It is a beautiful day, and you have the whole weekend free. Sometimes we need to disconnect from the TV, phones, or computers, and enjoy some quality family time together. So, what are you going to do? What better way than to spend an afternoon playing outside? We’ve compiled these fun backyard ideas for kids to enjoy during the warm weather! These activities will make memories that last a lifetime! So don’t worry about what to do this weekend in the backyard – just pick one of these fun ideas for everyone’s enjoyment.
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Build a Playhouse
Who doesn’t have precious childhood memories of having made a playhouse somewhere? Whether it be up high in a tree or tucked away in a corner of the garden, a playhouse is a magical place. This is probably one of the most memorable and backyard fun ideas for kids to experience in their backyard.
If your yard is very open, with no trees or shrubs, one of the easiest ways to make a playhouse is by using some old cardboard boxes! Provide your kids with some tape and boxes and if necessary, help them with the cutting. Older kids can cut out windows on alternating sides of the box and add eyeholes for peeking in. Add an opening at one end that they can crawl through into their new space – it’s like having their own mini castle.
If you want something more permanent, design and build a playhouse together. If you’re new to building things, it can be a learning experience the whole family can share. Find ideas and plans online to help you get started.
Alternatively, if you have a large backyard with lots of trees, take advantage of them by building a treehouse! This is usually done on higher branches that will support the weight of adults or older children.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from building a lower ‘treehouse’ on stilts if you don’t have a suitable tree. It can still have a ladder or rope to climb up, and a cute veranda, just like a regular treehouse.
Plant a garden together
Nature is fascinating and has so much to teach us. Kids love to get their hands dirty, and >gardening is a great way to give them the chance. Consider planting some herbs or vegetable plants together – not only will the kids have fun doing it, but you’ll be able to make healthy snacks for your family too!
Are you kids super impatient and want to see the fruits of their labor right away? You could start with some established plants that give an immediate sense of satisfaction. Alternatively, if you want a longer-term project, try growing some flowers from seed. Your children will be able to see the whole process and really enjoy themselves while they do it.
Why not do a bit of recycling at the same time and sow seeds in eggshells? Instead of throwing away eggshells, fill them with moist cotton wool and plant a seed in each one. You can even paint the outside of the shells with brightly colored watercolors! Once they start sprouting, you’ll be able to see them grow from tiny green dots into their own cute little plants. The beauty of sowing in eggshells is that when the seedlings are big enough to plant out, you can just plant the eggshell too, so you don’t need to take the plant out of the eggshell.
Gardening is a great way to teach kids where their food comes from, at the same time as teaching them the importance of looking after things. Kids can help tend the plants, weed and prune them, as well as water them!
Organize an outdoor scavenger hunt
One of the best ways to get your kids outdoors is by organizing a scavenger hunt. Come up with a theme or topic – it could be based on their favorite book or film, for instance.
Kids can be creative and come up with their own ideas – they might like the challenge of finding something that’s not too easy but not impossible either! Give them some time to plan it out and create a list of things to hunt for.
Alternatively, if you have older kids that enjoy mental challenges, make a clue-based scavenger hunt together. Each person could come up with a clue for the rest of the family to solve together.
Bring nature into your yard
Bug hotels, bird feeders, and butterfly baths are all good ways to bring nature into your yard. These things are not only easy to make yourself, but they are also fun DIY backyard projects. Task the kids with finding stones, twigs, and pieces of bark, then put them in an open wooden box or frame to make an instant bug hotel.
Hang bird feeders from trees or fences and encourage more birds and butterflies in your garden with the right plants. Put pollen and nectar-rich plants near or around bird feeders and baths and watch how your garden comes to life. If you plan on creating a bird or butterfly bath, be sure to place it out of the reach of any cats who might come to your garden too!
Play games!
It’s easy to get bored in a backyard on sunny days, so make sure you have some yard games ready with all kids’ favorite things, such as frisbees, ball games, and water balloons.
In hot weather play games to cool down, like water balloon Piñata: fill balloons with water, tie them to string, and hang them from tree branches for some fun-in-the-sun refreshing playtime.
Or recycle old plastic bottles to convert them into squirt guns, filled with water. Drill a hole in the plastic bottle lid so that when you squeeze the bottle you get a stream of water. Other fun games you can play 18 Fun Outdoor Games for Kids.
Conclusion
From exploring nature to water fights, there are many ways for your family to enjoy being outdoors together during these warm weather months. Whether you have a small yard or acreage with plenty of space, there are lots of budget-friendly, fun backyard ideas for kids to make sure that your kids can get outside and enjoy it at the same time.
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