A Guide to Spring: Info, History, and Spring Outdoor Activities for Kids

 The first day of spring is determined by the vernal equinox, an astronomical event that marks the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

As the chill of winter fades and the flowers begin to bloom, spring is the perfect time for kids to embrace the outdoors. The warmer temperatures and longer days provide countless opportunities for fun and adventure. Spring officially begins on the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 19th, 20th, or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Vernal Equinox

The vernal equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, resulting in nearly equal daylight and nighttime hours across the globe. This event typically happens on March 19, 20, or 21 each year. The exact date varies due to the Earth's elliptical orbit and leap years.

Why Does the Date Change?

The shifting date of the spring equinox is influenced by:

• Leap Years: the addition of an extra day in February every four years helps realign the calendar with the Earth's orbit.
• Earth's Orbit: the planet's slightly irregular orbit around the Sun leads to small variations in seasonal timing.
• Time Zones: the equinox may occur on different dates depending on the observer's location and time zone.

The Importance of Spring

Spring represents renewal, growth, and longer daylight hours. It brings blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and increased outdoor activities. Farmers prepare for planting, and wildlife emerges from hibernation, making it a season of vibrant change.

Whether you celebrate with traditions or simply enjoy the changing scenery, the arrival of spring is a moment to appreciate the beauty and renewal of nature.

  

10 Outdoor Activities

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Spring brings an explosion of new life, making it an ideal season for a nature scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for kids to find, such as blooming flowers, budding trees, insects, birds, and even different shades of green. This activity encourages exploration, observation, and appreciation of nature.

2. Flying Kites

The breezy spring weather is perfect for kite flying. Kids can have a blast watching their colorful kites soar in the sky while running around in open spaces. It's a great way to get them moving while enjoying the fresh air.

3. Gardening Fun

Spring is planting season! Involve kids in gardening by letting them plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Watching their plants grow over time can be a rewarding experience that teaches patience, responsibility, and the basic of caring for living things.

4. Bike Rides

Dust off the bikes and head out for a family bike ride. Spring's mild weather makes cycling an enjoyable activity that promotes exercise and adventure. Choose a scenic trail or a park path, or simply explore the neighborhood.

5. Outdoor Picnics

Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and head to a park or even your backyard for a delightful picnic. Kids can enjoy their meal in the fresh air and have space to play afterward.

6. Bubble Play

Nothing excites kids more than bubbles! Set up a bubble station with wands and let them chase, pop, and create giant bubbles. It's a simple yet magical activity that brings joy to all ages.

7. Hiking and Exploring Trails

Take advantage of the beautiful spring scenery by going on a family-friendly hike. Choose trails with easy terrain and interesting sights like waterfalls, wildflowers, or small wildlife. It's an excellent way to bond as a family while enjoying the beauty of nature.

8. Sidewalk Chalk Art

Give kids a bucket of colorful chalk and let their creativity shine on sidewalks or driveways. They can draw pictures, create hopscotch games, or even design their own obstacle courses.

9. Visiting a Petting Zoo or Farm

Spring is an exciting time to visit a petting zoo or farm, as many animals have newborns during this season. Kids can interact with and learn about farm animals in a fun and educational environment.

10. Rainy Day Puddle Jumping

Spring showers shouldn't stop the fun! Dress kids in rain boots and let them splash around in puddles. It's a fantastic way for them to enjoy the rain while staying active.

Conclusion

Spring is a season of renewal and adventure, making it the perfect time for kids to engage in outdoor play. These activities not only provide fun but also encourage physical movement, creativity, and an appreciation for nature. So, step outside, breathe in the fresh spring air, and make unforgettable memories.

National Backyard Day - Fun & Easy Stretches For Kids to do Outside

 Celebrate National Backyard Day on March 19th with some fun and easy stretches.

Encouraging kids to stretch and move their bodies is essential for their physical development and overall well-being. Outdoor stretching promotes flexibility and mobility and allows children to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air. Here are some fun and easy stretches that kids can do outside to stay active and energized.

