The summer months are always filled with outdoor fun activities families can do together, from gardening to hiking and swimming.
But with so many choices, it can be hard to choose just one activity that everyone in the family will enjoy and participate in comfortably, especially when some members of the family have physical disabilities or special needs.
With these 8 great outdoor fun activities for families, you won’t have to worry about bickering between kids or arguments over who gets to do what; everyone will have something they enjoy doing outside!
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1. Hiking
Whether you’re trekking up a mountain or just going on a family walk, getting out into nature is a great way to reconnect.
Nature has a way of bringing people together. Our phones are taken away and it’s just us and our families again – simply hanging out with each other. It’s refreshing, even if we only take an hour-long trip every few months.
If you live in a place where there are plenty of hiking trails, try planning some weekend adventures that allow your family to get outside.
There’s nothing like exploring new places with your loved ones!
2. Lakes
Nothing beats a cool, crisp day spent splashing in a lake or pool.
Just about any water-based activity is fun for all ages, making lakes one of the best spots to go with family.
Boating and fishing are especially popular among adults; if you’re not familiar with either sport, learn how to do them safely and make it an event.
Go to your local library and ask where you can rent boats or buy fishing equipment near you.
3. Caves
According to a report from USDA, Spending time in nature is a family tradition that promotes health and well-being and allows parents to give children an important part of their cultural identity. Take advantage of these opportunities by visiting some local caves with your family.
When you visit caves, be sure to check with park rangers about cave entry fees and rules.
Bring flashlights, wear proper clothing (it gets pretty chilly inside!), and put on comfortable shoes.
4. Parks
A Park can be a wonderful place to spend time with your family. There are plenty of activities you can do as a family that don’t cost a dime, such as picnicking and stargazing.
Take advantage of your local parks and green spaces so you can have fun while exploring nature together. So, if you need an excuse to take a break from technology, getting outside to a park is always a good one!
5. Indoor Playgrounds
There are indoor playgrounds that offer a fun alternative to backyard play when weather or time prevents outdoor fun.
These playgrounds can be found in many public parks, community centers, and shopping malls.
Indoor playgrounds come equipped with slides, swings, ball pits, and tunnels to make them ideal places for children of all ages to burn off some extra energy and have a great time doing it.
While these types of playgrounds may not provide as much interaction between parent and child as outdoor play areas do, they are still worth checking out on rainy days.
The benefits far outweigh any disadvantages!
6. Swimming Pools
If you’re lucky enough to live near a municipal pool, they’re a great way to beat the summer heat, but even if you don’t have access to one, you can always turn your backyard into an outdoor swimming pool.
Start by marking off one section of your yard with painter’s tape or get a professional to do it for you. This is your pool area. Then fill it with water using buckets or hoses and invite over family and friends for an afternoon of water fun.
7. Parks With Pools, Slides, And Tracks
A great way to get kids moving is by taking them to parks that offer tracks and slides.
If you don’t have a good park in your area, find one online—or head to one outside of town, and make a day of it. Who knows? You might even end up making some new friends along the way!
8. Indoor Waterparks
When many people think of outdoor fun activities, they automatically think of water—and that’s because water is awesome.
So if you’re looking to spend some quality time with your family and are in a drought-stricken area, consider indoor waterparks. They offer all of the thrills and spills of an outdoor splash park with considerably less maintenance required.
Plus, it can be difficult to get everyone together on weekends when most outdoor parks are open. With an indoor waterpark, though, you can schedule your day around your work schedule and still have plenty of fun together as a family. And, there’s no better way to stay cool during summer heatwaves than by splashing around inside a giant inflatable pool!