The sun is shining, and the days are getting longer. It can only mean one thing: summer! This is the perfect time for children to swap screen time for green time.
Outdoor hobbies for kids are a fantastic way to not only burn off their energy but also build confidence, learn new skills, and create unforgettable memories. Whether your child is creative, sporty, or adventurous, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone to enjoy!
In this guide, we’ll cover seven exciting outdoor hobbies that will keep kids active, curious, and entertained all summer long. You’ll also find out why an action-packed kids camp could be the answer you’re looking for!
Why are hobbies important for kids?
Hobbies are incredibly important for kids as they offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond just having fun. They play a crucial role in a child’s holistic development, shaping their personality, skills, and overall well-being. Moreover, it allows kids to express themselves and discover their interests and passions. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of hobbies in more detail:
Builds self-esteem
Hobbies are a safe space where kids can be themselves, showcase their abilities, and simply engage in an activity they genuinely enjoy. This gives them an enormous sense of pride in their accomplishments, allowing them to master a new skill and achieve personal goals.
For example, a child who takes up rock climbing might initially struggle, but with practice, they learn to overcome both physical and mental challenges, whether it’s overcoming a fear of heights or figuring out the best way to reach the top.
Relieves stress and anxiety
Spending time doing what you love offers children an escape from everyday stressors, such as screen fatigue, social media, and academic pressures. In fact, research from the University College London revealed that having a hobby reduced the risk of depression by about 30%.
A child who enjoys painting, for instance, can use art as a way to express emotions, stimulate their imagination through storytelling, or simply relax and unwind. There’s no right or wrong way to create, allowing them complete freedom and a healthy release from any anxieties they might be experiencing.
Promotes physical health
Physical hobbies encourage an active lifestyle, combating sedentary habits (prolonged periods of sitting or lying down) and promoting fitness. Children who cycle regularly build cardiovascular fitness and stamina, strengthen key muscle groups, and develop better coordination as they learn to navigate various terrains.
Even less physically demanding hobbies such as gardening can improve concentration and focus as kids learn to be patient and observe each stage of growth—all vital for good mental health. They also offer a productive alternative to excessive screen time, which can lead to sleep deprivation and eye strain.
Teaches valuable life skills
Without a doubt, the practical life skills children gain through hobbies are invaluable and can be easily carried over into school, relationships, and even future careers. From developing problem-solving skills to learning time management, every experience is a lesson.
Kids can become so absorbed in an activity that they don’t even realise they’re learning! For example, building a model involves following detailed instructions, solving issues when pieces don’t fit, and developing patience and perseverance as you work through setbacks. Ultimately, the reward is the satisfaction of seeing their creation come to life.
Enhances social and communication skills
Many hobbies help kids develop crucial social skills like cooperation, teamwork, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. It’s a chance to interact with other children who share similar interests outside of the school environment, while being part of a community.
Joining a youth football club not only offers physical exercise but also collaboration as teams work towards a common goal—literally! Kids learn to communicate effectively when passing or shooting, handle wins and losses with grace, and develop empathy by appreciating each teammate’s unique strengths and challenges.
7 outdoor hobbies for kids this summer
Now that we’ve explored why hobbies are so important, let’s take a look at eight outdoor hobbies for kids to try in summer. Depending on your child’s interests, they might enjoy the fast-paced energy of team sports or the peaceful tranquillity of nature. Either way, they’ll be able to make the most of their time outdoors!
1. Swimming
Swimming is one of the most accessible outdoor hobbies for kids. Whether in a pool, lake, or the sea, kids love to make a splash! With proper adult supervision, young swimmers can gradually build confidence in the water, starting with simple paddling and progressing at their own pace.
Along the way, they’ll boost their cardiovascular health, as swimming strengthens the heart and improves circulation by encouraging it to pump more efficiently against the resistance of the water. Plus, the sensation of weightlessness and rhythmic movement of water can have a calming, meditative effect.
Tips for swimming:
- Start in shallow water: Build confidence gradually by beginning in a safe, shallow area before moving to deeper sections.
- Use fun floatation aids: Kickboards, noodles, or armbands can make learning to swim feel like play while providing extra support.
- Practice blowing bubbles: This simple exercise helps kids get used to having their face in the water and improves breathing control.
- Make it a game: Turn practice into fun with relay races or swim-through hoops to keep kids motivated.
2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-Up Paddleboarding is a fast-growing water sport that combines fitness and fun on the water. Available at many lakes, rivers, and coastal spots across the UK, SUP involves standing or kneeling on a large, stable board while using a long paddle to glide across the water’s surface.
SUP is an excellent full-body workout, engaging the legs for balance, the core for stability, and the arms and shoulders for paddling. It also boosts coordination, focus and fine motor skills, as kids must constantly adjust their posture and movements to stay upright, while simultaneously being aware of their movements and surroundings.
Tips for stand-up paddleboarding:
- Start on your knees: Begin paddling in a kneeling position to get used to balancing on the board before standing up.
- Look ahead, not down: Keep eyes focused on the horizon to help maintain balance and improve stability.
- Use a leash and buoyancy aid: Always wear a leash to stay connected to the board and a buoyancy aid for safety.
- Choose calm, shallow water: Practice in flat, sheltered areas, such as lakes or bays, to build confidence before tackling moving water.