Celebrate National Backyard Day

National Backyard Day is a special day dedicated to enjoying outdoor activities in your own backyard. Celebrated annually, it encourages families to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and make the most of their outdoor spaces. It's the perfect occasion to engage kids in fun outdoor stretches while appreciating the beauty of nature right at home.

#NationalBackyardDay

Backyards offer a peaceful solitude, a restful escape for reading, napping, exploring, gardening friends and family, and taking time to stretch.

8 Stretches to do in Your Backyard

1. Sun Reach Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Raise both arms towards the sky, reaching as high as possible without arching your back.
• Feel a stretch in the arms, shoulders, and upper back.
• Hold for a few seconds, then gently lower the arms.
• Repeat this motion 5 - 6 times.

2. Butterfly Stretch

How to do it:

• Sit on the grass with feet together and knees bent outward.
• Hold the feet with both hands and gently flap the knees up and down.
• Feel a stretch in the inner thighs and hips.
• Hold for 15 - 20 seconds while taking deep breaths.

3. Side Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand with feet hip-width apart.
• Raise one arm overhead and lean to the opposite side, keeping your hips square (facing forward).
• Feel a stretch along the side of your body (torso and obliques).
• Hold for 10 - 15 seconds, then switch sides.

4. Tree Pose Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand on one foot and place the other foot against the inner thigh or calf.
• Bring hands together at chest level or reach them towards the sky.
• Feel a stretch in the standing leg for balance and in the hips.
• Hold for 10 - 15 seconds and switch legs.

5. Toe Touch Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
• Slowly bend forward and try to touch the toes.
• Feel a stretch in the hamstrings (back of the legs) and lower back.
• Hold for a few seconds, then return to standing.

6. Shoulder Roll Stretch

How to do it:

• Stand or sit with a straight back.
• Roll the shoulders forward in circular motions, then roll them backward.
• Feel a stretch in the shoulders and upper back.
• Repeat 10 times in each direction.

7. Frog Stretch

How to do it:

• Squat down with feet wide apart and hands on the ground.
• Gently press the knees outward to stretch the inner thighs and groin area.
• Hold for 15 - 20 seconds.

8. Arm Circles

How to do it:

• Stand with arms extended to the sides.
• Make small circles forward for 10 seconds, then backward for 10 seconds.
• Feel a stretch in the shoulders and upper arms.

Conclusion

Outdoor stretching is a fantastic way to keep kids active, flexible, and engaged with their surroundings. These simple stretches can be incorporated into playtime, sports, or warm-up routines before other outdoor activities. Encourage kids to have fun while stretching and make it a regular part of their outdoor adventures!

Combine Reading and Physical Activity with Fitness Finders Tokens - National Read Across America Day

Blend the world of reading with the benefits of movement to create a more dynamic and engaging experience. 

In today's digital age, we often find ourselves glued to screens, whether it's for school, work, entertainment, or socializing. However, in this tech-heavy world, it's important to find ways to engage in activities that promote both mental and physical well-being. One creative and effective way to do this is by combining reading and physical activity. Not only can the method make reading more exciting, but it also helps children and adults stay active and energized while cultivating a love for books.

How You Can Blend Reading and Fitness

Combine achieving a reading milestone that corresponds with a fitness challenge. For instance, after completing a book, they can collect a token that encourages them to do a fun activity, such as jumping jacks, running, stretching, etc.

These challenges can be tied to the theme of the book - if the story is about sports, the fitness challenge could involve practicing that sport for 10 minutes. By participating in the Fitness Finders Reading Tokens, kids can stay active, energizing both their minds and bodies. It's a creative way to engage children with physical activity while cultivating a passion for reading.

