Eight outdoor activities to do together

Whether you're full of the joys of summer or slightly overwhelmed by the logistics of exploring the outdoors with a child in tow, these eight activities are sure to provide some inspiration for fun and easy activities to do with your little ones.

Venturing outdoors to see what you can spot in your local area is a great place for you and your little one to start your outdoor adventure. Looking for signs of natural wildlife, engaging with your senses and recording what you see are all fantastic ways to enjoy the great outdoors as a family.

Collecting treasure is one of the most exciting ways to explore the outdoors - even if it sometimes seems as if you're compiling the world's largest museum of gravel! When you're out in the park or garden, try setting a challenge for your little one to try and find different types of objects.

Once you have your own mini museum of precious artefacts, why not see which free museum you could visit throughout the UK.

We all like escaping to our very own den, whether it’s pillows and blankets, washing on the line, a twig-based mini-den masterpiece - or even a locked bathroom door! A den is a grand design challenge for you and your little one that you will both enjoy. Are you brave enough to tackle an outdoor build?

If not take a look at these simple steps to make your own indoor tepee.

Follow in the footsteps of Winnie-the-Pooh, by playing your very own game of Pooh Sticks. All you need is a stick for each player, a stream and a footbridge and the the aim of the game is simple – throw your stick over the edge of the bridge and then run across to the other side to see whose stick emerges first from under the bridge.  

Our gardens are home to some fascinating wildlife, so why not try lifting a stone or looking under a log to see which minibeasts you can find. Use a magnifying glass and ask your little one questions about the creatures they can see – can they see it's eyes? How many legs does it have?

Watch I Can Grow It and step into the city garden with Aaron and his team of helpful buds to unearth magic, music and mud, while discovering what goes on all year round.

The arrival of spring/summer is a great excuse to visit your local farm or pet’s area and be introduced to a wide range of animals. Whether it’s feeding ducklings in the park or turning your back garden into a welcoming wild diner, this can be one of the most exciting (and cutest) activities to do with your family.

Use our handy list to identify common garden birds and see how many different kinds you can spot in the garden or local park. Find out how to make a feeder for birds and look after local wildlife.

The summer months are a great opportunity to try al fresco eating. Eating outdoors has the benefit of making spills less of an issue and your little one will be more willing to try out new foods when fresh air and running around has worked up their appetite.

Discover some easy recipes to get cooking with your kids and have fun with food.

Whether it’s cress heads in a yoghurt pot, a plot in the garden or helping Granddad on the allotment, growing things is a great way to learn about caring and nurturing. Have you got sunflowers on the go this year? Are your little ones trying to grow their own food? Here are some more top tips for gardening with kids.

For a fun exploration of family life and the things you can enjoy together. Help JoJo and Gran Gran host a tea party, grow vegetables, visit a museum and have a bath in this educational game for children. Try JoJo & Gran Gran: Let's Play Together game for relaxing and chilled out play.

Whether you live in the countryside or in a busy city you can go on your own Eco Quest with Ranger Hamza. Discover just some of the things you might be able to spot whilst you're out and about with your little ones.

Watch What’s in Your Plant Pot? on BBC iPlayer where kids get excited about gardening by exploring the cool, surprising things plants can do.

Looking for ways to make the most of the sunny days? Dive into our collection of fun-filled ideas to keep the whole family exploring, playing and making memories outdoors this summer.

Discover our CBeebies Summer Survival collection, bursting with games for under-fives, nature-inspired shows to watch, songs, quizzes, printable activities and colouring sheets featuring Bluey, Hey Duggee and all your favourite CBeebies friends. Whether you're heading on an adventure or enjoying a quiet moment, there's plenty of screen-free fun to enjoy.

Feeling crafty? Roll up your sleeves and explore our Easy Craft Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers collection, packed with colourful crafts and simple DIY projects to spark imagination and keep little hands busy all summer long.

Head over to CBeebies Parenting and pick your child’s age range for tailored activities and things to do with your child to help with their communication skills.