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Writer's pictureKarl J. Ruth Jr.

12 Fun Things to Do Outside With Your Kids This Summer

#fitfriday Looking for some fun outdoor activities for you and your family? Be sure to try these simple, imaginative, and fun activities!


Have a Star Party: The sky is the perfect place for a scavenger hunt. First, grab your smartphone and download your favorite astronomy app. There are several free apps to chooce from. Click here to find the 10 best apps. You can also visit spaceplace.nasa.gov/starfinder to download the current month’s star finder. Print it, cut it out, and then follow the directions that will lead you to a constellation in the sky.

Have a campfire: Snuggle up alongside a campfire. If a real fire isn't possible take some Christmas lights and wrap them around a bundle of logs and circle around them in campfire fashion. If real flames are a no-go, just dig out some Christmas lights. Don't forget the campfire songs. Camp songs help build camping spirit, let the kids loosen up and make great memories. Here are 50 camp songs kids love to sing.

Play Firefly Tag: Choose one person to start as the firefly “catcher.” Everyone else gets a flashlight and hides. The hiding fireflies must flash their light once every 30 seconds (counting silently in their head). The catcher tries to find all the fireflies. The last person tagged is the next catcher.


Dance in the Rain: Take your kids outside during a gentle summer shower. Dance around in swimsuits, catch raindrops in your mouth, and jump in all the puddles. Jump and splash about for a fun family rainy day.




Lay in a Hammock: Getting in nice and close with your child couldn't get easier. Sway the afternoon away by looking for pictures in the clouds and watch them change, or read books to each other.







Do Yard Work Together: Make pulling weeds and watering the flowers with a tiny water can a fun "do-it-together" activity.





Build a Secret Fort: Got some old bed sheets? Drape them over a lower tree limb or clothesline. You can have a lunch or dinner party in your fort or stay up chasing fireflies and listening to "night" sounds.




Family Car Wash: Let your child give your family car a good scrub with a pot of water and sponge or with the garden hose. Get the whole family involved for added fun!





Bug Safari Adventure: Scout for lizards, hunt for frogs and tadpoles, catch/release butterflies, or dig up worms. Got ant hills in your yard or coming up the sidewalk? Marvel at an ant carrying an oversize crumb.



Befriend a Firefighter/Police Officer: Bake cookies (or pick up some ice pops), and deliver them to your local station. They will appreciate the surprise—and your child will meet some heroes, see those awesome trucks/patrol cars up close, and learn a lesson about giving to others.



Dress It Up: If you don't already have a collection of old Halloween outfits, hats, gloves, worn clothes, hit up a garage sale or visit your local thrift store. Get all dressed up and have a make-believe garden party, Super Hero adventure, or masquerade ball. Yes even dads can get into the fun!













Chalk it Up: Who doesn't love sidewalk chalk. Use the glow-in-the-dark kind so you and your child can glimpse your artwork from the window at bedtime.

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