Benefits of Reading and Being Active

1. Reading-Related Movement Breaks

Sitting for extended periods can lead to decreased focus and energy, especially when reading for a long time. Instead of sitting still, take regular movement breaks that are tied to the content of the book you're reading. Here are some fun ideas:

• Character-Based Movements: if the book features a character who is a runner, dancer, or athlete, take a break and mimic that character's movements. For example, if the book is about a runner, pause the reading session and go for a little jog, or do sprints for a few minutes before resuming the reading session.
• Interactive Challenge: after reading a chapter or finishing a book, incorporate a movement challenge. For instance, if the story is about a journey or adventure, create a challenge where the reader has to perform an activity that represents part of the adventure, such as climbing (using stairs or a safe structure), jumping, or walking a certain distance.
• Stretching: after every few pages or chapters, encourage readers to stretch their arms, legs, or back. Stretching helps reduce any discomfort from sitting and improves circulation, which can enhance focus when returning to the book. 

2. Active Reading Games

Children and adults alike love a little bit of friendly competition and fun. By turning reading sessions into an interactive game, you can combine literacy with exercise. Here are some examples of active reading games:

• Reading Relay: set up a reading relay race where participants take turns reading a page or a paragraph and then perform a physical task, such as jumping jacks, a short run, or a series of stretches before the next person can start reading. The goal is to get through the book while completing a certain number of physical tasks.
• Book Bingo: create a bingo card with words from the book along with physical activity such as "jump 10 times," "do a yoga pose," or "run in place for 30 seconds." As you read, listen for those words on your bingo cards and cross off the box after completing the activity associated with that word. This helps break up the monotony of sitting still and makes the reading process much more engaging. 
• Scavenger Hunt: if you're reading a non-fiction or nature-based book, create a scavenger hunt for physical items or outdoor activities based on the book's content. For example, if you're reading a book about nature, go outside and search for leaves, rocks, or birds, making it a way to physically connect with the story.

3. Themed Physical Activities Based on Books

Another exciting way to combine reading and physical activity is to design themed workouts inspired by the content of the book. This method works particularly well with children's books or any story that contains a lot of action.

• Superhero Workouts: if you're reading a book with a superhero character, use the story to inspire a superhero workout. Have kids (or adults) do activities like running, jumping, squats, and push-ups to mimic the movements of their favorite heroes. For example, "Superman Sprints" or "Spider-Man Wall Climbs" could be part of the fun.
• Animal-Themed Exercises: books with animals as main characters can inspire exercises based on the animals' movements. After reading about a kangaroo, jump like a kangaroo. After reading about a frog, do frog jumps. These exercises will get the body moving while staying connected to the book.
• Adventure Fitness: if you're reading an adventure or fantasy book, use the journey in the story to inspire a fitness routine. For example, if the characters are trekking through a jungle or climbing a mountain, create a workout that mimics this journey by including climbs (stairs or inclined surfaces), crawls, and jumps.

4. Audiobooks with Active Listening

For those who love to listen to books, combining audiobooks with physical activity can be a great way to stay fit while enjoying a good story. You can listen to audiobooks while doing activities like:

• Walking or Jogging: take your audiobook outdoors and go for a walk or job. Whether it's through the park or around your neighborhood, moving while listening keeps your body active and your mind engaged in the story.
• Cycling: you can also enjoy an audiobook while cycling. This is an easy way to get in some physical activity while losing yourself in a great story.
• Yoga or Stretching: listening to an audiobook while doing yoga or stretching allows you to stay centered and relaxed while absorbing the story's content.

5. Physical Rewards for Reading Milestones

For young readers or children, rewarding physical activity for reading milestones can be a great motivator. Create a system where children earn "rewarding tokens" or "fitness points" after completing a book or chapter. These tokens can then be traded for a specific physical activity challenge, such as:

• Dance Party: after finishing a chapter, let the reader have a dance party.
• Obstacle Course: create a fun obstacle course that the reader must complete as a reward for finishing a book.

By associating reading achievements with fun physical activities, children will be more motivated to read and will associate reading with positive experiences, both mentally and physically.

Why Combine Reading and Fitness?

Combining reading with physical activity is a winning formula for both mental and physical health. Research shows that physical activity enhances brain function, boosts concentration, and increases overall well-being. When children are encouraged to take breaks during reading to engage in short physical exercises, it helps them refocus and reinforces the idea that learning can be both fun and active.

