Unique outdoor activities are a great way to stay healthy, active, and create lasting memories as a family. And, bonus! Most outdoor activities are inexpensive or free.

With beautiful weather outside, it’s almost impossible to stay away from opening the front door. If you’re looking for different ways to enjoy the beautiful spring weather—we’ve got 13 different options, just for you!

Bird watching

Take a stroll to the park, and have a competition to see who can identify the most bird species. A bird watchers guide will help you learn about the birds native to your area.

Make a bird feeder

No need to get fancy—the secret to getting the birds to come your way is Cheerios! String them along on a pipe cleaner and hang it in a tree. Or, cover a pine cone with peanut butter, roll it in bird seeds, and hang it from a branch.

Go geocaching

A mobile device or GPS device is all you’ll need for this activity. Look for sites listing local catches and use their geocaching app on your smartphone to locate hidden treasures near you. It’s like real-life sleuthing!  

Backyard camping

You don’t have to travel for hours to enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature and slightly-golden (or deliciously burnt) s’mores. Unpack the tents and camping gear and set up your own backyard campground! Ghost stories, campfires, and stargazing are always a wonderful experience, no matter where you are.

Wash the car

Washing the car can be a super fun activity—especially for the little ones. Just add a garden hose—and they’ll be splishin’ and splashin’ left and right. Join in on the fun yourself, too. They get the endless fun with the water and sun—and you get a clean car—makes for a total win/win.

Volunteer

Volunteering sets a good example—no matter what the activity is. Learning how to provide a service for someone else is a wonderful character-building skill and gives your little one the chance to experience the lives of others.

There are so many endless opportunities out there. Help a senior citizen clean up their yard or walk to the pond to feed the ducks. If your family is big animal lovers—volunteer as dog walkers at a local shelter.

Go on a treasure hunt

Aargh! You can never go wrong with a treasure hunt—especially fer th' young sprogs. Spend a few minutes creating a pirate’s treasure map with hidden clues throughout the yard or neighborhood. Make it an event and get the other neighborhood kids involved!

Take a nature bike ride

Take advantage of a bright spring day by turning an ordinary bike ride into a nature-spotting event. Make a list of items to look out for before the ride, then compete to see who identified the most items on the list. Some examples could be a feather, bird’s nest, butterfly, bee, cloud shapes, a four-leaf clover, or a daisy. Add a twist and have them take a photo of their findings—one, to make sure they found everything on the list and two—it can make for a beautiful spring collage!

Make a solar oven

What’s more fun than baking cookies? Baking cookies outside with the help of the sun! With a few simple items like aluminum foil, tape, plastic wrap, and a used pizza box—you can make an efficient solar oven.

Blow bubbles

No need to go to the store to buy bubbles. Mix up a batch of bubble solution with two parts water and one part dish soap. Then, round up available materials such as spatulas or clothes hangers and discover what makes the best bubbles. Add a dash of glycerin for stronger bubbles. And, if you have the right ingredients and a bubble glove—you can make bubbles that actually bounce.

Visit an animal sanctuary or petting zoo

There’s nothing quite like seeing baby pigs, goats, and lambs running around. And, there’s especially nothing quite like seeing your little one get the enjoyment of petting a furry friend. The best part—most sanctuaries keep treats on hand to feed the animals!

Make real, homemade lemonade

Making lemonade and building a lemonade stand is a go-to classic. Especially when it’s a beautiful spring day. We’re not talking about making lemonade from a frozen can—we’re talkin’ the real deal—lemonade made with sugar, water, and freshly squeezed lemons. Building a lemonade stand with your kids and selling it to passersby is a great way to teach younger kids how to run a business and earn spending money. Just make sure to check to see if you need a permit to operate a lemonade stand.

Do a family workout

Tie up those laces, get your workout gear on, and head for the park! Find a new trail to explore. Or try Frisbee golf! It’s a fun, healthy way to get exercise. Make it extra fun and play at night—light-up Frisbees are most definitely a thing.

Whether it’s washing the car, making a lemonade stand, or going to the petting zoo, each spring activity will hold a special memory for the whole fam. So, what are you waiting for? The sunshine is calling your name!