20 things for kids to do outdoors

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We've got a 14 and 8 year old now, we started caravanning when our youngest was a baby so we've covered all age ranges, some twice. I am a STEM ambassador, so will try to cover a bit of that in here too.

Here are my recommendations for activities or toys for use in the campsite, outside of the caravan.

Build something

Instructions on how to build a bug hotel can be found here, at the Woodland Trust. They've also got some ideas of things to do when visiting woodland.

Build a water clock with instructions from Nat Geo Kids.

Build a DIY Sundial with instructions from Science Sparks.

Build a stick fort with tips from Childhood by Nature.

Forest scavenger hunt

Keep kids engaged whilst walking, teaching about the many wonders of the New Forest. Why not try our free printable and tick them off as you go.

Camping Bingo

Fun for all ages, both readers and non readers can take part. Why not try our free printable playing cards which are, of course, camping themed.

Geocaching

Geocaching is great fun & is a great way to explore. It's effectively a worldwide treasure hunt. Free to sign up & apps can be downloaded. https://www.geocaching.com/play

Letterboxing is also similar to Geocaching and there are far more in the New Forest.

Bubble guns

These provide hours of fun and we find them to be a great ice breaker - kids come from all over to join in the bubble fun. We have these from Amazon.

Walkie Talkies

I've never met a kid who doesn't love a walkie-talkie, just mind who is on the same frequency as your child because someone may be on the same frequency within range. Even better when they find a friend in a nearby caravan & can speak to each other. We have these ones from Amazon.

Bike riding or scooting

This one speaks for itself, our kids spend hours doing laps of the campsite. Our newest fun addition are bike lights for the wheels, we have these ones.

Go Crabbing

Lymington or Mudeford offer the best crabbing locations, click here.

Stargazing

When we camp in the countryside, we're also losing quite a bit of the light pollution that affects stargazing. Why not pair a telescope with a book or an app to go and spot some constellations or some satellites?

Other outdoor games sets

Things like Boom Ball, Swing ball, Ring & Beanbag Toss, Sticky Darts, flying a kite & Skittles are always a popular choice.

Waterfight

Depending on the weather, a waterfight is a great way to cool off. Water pistols are our weapon of choice because we find the water balloons may be harmful to the animals of the New Forest.

In the dark

Glo-sticks are really good fun in the dark, wear them or make things out of them, this is a good quiet end of the day activity. Have some fun by sticking them to clothes and dancing.