Outside Family Activities

No matter what time of the year it is, there's always family activities to do outside. As long as family members are dressed for the weather, outdoor activities can be enjoyed any time. Some activities can be enjoyed throughout the entire year, while others are limited by the temperature and weather.

  1. Spring Activities

    • In many areas of the United States, spring is the start of the outdoor recreation season. Early spring can bring wet weather, while late spring often brings warmer, drier temperatures transitioning into summer. Check the weather report before going out, and dress appropriately. Bike riding, gardening, fishing, camping, hiking, kite flying and going to the park are popular spring activities the entire family can enjoy. Many areas have outdoor activities such as spring fairs or family fun camps, so check the local events calendar to see what's going on in your area.

    Summer Activities

    • Summers can be hot muggy dry or mild, depending on where you live. If your family lives in an area where hot weather during the day is the norm, try to schedule family activities in the early morning or late afternoon. During the heat of the day, families can cool off by going swimming or playing water games. Camping, boating, picnics and outdoor sports like baseball and tennis are all fun family activities. Since the sun is out often during the summer, wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Reapply sunscreen often, since it tends to wash off after awhile if the wearer has been swimming or sweating. Biting insects are at their peak in summer, so apply insect repellent if your family will be outdoors in the evening.

    Fall Activities

    • Fall leads to the cooling period between summer and winter. Early fall has warm, dry weather that leads to a milder period before it gets really cold. Many of the same activities families enjoyed during the spring and summer can be continued into fall. Fall is also the time for outdoor events and celebrations, such as fairs. Try taking a road trip to see the fall colors as the leaves change. Many crops ripen in the fall, so take the family out to pick apples or pumpkins for Halloween. Be prepared for the weather to change, and take along jackets for kids in case it gets cold or windy.

    Winter Activities

    • In many areas, winter means cold weather, and possibly snow. Snow brings a variety of outdoor sports that can be enjoyed by families, including ice fishing, ice skating, hockey, skiing, sledding, snowmobiling and snowboarding. In areas with no snow, many families can continue to enjoy the same activities they have in warmer months. Dress family members warmly for the weather. Always don a waterproof shell in case of rain, and wear layers of warm clothes underneath. If the weather gets too warm, you can take off insulating layers while staying dry.