Outdoor Activities to Connect with Your Children

Whether you're taking advantage of a vacation or a long weekend, don't miss these outdoor activities to connect with your children.
Outdoor Activities to Connect with Your Children
Marcela Alejandra Caffulli

Written and verified by the pediatrician Marcela Alejandra Caffulli.

Last update: 09 April, 2023

One of your most important tasks as parents is to connect with your children and provide them with quality time. However, in a world invaded by technology and sedentary lifestyles, it’s increasingly difficult to engage in activities with children that allow for bonding and family fun during free time.

In the modern era, it’s common for children to spend many hours locked in their rooms watching television or playing video games. And as a result of this widespread practice, many households find it difficult to connect emotionally and find common activities that everyone can enjoy. That’s why today we’ll recommend some plans you should consider.

5 plans to have fun and connect with your children

Times change, and this is an inevitable reality of life. But if there’s something that the little ones of yesteryear and today continue to enjoy, it’s going out with their family to make plans away from home. Activities where nature is the protagonist not only help improve physical and mental health but also effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Here are some outdoor activities for the whole family that will help you connect with your children

1. Hiking and nature walks

Children balancing on a log during a family hike.
Walking outdoors is a great activity to do with your children, as well as the door to a great adventure.

Nothing like getting out of the monotony of the city and breathing fresh air in the countryside. Nature walks and hiking excursions are ideal to get to know and enjoy the natural beauty of each region. In addition, these activities are also a good option for children to learn about the environment and local geography.

2. Camping and campfires

Going camping with the kids is a great way to appreciate nature and spend time together in a calm and relaxed environment. Best of all, you don’t need a lot of money to make this quality time an experience that will live in your hearts forever.

Keep in mind that campfires can also be a fun and exciting activity, and provide an opportunity to make s’mores and tell stories around the fire. So, you should have a basic camping guide in mind so you know what essentials to bring and what pertinent facts you should remember.

3. Bike rides

When your little one learns to ride a bike, it’s time to start planning easy and safe routes that they can practice on while having fun.

Bike rides can be a perfect way to explore new places and enjoy the outdoors together. Besides, it’s an activity that not only connects us with nature but also aids in the prevention of sedentary lifestyles while promoting physical and mental well-being.

4. Fun games and sports

Children playing a sack race.
Games are always a fun way to spend time outdoors, and when they’re group games, it’s even better!

Playing will always be one of the best ways to connect with your children and show them your love. And doing it outdoors can be a great way to encourage physical activity and creativity. Fortunately, there are a variety of games, such as Frisbee, soccer, running, or hide-and-seek, that are fun for the whole family. Be sure to make time for your little ones.

5. Exploring and discovering new places

The excitement of exploring new places is innate during childhood and helps foster curiosity in children. This can include visiting parks, museums, or historical sites, or simply exploring nearby natural areas. Every city and town is full of beautiful places worth visiting, and what better company than children?

The advantages of outdoor activities for kids

Family outdoor plans provide numerous benefits for the emotional connection between parents and their kids. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Strengthen bonding: By making outdoor plans together, family members can communicate and work better, which can help build trust and mutual respect.
  • Improve physical and mental health: Walking, biking, or playing sports often improves the physical health of children and adults. In addition, being surrounded by nature can have mental health benefits, reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Encourage creativity and imagination: By having the opportunity to explore new places, invent games, and enjoy themselves freely, children can enhance their creativity while having fun.

Encourage outdoor plans with your children

Outdoor games and activities are ideal for connecting with children and enjoying free time together. And by encouraging physical activity, exploration, and learning together as a family, they provide a wide range of physical and mental health benefits for everyone in the family.

In addition, enjoying nature can help reduce stress and anxiety and foster creativity and imagination. So, it’s essential to find time for these outdoor activities and enjoy their benefits for strengthening emotional bonds.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.