yourself at Filson.
Outdoor Hike
If you have a spare weekend, then consider planning a hiking trip with your kiddo. Wandering up the mountain or through a lush forest is a great way to spend a few hours bonding. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible during the excursion.
For one, you’ll need to pack healthy snacks and lots of water. It’s also important to remember that kids may need breaks more often than adults. Therefore, you should allow enough time to get to your destination and back. It can also help to plan games they can do on the trail. Tag, hide and seek, and I spy can keep them occupied while also being engaged with the outdoors.
Kids also need appropriate footwear for the trip. You’ll want to invest in a sturdy hiking boot (preferably something waterproof), like these Merrell Waterproof Boots for Kids.
More Family Fun
With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start planning some fun outdoor activities with kids. Planning a fun family date doesn’t have to be strenuous. There are still plenty of fun things that you guys can do at home. You can set up some fun games in your backyard or teach them how to play sports. As long as you are spending time together, it doesn’t matter what type of activities you guys get up to!
