Outdoor activity ideas with kids for the weekend holiday

The weekend is the perfect time to relax and spend quality time with family. If you're looking for fun and beneficial activities for kids, outdoor play might be the right choice. Engaging in outdoor activities helps children connect with nature, improve physical health, and develop social skills.  

From picnics and cycling to playing with outdoor toys, there are many activities you can enjoy to create a memorable weekend. Let's explore some inspiring outdoor activities with your kids in this article!
 

Why are outdoor activities important for kids?

A weekend full of outdoor activities can be both fun and beneficial for children. Playing outside not only provides enjoyment but also offers many advantages for their physical, emotional, and social development.  

Here are some reasons why outdoor activities are essential for kids: 
 

1. Physical benefits of outdoor activities

Playing outside encourages kids to be physically active, which is great for their overall health. Activities like running, jumping, and climbing help strengthen muscles and bones. Additionally, exposure to sunlight helps their bodies produce vitamin D, which is vital for healthy bone growth. 
 

2. Psychological benefits of outdoor play

Spending time outdoors can improve kids' moods and reduce stress. By exploring and playing freely, children become more confident and can explore their imaginations. They also learn to face new challenges, which helps them become more independent. 
 

3. Social benefits of family activities

Outdoor activities with the family provide opportunities for kids to interact in a fun environment. By playing together, they learn to communicate, share, and understand their roles within a team. This helps them build essential social skills. 
 

Fun outdoor activity ideas for kids on the weekend

Here are some outdoor activity ideas you can do with your kids on the weekend: 
 

1. Family picnic adventure

Spending time in a park or picnic area can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity. You can bring your kids' favorite snacks, play catch, or even try a game of ball. For comfort, you can use park benches or picnic blankets. This is a great way to relax while enjoying family time. 
 

2. Nature exploration in the park

This activity is perfect for kids who love to explore and discover new things. You can take them on a hunt for leaves, flowers, or unique stones. This activity helps develop their curiosity and creativity. To keep all discoveries organized, use small storage boxes to collect their findings. 
 

3. Cycling activity

Cycling can be a fun way to spend the weekend. Besides being fun, these activities also improve children's balance and coordination. Before starting, make sure they wear helmets and safety gear to ensure their safety while playing. 
 

4. Playing with outdoor toys

If you're looking for a more structured play experience, outdoor toys might be the right choice. Designed specifically for outdoor play, these toys help kids engage in physical activity while improving their motor skills. With safe play equipment, children can move freely and practice various new skills in a comfortable environment. 
 

Tips for preparing safe and enjoyable outdoor activities

Planning outdoor activities with kids requires preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. Here are some tips to help ensure your weekend with the family goes as expected: 
 

1. Choose the right location

The first step in preparing for outdoor activities is to select a safe and age-appropriate location. Choose child-friendly places such as city parks, fields, or your own yard with open spaces.  

If you opt for a public area, ensure the location has safe and comfortable amenities, such as seating, walking paths, and public restrooms. These places usually offer ample space for kids to play freely without disturbing others or risking injury. 
 

2. Prepare necessary equipment

Make sure to bring equipment that supports comfort and safety during outdoor play. Bring enough food and drinks to keep the kids energized and hydrated throughout the activity. Also, sunscreen is essential to protect their skin from the sun.  

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, such as hats and jackets if necessary. With these preparations, you can keep your child comfortable during play, and they can enjoy the activity without worrying about the weather or their surroundings. 
 

3. Use practical storage items

To keep your items organized and easily accessible, use storage items that are portable for outdoor use. Practical storage, such as picnic baskets or bags with multiple compartments, are very helpful for carrying various gear without hassle.  

This also makes it easier to organize toys and dining equipment, so they don't get scattered and can be accessed when needed. Once the playtime is over, it's also easier to pack everything back neatly. 
 

Recommended IKEA products to support family outdoor activities

IKEA offers a variety of products that can enhance your outdoor play experience with your family. Here are some product recommendations you may want to consider: 
 

SKOGSDUVA outdoor toys

The SKOGSDUVA collection invites kids into an exciting world of imagination. With log-shaped pillows, bathrobes that make kids look like lynxes, and duvet covers inspired by fairy tales, your yard can transform into a magical Swedish forest.  

Each item in this collection creates characters and stories, allowing you and your child to build new adventure tales together. With a bit of creativity, SKOGSDUVA brings nature closer and strengthens family bonds through imaginative play. 

Moreover, the plush toy collection in the SKOGSDUVA range adds a new dimension to children's playtime. Animal-shaped toys such as hedgehogs, bees, and foxes, as well as plant-shaped figures, provide a whimsical touch that sparks creativity and imagination. 

The hedgehog plush can inspire fun adventures about an agile and curious forest creature. Meanwhile, the bee plush encourages kids to explore cheerful nature adventures and teamwork in maintaining the ecosystem. 

The fox plush, with its clever look, is perfect as the main character in adventures filled with puzzles and strategy. Plant-shaped toys add a unique element that helps children recognize and appreciate the beauty and diversity of flora. 
 

Garden bench

A garden bench is a practical choice for those who want to sit and relax in outdoor spaces. This bench can be placed in parks or gardens as a gathering spot for the family.  

It's ideal for coming together as a family or simply enjoying leisure time while supervising kids playing nearby. This bench can enhance comfort and create an aesthetic outdoor space for you. 
 

Picnic and outdoor activity storage items

If you need storage for your outdoor gear, IKEA also offers a range of practical, portable storage items. These storage options help keep your belongings organized and easy to access when needed. 
 

Create exciting outdoor adventures with IKEA's collection!

In conclusion, providing creative and enjoyable outdoor activities for kids offers valuable benefits, from honing motor skills to strengthening family relationships. IKEA's SKOGSDUVA collection features various products that support outdoor activities and make it easier for you to create fun adventures with your little ones.  

From toys and pillows to practical storage, this collection provides many options to enjoy outdoor playtime comfortably and safely. Find more inspiration and other collections for fun weekend activities with your kids at IKEA's Let’s Play!

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