Outdoor Activities to Keep Kids Busy This Summer

It is so easy for summer days to slip into screen time and moments of boredom. But, summer offers more than just a break from a structured routine—it allows a perfect opportunity to build confidence. And not through forced lessons, but through real-world, joy-filled experiences right in our own backyards.

Every puddle jumped, kite launched, and soccer game played is a chance to strengthen your child's courage, character, and commitment—the three pillars of the A Confident Mindset™ (ACM) framework we use here at ACM. In fact, the six ACM steps come to life when kids are moving, exploring, and having fun outside.

Let’s explore 12 outdoor activities that do more than keep kids busy—they build courageous, kind, committed humans.

Step 1: Believe in Yourself (Courage)

• Obstacle Course: Whether in the backyard or at the park, every climb, crawl, or jump is a little courage challenge. And, each time they get through the course, they learn that they can do hard things.

• Kite Flying: This takes a lot of patience and practice—but the moment a child gets their kite to fly is a burst of pride that says, “I did it!” Kids learn that trying, failing, and trying again is part of the journey. 

 Step 2: Face Fears (Courage)

•  Bug Hunt: Bugs can be scary, but searching for them teaches kids to stay curious even when things seem “icky.” It helps them face the world with courage and wonder instead of fear.

• Mini Golf: Missing shots and trying again teaches kids to keep going without giving up. It’s great practice for staying calm and focused.

 Step 3: Be Good to Yourself (Character)

•  Gardening: Taking care of plants teaches patience and kindness toward yourself. Watching things grow shows kids that self-care takes time and attention.

• Bubble Blowing: A simple activity, but blowing bubbles can be calming. It invites kids to slow down and enjoy the moment—a perfect way to treat themselves gently.

 Step 4: Be Good to Others (Character)

•  Water Balloon Toss: This fun game teaches sharing, taking turns, and handling frustration when things don’t go your way. It builds empathy and emotional smarts.

• Ball Games (Soccer, Catch, Kickball): Playing with others is a fun way to practice teamwork, cheering on friends, and handling wins and losses gracefully.

 Step 5: Regular Practice (Commitment)

•  Bird Watching: Noticing patterns and sticking with the activity over time fosters discipline and quiet focus—a key part of building committed, confident habits.

• Picnic Planning: Allowing kids to plan and execute a picnic outing teaches responsibility and follow through.

 Step 6: Better Practice (Commitment)

•  Fairy Garden Creation: Creating and caring for a fairy garden nurtures creativity and patience. Adding new touches over time shows kids how consistent effort brings great results.
• Nature Walks: Make walks special with scavenger hunts, drawing, or thinking about what they notice. This helps kids grow in observation and self-expression.

Freebie Download: Nature Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a fun way to turn a simple walk into a confidence-building adventure? Download our Nature Scavenger Hunt!

Additional Support

Visit A Confident Mindset™ for tools, training, and programs designed to help anyone—at any age or stage—build, model, and teach lasting confidence at home, in schools, or in any space where growth begins.

Frequently Asked Questions on Building Confidence Through Outdoor Play

Q1: What if my child is shy or hesitant to try new outdoor activities?

Totally normal! Start with simple, low-pressure activities like blowing bubbles or creating a fairy garden. These gentle experiences help build trust in themselves. As we teach in Step 1: Believe in Yourself, every small “try”—even just watching—lays the foundation for growing confidence.

Q2: My child prefers screen time—how can I encourage them to get outside?

Meet them where they are. Use their favorite screen themes as a bridge—like a Minecraft-inspired nature hunt or outdoor challenges based on their favorite games. Step 3 of A Confident Mindset™—Be Good to Yourself—reminds us that when kids associate fun with trying something new, they’re far more likely to join in.

Q3: How can I include multiple kids with different ages or abilities?

Most activities can be easily adapted. A scavenger hunt can offer simple clues for younger children and trickier clues for older children. Obstacle courses can be adjusted for pace and skill. Growth looks different for everyone—what matters is that each child gets a chance to join in and shine.