6 Activities To Play Outside As A Family
Importance of Outdoor Play in Spring
Sometimes, you hit that first warm Saturday and the kids are bouncing off the walls—sound familiar? Spring is like a call to get outdoors, shake off the winter cobwebs, and just breathe in some fresh air. The CDC says kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day (hard to believe, given the time mine spend bickering over snacks). National Health Day always sneaks up on us, too, gently nudging parents to get everyone outside, not just for the exercise but for those laughs you remember later.
Think about it: sunlight, a gentle breeze, the sound of your child’s giggle. Outdoor play isn't just about burning energy; it’s where social skills bloom and worries melt away—at least for an hour or two. And, if I’m honest, watching my little one race past daffodils beats another afternoon of pawing through screen-time restrictions.
1. Walking
I know, walking doesn’t sound thrilling at first—like, seriously, is it really an “activity”? But hear me out. Walking is the unsung hero for busy families. For National Walking Day (usually the first Wednesday of April), we sometimes grab our trainers and just explore. You’ll be surprised how much the world changes when you stroll at a kid’s pace. A short walk to the local coffee shop or a loop around the neighborhood can spark chats you never expected.
Don’t overthink it—make it fun. Spot the first butterfly, count the dogs you pass, hunt for funny clouds. Walking together builds memories on autopilot, little moments tucked into the ordinary.
2. Obstacle Course
Now, if you want giggles and wobbly legs, grab some stuff from the garage—hoola hoops, garden chairs, a couple of old cones (or, let’s be real, recycling bins). Suddenly, you’ve got an obstacle course. You don’t need anything fancy. Stretch out a string as a balance beam, toss in a sofa cushion hop, and let kids “invent” one challenge each.
Let me explain: It’s as much about goofy teamwork as exercise. Someone ends up crawling under the garden bench, while another balances a pine cone on their head like a royal crown. Who knew that laughter and “can Dad make it through the tunnel?” would be the highlight of the afternoon?
3. Hopscotch
Remember hopscotch? There’s something refreshingly simple about this classic game. Grab some chalk, head to the pavement, and let the grid take shape. You don’t need to be nimble—honestly, my drawing skills make the boxes a bit wonky, but nobody cares.
Just grab a stone (or whatever you find nearby), toss, hop, repeat. It’s not just fun, either; hopping skips in and trains balance like nothing else. Sometimes the younger ones invent rogue rules, but as long as you’re all hopping and giggling, does it matter?
4. Start a Neighborhood Rounders Game
Rounders isn’t just for the sporty kids, either. Want to pull in the whole street? Send a quick message in the group chat, and before you know it, everyone’s digging through the shed for bats and balls.
Kids don’t need professional skills, just a bit of enthusiasm—plus, it’s a sneaky way to introduce new friends. Socialising happens around the bases, and less-confident children get just as much play as anyone else, especially if grown-ups join in for laughs.
5. Scavenger Hunt
Here’s the thing: kids love a quest. Take five minutes to whip up a scavenger hunt tailored to your space. List easy finds—red leaves, a feather, something with stripes, three daisies. Sometimes we toss in “find something that makes you laugh,” just because.
It’s a simple way to practice teamwork and creativity. Everyone’s rushing (or dawdling, let’s be real) from one clue to the next, and nobody even notices how much they’re moving. Plus, you can sneak a coffee in while they debate whether that stick really looks like a dog.
6. Participate in Spring Classes
If your kids are anything like mine—buzzing with energy, not overly competitive, and finding actual joy in a muddy tumble— We Make Footballers program is a match. These classes are all about learning by playing. Coaches welcome every level; nobody gets left on the bench because they’re not scoring hat-tricks.
The curriculum, built around games and basic skills, means the kids are learning without even realising it. There’s a clear focus on kindness and always cheering each other on. Best part? Sessions are designed so you can chat with other parents, quietly scroll work emails, or just enjoy a coffee nearby. Friends are made, not just for your child but for you, too. No need for fancy kit—just comfy shoes and a smile.
Find a Class Near You
Want to make things simple? You can find a class just down the road, from Manchester to Brighton, and probably even closer than you think. Head over to https://wemakefootballers.com/location and punch in your postcode or city. Schedules are family-friendly, which is honestly a non-negotiable in my book.