Moreover, fitness activities like stretching, dancing, or simple aerobic exercises release endorphins that improve mood, making children more eager to dive back into their books. It also breaks the monotony of sedentary reading sessions and promotes the importance of movement, which is key in preventing the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, such as poor posture or low energy.

A Balanced Approach to Learning

National Read Across America Day is a fantastic opportunity to not only celebrate reading but also to introduce children to healthy habits. By incorporating tools like Fitness Finders Reading tokens and Fitness Tokens, we can create an exciting and balanced approach to both learning and fitness. Children are encouraged to read, engage in physical activities, and reflect on their experiences, making the celebration of reading both educational and energizing.

So, whether you're an educator, parent, or student, this March 2nd, let's celebrate National Read Across America Day with a twist of combining the power of reading with the benefits of physical activity. 

15 Winter Wonderland Adventures: Fun and Safe Outdoor Activities for Kids

Wintertime may be chilly, but it also transforms the outdoors into a magical playground! Don't let the cold keep you cooped up indoors. With the right activities and warm clothes, wintertime can be the perfect season for kids to stay active, burn energy, explore science, and make lasting memories.

1. Snowy Obstacle Course

Transform your backyard into a winter obstacle course! Use snow piles for climbing, avoid flying snowballs, set up tunnels with large cardboard boxes, and mark out zig-zag running paths with sticks. Add a challenge to see who completes the course the fastest.

Pro Tip: Ensure kids wear sturdy boots to prevent slipping and avoid wearing all black clothes or wear reflective apparel or reflective tape if it's getting dark.

2. Create a Snow Volcano

Create a volcano using the snow around a plastic water bottle (don't put the cap on). Pour some baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar into the plastic bottle, then watch it erupt!

The Science: The baking soda (a base) reacts with the vinegar (an acid) producing carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbly eruption.

3. Build a Snow Fortress

Go beyond the classic snowman and construct a snow fortress. This activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and a bit of engineering. For some extra fun use the fortress as a snowball target. 

Safety Tip: Don't pack the snowballs too much, encourage soft, loose-packed snowballs to prevent injury and avoid throwing them at faces.

4. Ice Lanterns

Fill balloons with water, add a few drops of food coloring, and leave them outside overnight to freeze. Once solid, peel off the balloon and place an LED tea light inside for a glowing ice lantern.

The Science: Freezing traps the food coloring in the ice, creating beautiful colorful patterns. This experiment also demonstrates how water changes state from a liquid to a solid.

5. Snow Race

Get some fresh air and a good workout running in the snow! Create short or long-distance races to see who can cross the finish line first. For more of a challenge make it a multi-day challenge and see who can accrue the most snow miles during the winter time. Keep a chart to track all participants' miles and whoever has the most is the winner!

Fun Idea:  Participate in a virtual run - run the Iditarod and race with the sled dogs.

6. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Bundle up and head to the local park or trail for a winter scavenger hunt. Make a list of items like pinecones, animal tracks, icicles, snowmen, and unique leaves. Kids will love searching for these treasures while getting some exercise.

Fun Idea: Bring along a magnifying glass and inspect the various snowflake designs up close.

7. Ice Skating

If there's a local rink or frozen pond nearby (that's deemed safe), Ice skating is a wonderful way to stay active. For beginners, bring a chair or cone to help with balance.

Safety Tip: Always check the ice thickness with a professional if skating on a natural surface and ensure kids wear helmets and/or pads to protect against falls.

8. Sledding and Tobogganing

Sledding is a classic winter activity that never gets old! Find a safe hill away from roads, and let the kids zoom down the hill. Try organizing a sled race or building small ramps for an extra thrill.

Safety Tip: Avoid steep hills and make sure the area is clear of trees, rocks, or other hazards. If it's a chilly day some Vaseline on the cheeks and nose can help protect against the cold.

9. Make Frost on a Can

Fill a can halfway with ice and add a good amount of salt and some water. Wait a few minutes and watch the frost form on the outside of the can.

The Science: The salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing it to absorb heat from the can, making the surface cold enough for frost to form.

