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20+ Outdoor activity ideas for preschoolers

The boys rush down the stairs each morning, and nearly want to skip breakfast… all so they can get outdoors as soon as possible!

It’s hilarious to me how the shift in weather has completely shifted their play expectations! And I for one couldn’t be happier! And it’s not like my kids really NEED outdoor activity ideas, but… here’s what we’ve been enjoying!
outdoor activity ideas for preschoolers

20 Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers

  • Bubbles – quintessential outdoor fun!
  • Squirt guns – cool off!
  • Gardening – give them a space and let them have at it. Or show them how to plant seeds and seedlings
  • Dinosaur digging – bury some plastic dinosaurs in the garden and have them excavate
  • Bike riding – classic!
  • Sidewalk Chalk drawing
  • Building blocks – bring some building supplies outdoors (blocks or cardboard boxes)
  • Sensory Nature Walks
  • Backyard picnics
  • Farm visits
  • Park trips
  • Neighborhood walks
  • Outdoor painting or art
  • Play running games like Red Light, Green Light or Red Rover, Red Rover if you have a lot of kids
  • Bug Hunt
  • Have a car wash with toy cars
  • Water balloon fights!
  • Basketball (use any kind of bin or basket!)
  • Treasure hunt
  • Visit a Splash Pad
  • Fly a kite
  • Roll down a hill

outdoor activity ideas for preschoolers

Do you have outdoor activity ideas for preschoolers and older kids to share!?

Another way to engage kids outdoors is by creating an Outdoor Game Spot!

Fill a corner of your yard, deck, or patio with engaging toys that encourage kids to play outdoors! Find out how we created our outdoor game spot in my guest post on the Melissa & Doug blog!

Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers This post is written in connection with my Blog Ambassadorship with Melissa & Doug Toys, although I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Be Present with Your Boys by Being Outside with Them - The MOB Society

Tuesday 9th of May 2017

[…] 20+ Outdoor Activity Ideas for Preschoolers (HappyStrongHome.com) […]

eddie

Saturday 30th of April 2016

Hi, I am with the toddlers for the first time and I need Ideas.

Thank you, Eddie

Trisha W.

Thursday 28th of April 2016

I like that you included Red Rover. It isn't allowed at our elementary school. Many things aren't allowed at recess anymore. =(

Mudpie Fridays

Monday 18th of May 2015

Great ideas, thank you for sharing. I really love the outside car wash of toy cars - think we will be trying this next time we get some sun :)

Keara B.

Monday 18th of May 2015

My daughter had her last day of preschool on Friday, so I'm scrambling to come up with a better variety of activities for her! Thanks for sharing. :)

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