Pick a place first. Find a national park with a Junior Ranger program, a federal campground, a state park near you, or a free fishing day.
Check the sky. If you hear thunder, go inside and wait 30 minutes after the last rumble (NWS).
16 to 30 minutes 6
- The after-dinner family walk30 min · $0 · Any age
- Water-safety rules before summer swimming30 min · $0 · Ages 3–12
- Teach a kid to ride a bike, balance first30 min a session · $0 with a bike and helmet · Ages 3–8
- Find north with a stick and the sun30 min · $0 · Ages 5+
- Find Orion, the winter hunter30 min · $0 · Ages 5+
- Find south with an analog watch20 min · $0 · Ages 7+
Up to two hours 12
- A no-flashlight moon walk40 min · $0 · Ages 4+
- A first fishing trip with your kid2 hrs · About $35 · Ages 4–12
- Find five plants on a neighborhood walk45 min · $0 · Ages 4–12
- Skip a stone five times45 min · $0 · Ages 5+
- Read tracks in mud, sand or snow60 min · $0 · Ages 5+
- Lay a trail with 1911 trail signs45 min · $0 · Ages 5+
- Build a backyard lean-to2 hrs · $0 · Ages 6+
- Make a sundial and mark the hours1 hr, spread over a sunny day · $0 · Ages 6+
- Measure a tree with its shadow45 min · $0 · Ages 8+
- Build and put out a small campfire90 min · About $5 · Ages 8+
- Measure across a creek without crossing it45 min · $0 · Ages 8+
- Check tire pressure and oil with your teen45 min · About $10 · Ages 14+
Longer 2
By age instead: Under 1 · 1–2 · 3–5 · 6–9 · 10–12 · 13+. More lists: Free things to do with kids · 15-minute activities for kids · Father-daughter and father-son date ideas · Rainy day activities for kids · Things to do with a toddler at home · Bonding activities for dads and teens · Indoor activities for kids under 30 minutes · Outdoor activities for kids · Things to do at Dad's house · Screen-free activities for kids · Chores for kids by age.