Free Outdoor Fun For Kids

Free Outdoor Fun For Kids
By Beth Ivory

Keeping the kids entertained can be hard work - and expensive. Here are 7 great outdoors ideas to help you spend quality time with your kids - from toddlers to pre-teens - for free. Enjoy!

1. Go on a welly walk

Ages 2-10. Great for wet weather.

There are few things kids enjoy more than being allowed to jump in puddles and get wet. So ignore the weather, pull on your old clothes and boots and get outside and do some puddle-jumping.

2. Take photos

Ages 5 and up. Great to inspire their creativity.

Go for a walk and let your kids loose with a digital camera.

Let them take snaps of anything they want while your out. If they're having trouble, maybe point out some good opportunities for them as you go.

You never know, you might unearth a real talent for it.

3. Get on your bike

Ages 5 and up. Great for family bonding.

Not only is going for a family bike ride a lot of fun, it's also a great way for all of you to stay active.

Make sure everyone is wearing helmets and visible clothing and if at all possible, steer clear of big roads. Go for parks and woods as the main part of the ride.

4. Wild in the country

Ages 2-12. Great for nature lovers.

Go looking for nature with a romp along some public footpaths or nearby woods.

Looking out for animals and insects is always fun for kids and if they spot free food in the form of berries, then it's often pretty exciting.

Many woods also have education centres which will teach your kids even more fun stuff about the trees and what lives in them. The Forestry Commission has more information with their Woodlands for Learning programme.

5. Get some animal magic

Ages 2-10. Great if you don't have a pet but they want one!

As we spend more time in towns and cities, our kids spend less time in the country and close to nature.

There aren't many kids who don't enjoy petting and stroking animals and there are lots of city or school farms up and down the country that are free. Your kids can even sign up to become a volunteer if they love it.

6. Make stencils and rubbings from nature

Ages 3-10. Great to get them thinking differently.

Take a piece of paper and a coloured pencil or crayon and go out into the garden, or on a walk in the park.

Find something that will make a nice pattern with a textured surface, tree bark, letters on grave stones, leaves, concrete paths, and get the kids to put their piece of paper over it and colour in with their pencil.

When you get home you can talk about the patterns they've made. You could even use the art work as wrapping paper or as presents for friends and family.

7. Make mud pies and magic mixtures

Ages 3-7. Great if you want to leave them to it.

If there's a spot in your garden you don't mind the kids digging in, give them a bucket and some water and leave them to it! Children can spend hours pretending to be witches, cooks, mums...

Beth Ivory
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