Enjoy these fun ideas for outdoor play when there is no playground equipment nearby. These are low cost, low-prep activities for backyards large or small. Have fun outdoors all summer long with these fun play ideas.

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Let's get outside and play! 

Outdoor play experiences are important for early childhood development. They build social, gross motor and spatial skills. They get kids in touch with their natural surroundings for sensory learning experiences.

But outdoor play spaces differ for everyone. Some have large backyards. Some have a deck or paved area only. Others have access to a playground nearby. 

In this post I offer a few suggestions for games and activities to do outside when swings and slides and other equipment are not available.

Backyard play ideas

What can we do outside without a playground? Turns out there are lots of ways to get moving and exploring without access to climbing structures or curvy slides.

These outdoor play ideas can be done in your own backyard. The activities can easily be adapted to your available space and materials.

1. Scavenger hunt

Give each child or team a list of objects to find, such as a rock, a branch, or a toy shovel.

Here's a Scavenger Hunt you can download and print for a fun activity with the kids.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

2. Sand play and water play

Fill a small wading pool or large plastic container with play sand purchased at a local hardware store. Add toy cars, funnels, plastic rakes, shovels, measuring spoons. Cover the container when not in use.

You can do the same procedure for water play.

You can also make a mud play area with a simple setup like this mud pie kitchen from Tinkerlab.

3. Bubbles

Use store-bought or homemade solutions with a variety of wands.

This DIY bubble station from Crafty Mama in ME will ensure a steady supply of homemade bubble solution!

4. Picnic-in-the-shade

Pack a picnic basket with crackers and cheese, finger sandwiches, thermos or drink boxes, along with a checkered tablecloth.

Choose a shady location to protect food - and little ones - from the hot sun.

5. Reading-in-the-shade

Spread a blanket under a tree. Fill a basket with picture books about nature.

Or lounge in the hammock with picture books!

6. Nature Walk

Go exploring with binoculars and magnifiers. Look at leaves and insects up close.

7. Parade

Dress up in costumes. Carry banners or wave flags made by the children. Ride on tricycles or pull wagons.

8. Obstacle course

Identify natural props for going under, over and around: under the tree branch, around the lilac bush, over the big rock!

You can also build a backyard obstacle course with man-made props.

• Go through this obstacle course from Frugal Fun for Boys like an American Ninja warrior.

• Hoola hoops and water balloons are just part of the fun in this obstacle course from Pre-K Pages.

• Start with a colorful tunnel in this rainbow obstacle course from Sunny Day Family.

9. Relay races

Establish a start line and a finish line, allowing lots of room between them for the races.

Include options such as wheelbarrow races, walking backwards, hopping on one foot.

10. Toys

Provide skipping ropes, hoops, and sports balls.

Make a ring toss game with recyclables.

Place large toy dump trucks and other vehicles in an area with pea gravel or loose earth for digging.

More outdoor fun!

This follow-the-pine cone trail is a fun game for toddlers and older kids too!

Create a trail with pine cones or any other item in nature - twigs, flowers, stones.

Outdoor backyard play tips

Be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray and other essentials when heading outdoors.

Keep hydrated (drink water), wear a hat and protective clothing, and seek out shade, or stay indoors, during the hottest part of the day.

Enjoy outdoor play with your preschooler everyday!

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