Keep kids moving this summer: Fun outdoor activities for children
As warmer weather, long days outside, and a summer full of sports arrive, children naturally look for more ways to stay active outdoors. Regular physical activity is essential for growing bodies and minds, and summer is the perfect opportunity to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
The NHS recommends that children and young people should engage in physical exercise for at least 60 minutes per day. This can include anything from walking to school and skipping to playing hide and seek or organised sports.
To help you inspire movement, confidence, and fun, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to keep kids active this summer, whether in the garden, at the park, or on a family day out.
The benefits of physical activity for children
Encouraging regular movement supports children’s development in countless ways, including:
- Stronger muscles and bones.
- Improved cardiovascular health and lung function.
- Healthy weight management and better blood sugar regulation.
- Enhanced brain development thanks to increased oxygen flow.
- Better academic performance, including memory, focus and problem-solving.
- Reduced stress, anxiety and low mood through endorphin release.
- Improved sleep quality, vital for growth and immunity.
- Social skill development, teamwork, and confidence in group settings.
With so many benefits, keeping kids active is one of the most valuable habits you can nurture.
Unique and fun ways to keep kids active this summer
Whether you’re in the garden, at the beach, or visiting the local park, these activities help children stay active while having fun.
1. Swingball Set
A classic British summer staple, Swingball is perfect for sunny afternoons, BBQs, and family competitions. It also helps kids develop:
- Grip strength.
- Hand-eye coordination.
- Balance and spatial awareness.
2. Badminton Set
Lightweight, portable, and great for all ages, our badminton set is great for garden games and weekend trips.
It’s slightly more challenging than Swingball, making it perfect for older children who want to build a new skill or try a recognised sport.
3. Bodyboards
Heading to the seaside? Swimming, wave-jumping, and bodyboarding are brilliant ways for kids to burn off energy from those extra ice creams at your next beach day. Playing in the sea under supervision can also help with building water confidence and learning life-saving safety skills.
BoogieBoards with smooth foam, a secure leash, and durable bottoms help kids to catch waves safely and comfortably for fun out at sea.
4. Kids’ dart boards
While not the most energetic activity, darts is fantastic for rainy days, chilled afternoons, or bonding with grandparents.
Designed specifically for kids, the Electronic Dart Board offers all the benefits of learning to play darts without any of the risks of super sharp darts. With an automatic electronic scoring system, competitions are fun and fuss-free while your child develops their:
- Hand-eye coordination.
- Concentration and balance.
- Arithmetic skills.
- Mental stamina.
5. Cricket sets
Perfect for large family gathering, birthday parties, or beach holidays, a game of cricket uses lots of different skills like:
- Timing and footwork.
- Throwing and catching.
- Quick reflexes.
- Decision-making under pressure.
- Strategic thinking.
Whether they’re a budding batsman, bowler, or fielder, cricket is a much-loved childhood game that involves the whole family.
6. Kids’ bikes
For older children, a new bike is the ultimate ticket to independence and time away from screens. Riding a bike is a milestone event in any childhood, and afternoons spent exploring the neighbourhood with friends is a rite of passage!
From slick Carrera Vengeance Mountain Bikes to sweet Apollo Mermaid Bikes, we’ve got a kids bike to suit every young adventurer.
Balance bikes
Toddlers can be tricky to keep active, especially if they’re on the clingier side and prefer being carried.
A balance bike designed in their favourite colour or character theme encourages gentle exercise while improving motor skills and coordination. You’ll also be helping them to prepare for a pedal bike or scooter later on.
Cycling accessories
Before you send them on their way, don’t forget the essential safety gear like a kids bike helmet and hi-vis accessories to keep them as safe as possible.
For young children, hand and knee pads are also a bonus, protecting them from bumps and bruises as they learn to cycle.
Free Bike Checks
If you bought your little cyclist a bike a while ago, consider bringing it to your local Halfords store for a completely free bike check.
Our 25-point Bike Health Check inspects key safety components, including the:
- Frame, saddle and handlebars.
- Wheels, tyres, rims, spokes and hubs.
- Brake system, levers, calipers, pads and cables.
- Drivetrain, gears, levers, chain, bottom bracket, cranks and cables.
7. Scooters
Scooting is also great for lots of reasons – if nothing else, it’s an efficient way to commute short distances to school come September!
With our huge range of kids scooters, there’s a model for everyone. For some thrills and excitement, consider a stunt scooter – designed for robust performances, tricks, and stunts, they’re bound to keep your kid occupied all summer.
8. Paddling pools & splash pads
A splash pad is ideal for toddlers who love water play! The Bestway Sprinkler Splash Pad is a very shallow pool with an inflatable rim to make playing in the water fun. Little ones can play and dance in the fountain sprinklers and parents can hook up the garden hose for even more summer fun.
Alternatively, a larger paddling pool offers hours of fun for the whole family. Between breath-holding competitions, swim practice, and sunbathing, a paddling pool is a summer must-have. Plus, convert it into a sandpit or ball pit during cooler days to continue the fun into autumn.
Of course, don’t forget a Lay-Z-Spa Pillow for yourself to relax and wind down once the kids have had enough!
9. Water slides
For unforgettable memories, treat the family to a water slide for high-speed backyard adventures! The Bestway H2OGO Double Water Slide features built-in sprinklers, an additional slippy slide, and even a drench pool finish to get as much entertainment as possible.
Forget long lines at the water park – enjoy hours of fun in your own garden by simply connecting your garden hose.
10. Handheld sports games
For simple, fuss-free fun, the Waboba range offers a mix of outdoor activities, perfect for all ages:
- Voli Paddle: For paddle games with rackets that fit like a glove!
- Dive Tails: Whether you’re taking your little mermaid or deep sea creature to the pool, encourage underwater swimming and dive practice with this playful weighted character set.
- Flungle Ball Game: For games of bocce, but with a tail – throw these as far as you can, and measure points for friendly competitions.
With so many creative ways to get kids moving, summer becomes the perfect season to build healthy habits, boost confidence, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re splashing in the garden, cycling through the park, or playing cricket on the beach, every moment of movement counts!