10. Winter Hiking and Wildlife Spotting

Many animals leave tracks in the snow, making it a perfect time to observe nature. Take a family hike and look for signs of deer, rabbits, squirrels, or birds. Bring binoculars to spot animals from a distance.

Safety Tip: Layer clothing and pack warm drinks like hot cocoa to enjoy the trail and stay warm.

11. Melting Race

Pack snowballs and place them on different materials (salt, sugar, cinnamon, black pepper) to see which one melts the fastest. Turn it into a game if you have a group of kids where each person picks one material and whoever snowball melts first is the winner!

The Science: Materials like salt lower the freezing point of snow, while darker materials absorb heat faster, speeding up the melting process.

12. Snow Painting

Bring some color to the white landscape with snow painting! Fill Spray bottles with water and food coloring and let the kids create colorful masterpieces in the snow.

Pro Tip: Create stencils out of cardboard for fun and unique designs

13. Frozen Bubble Fun

Blowing bubbles isn't just a summer activity! On especially cold days when the temperatures are below freezing, bubble solution freezes into icy orbs. Watch as the bubbles land and crystallize. Sometimes you might even see them crystallize as they float.

14. Cross-Country Skiing or Snowboarding

If you have access to the equipment, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore snowy trails while staying active. Many parks rent gear, making it accessible for beginners.

Pro Tip: Choose an appropriate slope or trail for your skill level. For younger kids choose the shorter trails to avoid fatigue or bunny hills to build up confidence to tackle the bigger skiing hills.

15. Winter Stargazing

On clear nights, the winter sky offers a stunning view of stars and constellations. Grab blankets, a thermos of hot chocolate, and a star chart or phone app to identify celestial wonders.

Winter Safety Tips

1. Dress in Layers

Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating layers, and top with a waterproof jacket. Don't forget hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks.

2. Stay Visible

Nightfall starts early, so add reflective gear, avoid dark clothing, and carry flashlights if you are out past dark.

3. Hydration

Kids still need plenty of water, even in cold weather. Keep water bottles handy.

4. Know When to Head Inside

Watch for signs of frostbite (red or pale skin, numb or tingling feeling) or hypothermia (shivering or fatigue) and head indoors to warm up.

5. Use Safe Areas

Conduct experiments away from icy patches or roads.

6. Leave No Trace

Leave the area as you found it to protect the environment.

Winter is a season full of opportunities for adventure and discovery. With these activities and precautions, your kids will stay active, healthy, and entertained all season long.

6 Benefits of Signing Up For a Turkey Trot: Why Your Kids Will Love Participating

Thanksgiving morning is often centered around kitchen prep, parades, and thoughts of a hearty feast to come. But there’s another growing tradition that families are embracing to kick off the holiday on a healthy and energetic note: the Turkey Trot!

A Turkey Trot is a fantastic activity for kids! These family-friendly, community-based fun runs or walks are a perfect way for kids to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and be part of a festive community event held around Thanksgiving. 

Fun runs offer numerous benefits for children of all ages. Here are 6 reasons why your kids should lace up their sneakers and join in on the Turkey Trot fun this holiday season.

What is a Turkey Trot?

A Turkey Trot is typically a community fun run or walk held on or around Thanksgiving Day. These events vary in distance, with common options including a 10K (6.2 miles), 5K (3.1 miles), 1 mile fun run or even shorter kid’s dashes. Participants often wear festive costumes, like turkey hats or pilgrim outfits, adding to playful spirit of the day.

6 Benefits of a Turkey Trot

1. Promotes Physical Fitness

Participating in a Turkey Trot is an excellent way for kids to stay active. It encourages running or walking in a non-competitive and supportive environment, which helps build cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, boosts energy levels, and improves overall endurance. Whether they sprint, jog, or walk, kids are staying active and having fun while doing it. Plus, many Turkey Trots offer shorter distances under 5k that are more manageable for young runners, such as 1 mile fun runs or even shorter kids’ dashes.

2. Fosters a Sense of Community

Many Turkey Trots support local charities or food banks, so your family’s participation often helps a good cause. Kids can learn about the importance of giving back and feel part of something bigger as they run or walk with neighbors, friends and family members. 

