1000 Ideas for Spending 1000 Hours Outside with Kids

Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, has made it her mission to push awareness for kids to be outdoors—and for good reason. Studies have shown that children benefit physically, mentally, and socially from being outside. Reducing screen time helps boost kids' creativity, stimulates their attention spans, and allows them to develop important life skills, like playing cooperatively with others.

I made it my family's resolution to do the "1000 hours outside in 365 days" challenge. Once I took indoor activities outside and opened the garage more often, my family and I became hooked. It's been a game changer, reducing stress and allowing us to hang out together and try new things. Constantly being outside has brought a lot of joy, smiles, and drive to play versus asking for screens.

Spending 1000 hours outside may seem like a big goal, but it's very manageable. Read on for 1000 ways to spend 1000 hours outside as a family. Then get more ideas in our Guide to Outdoor Activities for Kids.

1000 Ways to Spend 1000 Hours Outside with Kids

1-100. Free Outdoor Games and Activities

Check out our list of 100 free outdoor games and activities for kids of all ages. It includes ideas like bike riding, building a fairy garden, playing with water balloons, and hosting a car wash.

101-130. Nature-Themed Outdoor Activities

From fishing to painting rocks, embrace the fresh air in different ways with these 30 nature-themed activities.

131-166. Water Games

Cool off on hot days with these 35 (mostly free) water games. From independent to group play, this list has options for everyone.

167. Mini Golf

Go for a hole in one—and challenge your family—with a game of miniature golf.

168. Pickleball

The fastest-growing sport is fun for all ages. Use the driveway or head to a court to play pickleball. Our pickleball guide will get you started with the basics and lingo.

169-268. Field Day Games and Activities

Every kid loves field day, so host one in the backyard. Have a sibling competition or invite the neighborhood kids over to challenge each other to some of these 100 field day games and activities.

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Bobbing for apples isn't just for Halloween!

269-308.Classic Outdoor Games

From Hide and Seek and Hopscotch to Freeze Dance and Double Dutch, these 40 classic outdoor games will bring the fun and the nostalgia. Most don't require equipment, which is a plus for many reasons—including cleanup.

309-320. Outdoor Toys

These cheap outdoor toys and games are low in cost but high on fun. Trust me, the Stomp Rocket is fun for any age!

321. Fizzy Chalk

Combine art and science by making a batch of fizzy chalk! This step-by-step guide to making fizzy chalk is simple to follow for fun outdoor play.

322. Puddle Jumping

The best part about rain? Jumping in puddles! Grab some rain boots and head outside for some wet, old-fashioned fun. Singing in the rain is optional!

323-334. Water Parks

Beat the heat and cool off at an outdoor water park. Our list of the best outdoor water parks in the US includes 12 great options.

335-374. Amusement Parks

Catch some thrills at a theme park! There are amusement park rides for any age, from toddlers to teens. Our list of 40 top amusement parks in the US includes favorites like Disney World, Hersheypark, and Legoland New York.

375-389. Seashell Crafts

Seashells are a beach-day staple, but they can also make great art supplies. These 15 seashell crafts will help make your shell collection extra special.

390-401. Hiking Games

Hit the trails for a family hike. It's a free way to enjoy nature and get great exercise. Play these 12 hiking games to ramp up the fun.

402-421. Pool Games

Make a splash in a swimming pool with these 20 fun pool games for kids.

422.Sporting Events

Many sporting events take place outside, and cheering on a local team is a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening. Take the family to a baseball game, football game, soccer game, or other sporting event, depending on the season.

423-428. Little League Drills

Baseball is a favorite American pastime. Knock it out of the park with these six Little League drills.

429. Camping

​Grab a tent and sleeping bags and spend a night under the stars right in your own backyard. Our backyard camping guide has everything you need to get started. Or, visit our Camping Guide to find a family campsite near you.

430-446. Camping Games

Play these 17 camping games during your camping adventure to entertain the entire family.

447-546. Awesome Art Projects

Bring the crafting supplies outside to tackle these 100 awesome art projects in the fresh air. From slime to mandala art to knitting, there are crafts for all ages.

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Jump rope is one of those perfect games to play with friends and siblings.

547-566. Jump Rope Games

Did you know the power of a jump rope? It builds motor and concentration skills as well as coordination. Here are 20 jump rope games to play with kids.

567-576. Push-up Challenges

Make exercise fun with these 10 push-up challenges for kids. Simon Says is a crowd favorite.

577-601. Card Games

Switch up the setting for family game night by bringing a deck of cards onto the patio. Even toddlers can learn a simple game like War or Go Fish. These 25 card games will bring back nostalgia while reducing screen time.

602. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

A scavenger hunt is a fun way to fight boredom and get everyone's bodies moving and brains working. Our scavenger hunt guide will help you plan the perfect outdoor scavenger hunt. It even includes a printable neighborhood scavenger hunt!

603-617. Messy Backyard Science Experiments

We have all the supplies and directions needed for a science session in the yard. Throw in a little education during summer with these 15 messy backyard science experiments.

618. Beach Day

Pack a cooler with lunch and drinks and head out for a day at the beach. Our essential beach list includes everything you need for a successful outing, including umbrellas, wagons, and more.

