Exciting Outdoor Hobbies For Kids To Try This Year

Spending time outdoors appears to have an almost magical effect on children. Baby fighting sleep? Head outside for a walk. Toddler having a tantrum? Go and play outside. Teenager moping around? Get them outside for some fresh air.

Like it or not, we live in a world that often pulls kids back indoors with screens and schedules. With so much seemingly unavoidable screen time, it’s more important than ever to schedule kids’ outdoor activities into our lives.

All the fresh air, muddy puddles, and wide open spaces give kids room to breathe and blow off steam – both of these are essential for children’s development. Spending time outdoors and in nature not only helps kids to develop physically, but there’s also a hefty amount of emotional growth that occurs when kids spend time outside playing and exploring new interests; this is especially true if your kids are involved in outdoor hobbies.

Spending time outside and giving outdoor hobbies a shot gives children a chance to reconnect with nature, build confidence and resilience, and discover that they’re capable of doing hard things. These traits are sometimes difficult to build up in children in our modern society, partly due to the negative effects social media and other screen-time activities can have on kids. Dedicating time to outdoor hobbies means children are removed from the negative influences that can become detrimental to their self-esteem, and instead focus their energy on enriching, confidence-boosting new hobbies.

If you and your kids are looking for new outdoor hobbies to try this year, this list is packed with ideas that are fun, affordable and genuinely exciting and enriching (for both the kids and adults!). Whether your child loves adventure, calm moments or a bit of both, there’s something here to suit every personality.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a brilliant way for children to build strength, coordination and resilience. It turns a simple bike ride into an adventure, with trails, hills and woodland paths adding excitement and challenge. As children’s confidence and endurance grow, more mountain biking adventures will become available to you – from dirt jumps and pumptracks, to bike parks – the world is waiting for you and your kids!

Why we love it:

Mountain biking helps kids improve balance, stamina and confidence all at once. It teaches them how to assess risk, make quick decisions and keep going when things feel tricky. It’s also a fantastic way to explore nature, turning every ride into a mini expedition. As outdoor hobbies for kids go, it’s one of the best for burning energy and boosting self-belief.

Fishing

Fishing might seem quiet compared to some outdoor activities, but it’s incredibly rewarding for children. Whether they’re fishing in a pond, river or on the coast, it offers a sense of calm and focus that many kids don’t often experience. It also offers a brilliant opportunity for parents and children to connect out in nature and get to talk in a safe space about everything going on in life. This calming opportunity can create lifelong bonds and memories for parents and kids alike.

Why we love it:

Fishing encourages patience, concentration and appreciation for the natural world. It gives children time to slow down, observe wildlife and enjoy being outdoors without constant stimulation. It also builds excitement and pride when they finally catch something, making it a wonderful mix of calm and achievement.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Hiking is one of the easiest outdoor hobbies for kids to start. All you really need is a good pair of shoes and a sense of curiosity. Woodland trails, hills, beaches and country paths all become places to explore. We aren’t fussy over here at Lukeosaurus and Me – the difference between a walk and a hike doesn’t matter to us, so grab your shoes and enjoy!

Why we love it:

Hiking supports physical fitness, mental well-being and family connection. It gives children space to talk, think and move without pressure. It also helps them learn about the world around them, from spotting animals to understanding how landscapes change through the seasons. On top of all these benefits, it’s also free. There are plenty of places to walk and hike that don’t require you to spend a penny – even on parking! No specialised equipment is needed for beginner walkers either, just a good pair of shoes and some weather appropriate clothes.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are fantastic for adventurous kids looking to try a new outdoor hobby that is water-based and a little different. Both build upper body strength, coordination and water confidence while being absolutely brilliant fun.

Why we love it:

These outdoor hobbies for kids are perfect for developing teamwork, balance and courage. Being on the water also helps children feel calm and focused, and there’s something incredibly empowering about learning to control a boat or board by themselves. Both outdoor hobbies can be accessed no matter where in the country you are, with plenty of open water swimming spaces and even kayak and paddle boarding hire facilities.

Wildlife Spotting and Nature Photography

Not every outdoor hobby needs to be fast or loud. Wildlife spotting and nature photography are perfect for children who enjoy quiet, thoughtful activities. Children who enjoy learning new things about the world around them, listening and identifying bird calls and investigating wildlife tracks will feel right at home with this outdoor hobby.

Why we love it:

These hobbies teach children to observe, respect and protect nature. They build patience and curiosity while helping kids feel more connected to the environment. Photographing birds, insects or plants also gives them a creative outlet that doesn’t involve a screen.

Camping

Camping is less of a single hobby and more of a collection of outdoor skills rolled into one. From cooking outside to building dens and exploring new places, camping is full of opportunities for learning and fun. Camping provides kids with a good mix of adventure and calming downtime, alongside setting them up for the future with some helpful outdoor skills.

Why we love it:

Camping builds independence, problem-solving and resilience. It encourages children to try new things, work together and enjoy simple pleasures like campfires and stargazing. It’s one of the best ways to turn outdoor hobbies for kids into unforgettable family memories.

Why Outdoor Hobbies Matter

Outdoor hobbies for kids do more than just keep them busy. They support physical health, improve mental wellbeing and help children feel confident in themselves. Being outside reduces stress, improves sleep and gives kids a sense of freedom that indoor activities often can’t match.

Trying new outdoor hobbies also teaches children that it’s okay to be a beginner, to make mistakes and to keep learning. These are skills that last far beyond childhood.

Ready to Get Started?

Pick one or two new outdoor hobbies for kids to try this year and make them part of your family routine. Whether it’s a weekend bike ride, a fishing trip or a walk through the woods, every small adventure adds up to something special.

If you’d like more family activity ideas, outdoor inspiration and gentle parenting tips, explore more posts on Lukeosaurus and Me and start building memories that last a lifetime.