Outdoor activities for the kids these school holidays

by Natalie Jones July 06, 2023

As the school holidays approach, if you are a parent you are probably on the lookout for fun and engaging activities to keep the kids entertained. Even in winter, outdoor adventures are a great way to stay active as a family.

Here 8 Things to Do Outside With Your Kids These School Holidays

Nature Scavenger Hunt
Explore Rock Pools
Outdoor Art Workshop
Bike Riding Adventure
Star gazing
Gardening Galore
Picnic in the Park
Nature Photography Safari

Top tip: ensure that your little ones are protected from the harmful effects of the sun by using a gentle sunscreen made from naturally-derived ingredients.

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#1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Organise a nature scavenger hunt in a nearby park or forest. Create a list of items for the children to find, such as leaves, rocks, or flowers. A scavenger hunt is a great way to encourage children to explore and appreciate the wonders of the outdoors.

young child plays with rocks in nature in winter

#2. Explore Rock Pools at the Beach

Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't spend a few delightful hours at the beach exploring rock pools and soaking up the sun.

#3. Outdoor Art

Unleash your child's creativity by setting up an outdoor art station. Provide them with paper, paints, and brushes and let their imaginations run wild.

#4. Bike Riding Adventure

Plan a family bike ride through scenic trails or parks. Cycling is not only an excellent way to stay active but also allows children to enjoy the beauty of nature.

#5. Star gazing

Since it's getting dark earlier now that we are coming into winter, take the kids outside before bed and gaze at the stars. Keep an eye out for shooting stars and Matariki. In Māori culture, Matariki is the Pleiades star cluster and a celebration of its first rising in late June or early July. This marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar.

#6. Winter Gardening

Involve your kids in planting herbs or winter vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and spinach (check out the Tui planting calendar for more info). Spend quality time outdoors while they learn about nature. Before getting your hands dirty, make sure to apply sunscreen!

#7. Picnic in the Park

Pack a delicious picnic and head to a nearby park. Encourage outdoor games like frisbee or catch, and let the kids run around and have fun.

#8. Nature Photography Safari

Venture into the great outdoors and encourage them to capture fascinating shots of flora, fauna, or breathtaking landscapes.

What is the Best Sunscreen for Children?

a young boy and girl putting sunscreen on each other's noses

Kids tend to have particularly sensitive skin, so whilst it's essential to protect against harmful UV rays, it can be difficult to find a sunscreen that is gentle enough that it doesn't cause skin irritations or stinging eyes.

Our natural sunblock is made with just 7 naturally-derived ingredients. We use non-nano zinc oxide to protect against UV rays instead of chemical UV filters such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Chemical UV filters are commonly used in conventional sunscreens and it is these chemicals that run and sting your eyes and often cause painful skin irritations, especially for children with sensitive skin. Our sunscreen is safe for babies and children because we do not use chemical UV filters, petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives or fragrances in our products.