Here are some ideas to inspire your youngsters to put down their gamepads and choose outdoor adventure instead.

Summer holiday outdoor activity ideas

1) Stargaze while camping out in the garden

A mini adventure in the garden is an ideal way to make a regular summer holiday day into something memorable. Either with friends or family, children get so much out of setting up their own tent and being immersed in a natural environment. Choose a night when the skies are clear and throw a blanket out for stargazing, prior reading about constellations to spot will make for an even more fun evening. Telling stories under the stars is a great bonding experience, and now the summer days are (almost here) it’s not too cold to sleep outdoors.

2) Build a den

Collect items found in the garden or locally to build a den. It could be a small den for a family pet or something more robust that could become a summer hideaway in the garden. If all the family or friends got involved, you could run a den building competition, for example, which is the most-sturdy or which is the dog’s favourite? Den building allows children to interact with natural elements and gain more of an appreciation about their environment and nature.

3) Geocaching

Walking around your locality is given new meaning when Geocaching is involved. Discover local hidden treasures people have stashed away. Handy apps found on the geocashing.com website provide a fascinating list of things to find. You could even hide your own objects for other geocachers. A great activity to get creative and become a detective for the day. Items are often found under benches, in trees or behind rocks. It’s really quite fascinating what you’ll find in the cashe locations.

4) Treehouse adventure

If you have a tree in your own garden, this mini adventure is even more accessible. All you’ll need is some material to drape over branches, some comfy pillows and your child can create a peaceful haven to read their book, socialise with a friend or write in their journal. Experimenting with fairy lights and creating homemade decorations can make an even more special and inspiring hangout.

5) Watersports and beachcombing

From paddle boarding to hiring a boat, watersports are a great way to get the children outdoors and active during the summer holiday. Find a nearby location, such as the coast or a local watersports centre, and have a go at a new activity on the water. Combe the beaches for shells and take them home to wash and display in a bowl or in the garden. Watching marine life and breathing in the freshwater air also enhance wellbeing.

6) Strawberry picking

During the summer season, strawberry fields are open to the general public. Strawberry picking is a fun activity for all the family with the added advantage of taking fruit home, which you could use to bake a strawberry cake, meringue, cheesecake, or you could eat as you go! Strawberry picking gives children an incentive to get outdoors and also learn about where their food comes from.

7) Mini-bike tour

Explore new places with the family on a mini-bike tour. If you don’t have a bike, why not rent some for the day from your local council, particularly easy if you live in a city. Pack a picnic bag with a blanket and find a new destination for a picnic. A great opportunity to discover new places and get some exercise outdoors.

8) Build a bug hotel

Great for little children. Bug hotels increase the biodiversity outdoors while teaching about nature and looking after the environment. Also, a good activity for rainy summer days, as they can be made indoors and then left outside for local critters to set up home.

If you’re searching for an adventure camp for your 3 to 14 year old this summer, our sister company, Camp Beaumont, are running exhilarating, Ofsted registered, multi-activity programmes every day. Find out more, here

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