Turkey Trots provide a great opportunity for kids to feel a sense of belonging and experience the joy of participating in something larger than themselves. The festive atmosphere - with costumes, music and cheering crowds -  adds to the fun and excitement, making it a memorable experience for children.

3. Builds Confidence

Crossing the finish line of any race, even a non-competitive one, is an achievement. Completing a Turkey Trot can boost your child’s self-esteem and give them a sense of accomplishment. They’ll take pride in knowing they finished what they started, which can inspire them to take on other challenges with confidence.

4. Teaches Healthy Habits

Thanksgiving is known for being a day of indulgence. Starting the day with a Turkey Trot helps balance the holiday spirit with physical activity. Kids will appreciate the feast even more after spending some energy, and it’s a great way to teach them the value of balancing treats with exercise. 

Introducing kids to activities like Turkey Trots, early on can instill lifelong healthy habits. It shows them that exercise can be fun and enjoyable, not just a chore. For kids who may not be involved in organized sports, a Turkey Trot can offer a less competitive way to be active.

5. Encourage Goal Setting and Achievement

Completing a Turkey Trot, whether they run, jog, or walk, helps kids set and achieve personal goals. Crossing the finish line gives them a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence. If the event includes a medal or ribbon for participation, it’s an extra reward that reinforces the idea that effort and participation are valuable.

6. Fun family Tradition

Turkey Trots are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to participants of all ages and abilities, making them perfect for families. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or walking with a toddler, these events emphasize fun over competition, making them an ideal way for families to bond.

Many Families make participating in a Turkey Trot a Thanksgiving tradition, starting the holiday with physical activity before enjoying the feast. Kids enjoy the chance to dress up in fun, festive outfits or costumes related to Thanksgiving, like turkey hats or pilgrim costumes, which adds an element of playfulness.

Tips for a Kid-friendly Turkey Trot Experience

• Choose an age-appropriate distance: Pick a race length appropriate for your child’s age and fitness level. For younger kids, look for Turkey Trots that offer shorter routes, or separate kids’ races.

• Dress comfortably: Depending on where you live, Thanksgiving morning could be chilly. Make sure kids wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable running shoes.

• Add a costume: Get into the holiday spirit by dressing up! Kids love wearing fun, festive outfits, whether it’s a turkey headband, a shirt with a funny Thanksgiving graphic, or even a full head to toe costume.

• Hydrate and fuel-up: Even in cooler weather, staying hydrated is essential. A light snack before the run and staying hydrated is important for kids, especially if they’re running a longer distance.

• Warm-Up and stretch: Take a few minutes to warm up and stretch before the race to prevent any stiffness or soreness.

• Make it fun: Emphasize fun over competition. It’s all about enjoying the experience and creating positive memories, not necessarily winning.

Conclusion

Turkey Trots are more than just a race; they’re a fun, inclusive event that can help teach kids about fitness, community spirit, and setting goals. They also provide an active way to bond as a family and kick off the holiday season on a healthy note. Whether walking, jogging, or running, kids will benefit from participating and will likely look forward to making it a yearly tradition!

11 Fun and Active Fall Activities for Kids to Enjoy Outside

As the days grow colder and the leaves begin to change color, fall presents the perfect opportunity for kids to enjoy the outdoors. Crisp air and vibrant scenery create an inviting backdrop for a range of fun activities that keep children active and engaged. Whether You’re looking to encourage exercise, creativity, or simply some outdoor family bonding; here are some of the best fall activities for kids that make the most of this enchanting season.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Fall is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Create a list of items that are a mix between easy and slightly challenging to find in your area - think colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones, or even a squirrel sighting. Hand each child a printed checklist or have then use their smartphones and set them loose in the backyard or at a local park. This activity sharpens observation skills, gets kids moving, and allows them to explore nature first hand.

Tip: You can add challenges like finding the brightest leaf or the biggest acorn to make it even more exciting, challenging, and fun competition.

