As the warmer weather hits and kids are officially let out of school for the summer, many Canadian families are eager to make the most of their free time by spending it outdoors. This Outdoor Activity Guide will help parents/guardians get their kids outside whether your budget is large or small, your child 4 or 14, or you are looking for an individual or group activity.
The activity ideas below are organized by movement type/skill development (e.g., high- vs. low-intensity movement) with activity variations based on age.
Ages 2-11
Simon Says
Description
This classic game can be played with two or more people. One participant (ideally the parent/guardian in the first round) plays the role of “Simon” (or whatever name is preferred). “Simon” gives directions to the other participants for tasks they must complete by saying “Simon says… (insert task)”.
Sample Prompts
“Simon says do five jumping jacks!”
“Simon says touch your toes!”
“Simon says walk like a duck!”
Additional Information
Crucial to the game is the rule that if 'Simon' asks the participants to complete a task without saying “Simon says”, they should not do it. This game can be played in an elimination style or just for fun. A benefit of the activity is that it develops active listening skills in participants.
Ages 12-19+
Tour of the Town
Description
Make it a summer goal for your teen to visit key spots in town by running, walking or cycling! Depending on your level of comfort with supervision, this activity can be done with a parent, a friend, or alone. As an added piece of fun, have your child/teen take a photo of or selfie with each landmark — by the end of the summer, they will have a whole collage!
Safety Consideration
Ensure there is a plan for remaining in contact while out-and-about. Have an emergency meet-up spot and/or check-in time by phone! Bring lots of water and a snack to avoid energy lows.
Ages 2-11
Avoid the _____!
Description
Have kids play a game that involves avoiding something specific: this could be the cracks between pieces of sidewalk or stepping in the sun (only step on/in the shade).
Safety Consideration
Ensure children remain aware of their surroundings – sidewalks can be close to roads, resulting in the need to be alert to cars.
Ages 12-19+
Catch or Frisbee
Description
There is always something that can be thrown to work on hand-eye coordination! Whether it is a bean bag, frisbee, baseball, or a football, have your child work on their hand-eye (or foot-eye) coordination while moving. This game can be done alone by using a brick wall to rebound the chosen ball, but it is often more fun in pairs or a group!
Ages 2-11
Target Practice
Description
Using buckets, cones, or some other marker, set up targets that your children have to hit using a tennis ball or bean bag! Make the game progressively harder by increasing the bucket distance. You can also throw in trick shots (like throwing behind the back) if you are feeling creative!
Ages 12-19+
Trick Shot Contest
Description
Many have witnessed wacky and wild trick shots on the internet/social media: from ping pong shots to card tricks, there are so many trick shots to choose from!
In this activity, challenge your teen to come up with their own trick shot using items around the house. A good one to start with is using pots and pans to get a ping pong ball into a cup! For added interest, do time trials on the trick shot with family members, or post your attempt online!
Ages 2-11
Fly a Kite or Paper Airplane
Description
Develop your child’s problem solving/thinking skills by engaging in these task-based challenges that take place outdoors. Flying a kite helps kids understand wind power and building a paper airplane teaches basic aerodynamics!
Safety Consideration
Ensure children fly their paper airplane/kite in a large open space away from others. Avoid throwing airplanes at others as it could hurt someone’s eyes.
Ages 12-19+
Build a Kite
Description
Level up the challenge for your teen by not just flying a kite but learning how to build one! Look up a tutorial online, and using inexpensive materials, build and test a basic kite!
Safety Consideration
Ensure the kite is flown in a large open space away from others.
Learn a Dance
Description
Look up old or new dance moves online and teach them to each other! For added fun, challenge a friend or relative to learn it too!
Ages 2-11
Pick Flowers for a Neighbour
Description
It is never too early to get your kids thinking about helping others! Something as simple as bringing a known neighbour flowers or writing positive messages in sidewalk chalk can bring joy to someone’s day.
Safety Consideration
Ensure you know the person whom your child wishes to help, and that they are comfortable receiving said gestures.
Ages 12-19+
Neighbourhood Clean-up
Description
Encourage your teen and their friends to engage in or organize a “neighbourhood clean-up” involving picking up debris/trash from communal areas.
Safety Consideration
Wear gloves to protect your hands, beware of sharp objects, and wash hands upon completion.
While partaking in these Jumpstart inspired activities, it is important that participants keep safety top of mind. Always be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards (such as cars or bikes), and have a plan in case of emergencies. Lastly, as the heat climbs in the summer months, remember to take lots of breaks, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Happy playing!
