Enjoy our picks for the best backyard play ideas when there is no playground equipment nearby. These are low cost, low-prep activities for backyards large or small. Have fun all summer long with these fun options for outdoor play.
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Let’s get outside and play! Not only is it fun to play outdoors, it’s beneficial for early childhood development in so many ways.
Outdoor play experiences build social, gross motor and spatial skills. They get kids in touch with their natural surroundings for sensory learning experiences.
While there is much to enjoy about the great outdoors, play spaces differ for everyone. Some have large backyards. Some have a deck or paved area. 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.
Add an image beside each item on the list to make the game available for younger children.
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 on a nature walk around the neighborhood or in a nearby park.
Explore with binoculars and magnifiers. Look at leaves and insects and other small objects.
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
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!