2. Leaf Pile Jumping

A fall classic and a fun activity shared between family and friends. Work together to rake together a giant pile and be rewarded leaping into it, scatter it, and rake it up again for repeated fun.  This simple activity not only brings out giggles but is also a great way for kids to get their hearts pumping and body moving.

Safety Reminder: Make sure the leaf pile is in an open space and is free from sticks, hidden rocks, pine cones, anything that could be a potential hazard to ensure safe play.

3. Pumpkin Patch Visit

A trip to the pumpkin patch is a fall must. Not only is it a great opportunity to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving, decorating, or making homemade pumpkin seeds, but many pumpkin patches offer additional activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Walking through rows of pumpkins and navigating a corn maze helps kids develop their sense of direction and keep active.

Activity Add On: When you return home, have a pumpkin-decorating contest using paint, markers, and stickers!

4. Outdoor Storytime and Picnic

Encourage a love for reading and the outdoors by organizing an outdoors story time. Spread a blanket under a tree, bring out a stack of autumn-themed books, and read aloud. Follow up the stories with a simple picnic full of fall treats like apple slices, cheese and pumpkin-flavored snacks. This relaxing activity is a perfect way to combine learning and leisure while soaking up the last of the mild weather.

5. Apple Picking Adventure

Apple picking is a great way to combine physical activity with a lesson in where food comes from. Visit a local orchard, and have your kids search for the best apples while reaching, climbing, and stretching to pluck fruit from the branches. Afterward, challenge them to come up with simple recipes like apple slices with peanut butter, honey, or homemade applesauce to enjoy their pickings.

Pro Tip: Teach Kids to choose apples by looking for ones that are firm and have a deep color.

6. DIY Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course in your backyard or at a local park. Use fall-themed items like hay bales, pumpkins, and ropes for jumping, crawling, and balancing challenges. Encourage kids to race each other or time themselves to see how quickly they can complete the course. This is a creative way to boost coordination, agility, and fitness.

Tip: Create a tunnel using boxes, weave through cones, jump over pool noodles or another item, create a balance beam using a wooden plank or spray painting a line in the grass. For an additional challenge you can designate “lava spots” kids have to avoid while navigating the obstacle course.

7. Bike Ride Through Fall Foliage

Autumn’s stunning landscape is best appreciated on a leisurely bike ride. Pick a trail or safe park path where the fall foliage is at its best, and encourage the kids to take in the views as they ride. Biking is an excellent cardiovascular activity that strengthen the muscles and builds endurance, all while allowing kids to enjoy the outdoors.

8. Fall Themed Relay Races

Organize relay races with a twist by incorporating fall props. Create events like a pumpkin carry (balancing a mini pumpkin while running), sack races with fall-colored burlap sacks, or a relay that requires kids to race to collect different types of leaves. Friendly competition makes exercise fun and helps develop teamwork skills.

9. Chalk Art on Fall Walks

Take a walk through your neighborhood armed with colorful chalk and creativity. Encourage kids to draw leaves, pumpkins, and friendly ghosts on sidewalks or driveways. It’s a simple activity that keeps them active as they bend, draw, and move along the path. Plus, it spreads seasonal cheer for your neighbors to enjoy.

10. Bonfire Evening with Active Games

Cap off a day of fall fun with a cozy bonfire and active games. Kids can play flashlight tag, hide and seek, or kickball before gathering around the fire to warm up and roast marshmallows. These games keep them active, improve reflexes, and provide them with great stories to share the next day.

11. Signing Up For a Turkey Trot

A Turkey Trot is a fantastic activity for kids. A family-friendly, and community based fun run is held around Thanksgiving and offer numerous benefits for children of all ages. Participating in a Turkey Trot is a fun running activity that helps build cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, teaches healthy habits; that running and exercise can be fun and enjoyable, encourages goal-setting and achievement among many other benefits.

Conclusion

Fall is a season full of charm, color, and countless opportunities for outdoor play. By incorporating some of these activities into your autumn weekends, you’ll help your kids stay active, make the most of the season, and create warm memories that will last well beyond the final leaf drop. So grab your sweatshirts and head outside - there’s plenty of fall fun waiting!

