Getting kids outdoors doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes all you need is a good idea, a bit of fresh air, and something fun to look out for along the way. Mykidstime has partnered with Coillte Outdoors on Get Up, Get Out! — a collection of free downloads packed with outdoor activities for kids, from scavenger hunts to bug hunts and beyond.
Each one is free to download, easy to view on your phone, or you can print it off and bring it with you on your next walk, forest visit or back garden adventure.
Ideas for Outdoor Activities
Here are four free downloads you can view on your smartphone or print and take with you for fun things to do outdoors.
20 Fun Things for Kids to Do Outdoors
From flying a kite to starting a rock collection, we bring you 20 fun things for kids to do outdoors. Try a bark rubbing, go looking for a butterfly, or work your way through the whole list over the summer.
Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Try out our fun nature scavenger hunt. Kids love a good treasure hunt, and this one turns an ordinary walk into a hunt for nature’s own treasure. Can you find something soft? A bendy twig? Something beginning with S?
Big Bug Hunt for Kids
Enjoy our Big Bug Hunt. Who can spot the ugliest bug? The biggest bug? The fastest bug? It’s worth bringing along a plastic tub or a jar so little collectors have somewhere safe to pop their finds — just remember to let them go again afterwards.
Sound Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Fancy something a little different? Head out to the woods or forest and see how many of these sounds you can spot in our Sound Scavenger Hunt. It’s a lovely way to slow down and get kids really listening to the world around them.
Visit a Coillte Forest Park
Coillte’s forest parks are spread around the country and offer a wonderful mix of facilities and outdoor space for families, including:
- children’s playgrounds
- picnic sites
- marked walking and cycling trails
- beautiful scenic woodlands
They’re ideal spots for a family ramble, some nature spotting, a picnic if the weather’s kind, and plenty of outdoor games along the way.
Cycling for Teens and Families
Stop by our Coillte Cycling page for information and suggestions on cycling for teens and families, from easy family-friendly routes to more adventurous mountain biking trails.
You can find out more about Coillte Outdoors at www.coillteoutdoors.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the outdoor activity downloads really free?
Yes. All four downloads — the 20 fun things list, the nature scavenger hunt, the bug hunt and the sound scavenger hunt — are free to view on your phone or print at home.
What age are these outdoor activities suitable for?
They’re designed to be flexible for a range of ages, so younger children can join in with a bit of help while older kids can take the lead themselves.
Do I need any special equipment?
No special gear is needed. A pencil for ticking off the scavenger hunts is handy, and a small plastic tub or jar is useful for the bug hunt if children want to take a closer look before letting their finds go.
Where can we do these activities?
Anywhere with a bit of green space works — a back garden, local park, or one of Coillte’s forest parks. Forest parks are especially good for the scavenger and sound hunts, as there’s plenty of nature to spot.
Related Articles
- Coillte Forest Parks for Families
- Coillte Cycling for Families
- Rainy Day Ideas: Fun Things to Do Indoors and Out
Enjoyed these outdoor activity ideas? Save this page so you’ve got it handy for your next family outing, or browse our other outdoor and rainy-day ideas for more inspiration.
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