3. Den Building
Moving out of the water and onto dry land, den building is a classic outdoor hobby for kids to try during the summer. Whether it’s in the woods, the back garden, or the local park, den building allows children to use natural materials from their surroundings (branches, leaves, moss, stones) to create their own hidden hideouts or secret shelters.
Beyond sparking their imagination, this bushcraft activity introduces children to basic engineering and construction skills such as building a sturdy roof that won’t collapse and making the shelter waterproof by layering leaves or using tarpaulin. As a result, they learn to think critically, negotiate ideas, delegate roles, and work together.
Tips for den building:
- Choose a safe location: Find a sturdy spot away from hazards like sharp branches, unstable ground, or busy paths.
- Build a solid base: Start with a stable structure using larger sticks or logs to support the den’s walls and roof.
- Make it cosy: Add leaves, grass, or old blankets inside for comfort and insulation, making the space inviting and fun to hang out in.
- Keep it tidy and respect nature: After playing, tidy up any loose materials and leave the area as you found it, teaching kids to care for the environment.
4. Geocaching
Often described as a modern-day treasure hunt, geocaching uses GPS coordinates (via a smartphone app or GPS device) to find hidden containers called “geocaches.” These caches often contain a logbook to sign and sometimes small trinkets to trade.
It turns a simple walk outdoors into an exciting adventure, combining the thrill of exploration with practical skills like map reading and navigation. Kids also learn to use technology responsibly while sharpening their observation skills as they search for cleverly concealed caches in parks, woodlands, or urban spaces.
Tips for geocaching:
- Always stay with an adult: Geocaching often takes place in unfamiliar areas, so having adult supervision ensures everyone is safe.
- Use the app’s hints: Many geocaches include helpful clues or photos that make finding the cache easier and more fun.
- Be gentle and respectful: When searching, avoid damaging plants or disturbing wildlife, and always leave the area as you found it.
- Trade fairly: If you take a trinket from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value in return to keep the game fun for others.
5. Gardening
Gardening is one of the more calming and quieter outdoor hobbies, but it’s no less fun! It can be as simple as planting seeds in a small pot, creating a bug hotel, or tending to a vegetable patch in the garden. Overall, it’s a chance for kids to get their hands dirty and connect with nature.
Additionally, they gain a deeper understanding of plant life cycles, from seed germination and growth to flowering. This, in turn, teaches patience and responsibility as they nurture their plants daily, watering, weeding, and caring for them over time.
Tips for gardening:
- Start small: Begin with easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, herbs, or cherry tomatoes—something they like!
- Use fun tools: Let children use colourful, child-sized gardening tools to make digging and planting more enjoyable.
- Make it hands-on: Encourage kids to get hands-on and engage all their senses by planting seeds, watering, and harvesting.
- Celebrate growth: Track progress with a plant diary or photos to help kids see their hard work come to life.
6. Team-based sports
From friendly kickabouts in the park to organised netball matches at summer camps, team sports offer kids an exciting way to stay active and build lasting relationships. These activities encourage children to develop important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Through playing team sports, kids learn the value of leadership by taking turns to lead drills or motivate their teammates, while building agility through practising quick movements, changes in direction, and hand-eye coordination. Over time, their confidence will grow, not just on the pitch but in everyday life too, as they learn to trust their abilities and communicate with others.
Tips for team sports:
- Practice regularly: Practice makes perfect, and being consistent will help improve your skills.
- Communicate clearly: Encourage kids to both speak and listen to teammates during the game and while planning a strategy.
- Stay positive: Focus on effort and teamwork rather than just winning to keep the experience fun and enjoyable.
- Listen to coaches: Following guidance from professionals helps kids learn techniques safely and improve their game.
7. Horse Riding
If your child is mad about ponies, then horse riding is one of the most unique and rewarding outdoor experiences to do in summer! Regardless if you are a beginner or intermediate rider, kids develop essential riding skills, such as controlling the horse, steering, and maintaining proper posture. These skills significantly improve their balance, coordination, and core strength, all while having fun.
They’ll also have the chance to care for horses through activities like grooming, mucking out stables, and feeding. At the same time, learning to recognise horse behaviour (e.g. a nervous horse’s restless movements, or an excited one’s energetic neighing) helps children develop empathy for animals.
Tips for horse riding:
- Wear the right gear: Always wear a properly fitted helmet, sturdy boots with a heel, and comfortable clothing to stay safe and comfortable while riding.
- Listen to your instructor: Pay close attention to your riding teacher’s guidance. They know how to keep you and the horse safe.
- Be patient: Building confidence on horseback takes time, so don’t rush and celebrate small achievements.
- Respect the horse: Treat the horse gently and calmly, and always approach with care.
Explore a hobby or interest at a PGL kids’ summer camp!
Looking for the perfect place for your child to try new outdoor hobbies this summer? PGL’s specialist kids’ camps are packed with exciting adventures, new friends, and life-shaping experiences. From paddleboarding and high ropes to netball tournaments and bushcraft, we offer unforgettable summer holiday camps across the UK!
At PGL, you can:
- Discover new hobbies in a safe, supportive environment
- Build independence and confidence while having fun
- Take part in a variety of thrilling outdoor activities!
Whether your child wants to develop a specific skill or try something totally new, PGL’s adventure holiday camps make it easy and fun for every child to thrive outdoors!
Not ready for the full 7-night experience? Give one of our 3-night specialist camps a go! Starting from £399. For more information, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today.