10 Outdoor Games for Kids: Fun Summer Time Outdoor Activities

1. Tug of War

Create two teams. One team on each side of the rope. Depending on the size of the teams, Use a rope that's 25–120 ft long, depending on your team size. Have a marker to designate the center of the playing field. Then, mark 13–15 ft on either side from the center mark The idea of the game is that each team will pull the rope, and the first team to get their mark over the center mark wins the game.

2. Red Light Green Light

One person (either a camp counselor or one of the players) stands at the front of the playing field, playing the role of the “traffic light.” The rest of the players stand a certain distance away from the traffic light, but close enough to hear the commands. The traffic light will have their back turned to the players (or hands over their eyes). The traffic light will shout “green light,” or “red light”. Green light means the players can move closer either walking or running. “Red light” means that the players must stop. When the traffic light shouts “red light” they can look and anyone caught still moving during “red light” will be eliminated. The object of the game is to reach the traffic light without being caught.

3. Land, Air, Sea

Have three parallel lines of equal distance apart - if you're playing in a gym you can use the boundary lines and mid court line. If you're playing outside you can make your own lines and designate each line to either be “land”, “air”, or “sea”. All players will start at the middle line. 

One person will stand in front of the middle line calling out commands. That person can call out “land” and all the players will have to run to that designated line labeled “land”. If any players go to the wrong line they are out. If the person calls out “land” and the players are already there and their feet leave the line, they are out. The person calling out the commands can also call out multiple commands such as, “land, air, land, sea,” and the players must listen for the last command - that's the one that matters.

4. Musical Chairs

Set up the chairs in two rows back-to-back. There should be one less chair for the number of people playing - if you have 15 people playing you would set up 14 chairs. The game will start with everyone circling the chairs as the music plays. Once the music stops, it’s a dash to see who can sit down first to avoid elimination. As the game continues and people are eliminated, chairs will continue to be taken away until only one chair remains to crown a winner.

5. Balloon Toss

Fill one gigantic balloon with water, glitter, sparkles, and/or confetti. Space everyone out in a large circle, roughly one or two feet away from each other. Then, the players will pass or throw the balloon around the circle, trying not to pop it. Have backup balloons in case the game goes quick cause who doesn’t want to pop a balloon filled with glitter and sparkles

6. Water Balloon Fight

Fill up plenty of water balloons for both teams to throw at each other. For some added fun you can add coloring or glitter that easily washes off. The team least covered in color or glitter wins.

7. Steal the Bacon

Split the group evenly into two groups and sit them with their backs turned towards the center line, approximately 20 feet apart. Assign numbers to each player on both sides from one to the final person. At the end, each team will have a number 1, 2, etc. In the center place a ball. When you call out a number, the goal is to be the first to reach the ball and bring it back to your side without being tagged by the other person. If you make it back safely, your team scores a point, if you are tagged, the ball goes back in the middle, and a new number is called.

8. ABC Basketball

Children sit in a large circle and pass the basketball around the circle (like a hot potato) while singing the alphabet. Whoever has the ball when the group gets to the letter Z must go to the basket and try to make a shot. If a player makes the shot, he/she takes their seat in the circle. If they miss it, they are out.

9. Crab Walk Soccer

Two teams sit on lines a short distance apart. Players on both teams are assigned a number, starting with one on each team. Place the soccer ball in the center. Someone calls out a number. The player from each team who is assigned that number crab walks to the center and attempts to get the ball over the opponent’s goal line. When a point is scored, the ball is returned to the center and another number is called. Team members may help but not score.

10 Sponge Relay

Create two teams and have them line up behind a starting line. Each team gets a small empty bucket and a large sponge. At the finish line, place two larger buckets filled with water. On the word go, the first person in line must run to their team’s water bucket, dunk the sponge in, run back with it, and squeeze all the water from the sponge into the team’s empty bucket. The wet sponges must be carried above their heads as they run back from the water buckets. They then pass the sponge to the next person, and so on until one team fills up their empty bucket with water. That team wins.