619-718. Board Games

Head to the patio for family game night. Our list of the 100 best board games for kids includes everything from the classics, like Monopoly and Candy Land, to modern games such as Kids Against Maturity and Taco vs. Burrito.

719-729. Outdoor Birthday Party

If the season is right, plan an outdoor birthday party for your kiddo. Here are 11 outdoor birthday party ideas, from a pirate party to an outdoor movie night.

730-739. Outdoor Party Games

If themed birthday parties aren't your thing, just keep guests entertained with our list of 10 outdoor party games. These games, like Bingo and water ballon baseball, are even fun for an outdoor playdate.

740. Foam Party

Become the favorite house in the neighborhood by throwing a foam party (no birthday necessary). Read our guide to how to throw a foam party for kids.

741. Outdoor Meals

On a nice day, move family dinner (or breakfast or lunch) outdoors on the patio, or head to the park and have a picnic. A restaurant with outdoor seating also works!

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Making wildflower seed bombs is a fun summer activity that helps pollinators and ecosystems. Photo by Katie Sivinski

742. Wildflower Seed Bombs

Help the pollinators and ecosystems by creating wildflower seed bombs. Our guide to making wildflower seed bombs includes necessary materials and step-by-step directions.

743-792. Cardboard Box Crafts

Turn shipping boxes into entertainment—and works of art—with these 50 cardboard box crafts. 

793. Gardening

Our guide to backyard gardening with kids will help develop your little ones' green thumbs. Bonus: Growing their own fruits and veggies just may motivate your kids to eat them! You can also create a pollinator garden that will attract butterflies and bees. Don't have a backyard? Learn how to grow an indoor herb or vegetable garden.

794-843. Magna-Tiles Games

Magna-Tiles are beloved by parents and children. The colorful magnetic tiles allow for unlimited creativity for a broad age range to be entertained for hours. Check out 50 different ways to enjoy Magna-Tiles.

844. Farmer's Market

From farm-grown vegetables to freshly cut flowers, you'll find all sorts of locally grown goods at farmer's markets. Many of them also have family activities and entertainment.

845. Lemonade Stand

Teach children to become entrepreneurs by setting up a lemonade stand. Advertise it on social media to attract friends, family, and neighbors.

846. Playgrounds

Hit up your beloved local playground, or drive a bit farther to discover new-to-you playgrounds. How many can you visit?

847-862. Bounce Houses, Inflatable Pools and Water Slides, and Sprinklers

Level up your backyard fun with these 16 inflatable pools and water slides, bounce houses, and sprinklers. They will entertain all ages for hours on hot days.

863-874. Recycled Crafts

Save toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and other items to use for un crafts. Here are 12 crafts using recycled items found in your household.

875-924. Zoos

Spend a day at the zoo and see lions, tigers, bears, and other animals. We've got a list of the best zoos in the US—one in each state!

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Roast marshmallows for s'mores in your backyard. Photo by Ally Noel

925. Making S'mores

Gather around a firepit and roast some gooey, delicious s'mores. Or, learn how to make a solar oven for baking s'mores outdoors.

926. Family Bike Ride

Put on those helmets and head out for a family bike ride through the neighborhood or along a local bike path.

927-947. Ride On Toys

928-948. Check out our list of the best kids' ride on toys to get some fun wheels for kids of all ages.

948-965. Bubble Guns

Have a bubble-popping party with our list of the best bubble guns for kids.

966. Outdoor Obstacle Course

Build a backyard obstacle course for kids using items like tires, cones, pool noodles, and more. Be creative!

967. Fairs and Festivals

Head to an outdoor fair or festival to shop from local vendors, play games, go on rides, and eat delicious food.

968. Fruit Picking

From strawberry picking in early summer to apple picking in autumn, fruit picking is a fun and healthy way to spend time outdoors as a family.

969. Flower Picking

Head to a local farm to pick sunflowers, tulips, and more. Or, simply pick flowers from your own backyard!

970. Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Wineries

Many beer gardens, breweries, and wineries not only welcome children, but have fun activities for them to engage in, such as lawn games and animal visits.

971-975. Slime Making

Keep the house clean by making slime outside. Here are five simple but cool slime recipes to make with kids.

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Try the ice tie-dye method. The ice helps create a cool tie-dye pattern. Photo by Ally Noel

976. Tie-Dye

Tie-dye is another fun craft that's best done outside because it can get really messy. But with our step-by-step tutorial to the least messy tie-dye project you'll ever do, even your yard will stay clean. Our Sharpie tie-dye tees are also low in the mess factor.

977. National Parks 

From coast to coast, the US is full of gorgeous national parks to explore as a family. Learn more about them in our National Parks Family Travel Guide.

978-998. Rainbow Crafts

We have a list of 21 rainbow crafts for kids that will instantly put everyone in an outdoorsy mood!

999. Reading

Curl up in hammocks, lounge chairs, or any other cozy outdoor spots and read together al fresco.

100. Dog Walking

If your family doesn't have a dog, borrow one from a friend and take it on a walk through the neighborhood. You just may meet some new neighbors!