Fun Outdoor Ideas to Make Family Memories Without Breaking the Bank
When we started alittlemoreoutdoor.com, we had two young kids, a background in outdoor learning, and a mission: to help more families enjoy time outside—whether that’s a garden activity or a wild family adventure abroad. We’d spent years leading outdoor sessions for other people’s children, and when we had our own, we knew nature would always be our go-to.
And even now, with a new baby and two older kids (aged 6 and 8), we’re rediscovering just how magical simple, budget-friendly summer fun can be.
If you’re looking for ways to unplug, connect, and make this school holiday special without spending a fortune—this list is for you.
1. 🌻 Plant Something Together
Whether it’s sunflowers, strawberries, or spuds, planting something from seed is pure childhood magic.
Every spring, we kick off our sunflower-growing competition, and the kids still argue about who’s winning by the end of summer! We also grow fruit and veg—strawberries, tomatoes, runner beans—and turn our harvest into crumbles and picnics. If you didn’t plant in the Spring, there are still plenty of options in August, such as leafy greens, beetroot, and cucumbers.
🧺 What You Need:
Pots, compost, gloves, seeds (try these), and a trowel.
2. 🏕 Build a Den
No batteries required—just imagination, sticks, rope, and maybe a tarpaulin.
Den-building is one of those timeless activities that never loses its charm. Our kids still love it, and we’ve done it with groups of teens too—it’s that fun. Add a challenge like earning den materials by completing silly tasks (knot tying, star jumps, etc.), and you’ve got an all-day adventure.
💡 Top Tip: Rate your dens for waterproofing—we’ve even dumped a bucket of water over them for fun!
3. 🔥 DIY Garden Firepit or BBQ
Nothing says summer like cooking outdoors.
We built a basic fire pit using leftover bricks and a metal rack, and we’ve had some unforgettable nights roasting marshmallows, cooking stews, and experimenting with cinnamon swirls on sticks. If that’s too much, just get the BBQ out and theme it—Caribbean night, burger bar, or marshmallow toast-a-thon.
🍽 Firepit Faves: Jacket potatoes, kebabs, corn on the cob, and campfire doughnuts.
4. 🧭 Teach Navigation Skills
Forget Google Maps—give them a compass and a paper map, and let them lead the way!
One summer, we let our eldest navigate to a secret picnic spot using just a compass and clues. He felt like a real explorer, and we had some great conversations about magnets, maps, and mistakes along the way.
🎁 Fun Add-On: Leave a reward at the destination for them to find!
5. 🐾 Go on a Bear Hunt
Based on “Celebrity Bear Hunt” (and a bit of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”), this is now a staple in our family holiday fun.
One adult plays “Bear Grylls” and hides in the woods or garden, and the kids have to sneak past or rescue each other before time runs out. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and best played with 4 or more people. You could always incorporate watching the show for ideas on tactics, or for more info, click here.
Warning: high risk of belly laughs and a lot of energy used.
6. 🪢 Whittling & Woodcraft
Yes, even younger kids can learn to whittle safely with supervision and the right tools.
Our 8-year-old made a spoon last summer, and we’ve since made woodland animals and even simple toys. It’s calming, creative, and something they’ll be proud to keep.🛠 What You’ll Need:
A basic carving knife (for older kids), gloves, and a simple whittling book or online tutorial.
7. 🌍 Go Geocaching
If you haven’t tried geocaching yet, summer is the time to start.
It’s like a real-life treasure hunt where people hide containers (caches) and log the coordinates online. You use an app or GPS to find them—and sometimes there’s even treasure inside to swap! You can also add your own geocache for others to find and return throughout the summer to see what other people have left (a summer adventure that keeps on giving).
We’ve found geocaches in woods, on cliffs, and once inside a log with a secret door. It adds magic to any walk.
📱 Free Apps: Try the official Geocaching app to get started.
8. 🧺 Nature Crafts & Keepsakes
Collect driftwood, shells, leaves, or stones and make something beautiful or useful.
We’ve made photo frames from driftwood to showcase our travels, and the kids have recently taken to carving their own bows and arrows (which actually work!).
Crafting from nature helps kids slow down, notice more, and get creative on their own terms.
9. 🌊 Build a Dam or Bridge
On hot days, we head to a shallow stream to build stone bridges and little dams.
We take old clothes, towels, and a flask of tea, and let the kids (and us!) go wild. They learn basic engineering without even realising it. Yes, someone will fall in. Yes, it’s worth it.
🧽 Leave No Trace: Always dismantle any dams or build before leaving.
10. 😴 Hang a Hammock & Do… Nothing
Sometimes, the best thing to do is stop doing.
We always travel with a hammock (the kids now have their own!) and string it up between trees when we walk or go camping. It’s become our quiet family tradition—read a book, sip a hot chocolate, cuddle, and just be.
🎒 Budget Option: You can get lightweight hammocks for under £20, and they last for years.
Here’s our family trying out this hammock. They are so small and comfy, our children now have one each that they take out in their adventure day bag. They love going for a walk and looking for the perfect spot to set up camp for a picnic.
The Best Summer Memories Are Often the Simplest
You don’t need plane tickets or pricey attractions to make this summer one your kids remember. Just an outdoor space, some curiosity, and a bit of creativity.
Whether you try one or all ten, remember:
🌞 It’s not about being perfect.
🌿 It’s about being present.
So dust off your den-building skills, dig out those old maps, and go make the kind of summer memories your kids will want to recreate with their own children someday.
For more information on days out, places to travel with families, and educational activities, check out our blog page.
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