Family PictureOne challenge many parents will find is picking enough activities that are outdoors.

Many parents are rightfully concerned about children watching too much television and playing video games.  Of course, the challenge is finding enough activities that can allow their own children to play outdoors.

Here, we have put together a list of popular activities that can help make it easier for you to find something outdoors for them to participate in.  We have also included an age estimate for each activity.  However, be sure to double check in your location to make certain these age estimates are accurate for your location:

1.  Zoo- Going to the zoo can be a fun experience where children are exposed to all types of different animals they would otherwise only see on television if at all.  It can also be a true learning experience as they learn a little bit about these animals and how they live.  We would suggest you choose times that are not in the dead of summer and choose to go early in the morning or late in the day.  This will help reduce your risk of heat exposure while out in the hot sun.  Also, where dressed down clothes for the zoo as the environment can be smelly and it is easy to get dirty so keep this in mind and dress the children accordingly.

2.  Botanical Gardens- Many larger communities have gardens that are available for viewing.  These can include a wide array of different plants, flowers, and small ponds and wells.  These can be great places to take family and children because they are normally well maintained and allow the kids to run around and view some very pretty birds, plants, and flowers.  Different locations may offer additional services as well including paddle boats and other options.  (Age Estimate: 1 and up)

3.  Local Park- Most people will already be aware of this option, but it may not be one that jumps out at them instantly so we have including taking a trip to the local park.  Many communities have created specific places where kids can enjoy playing on swings, slides, jungle gyms and teeter totters.  One thing you may want to do is first look around the play area to make sure there is no broken glass and choose areas that tend to be made of hard plastic rather than wood as these are less likely to break or cause splinters.  Slightly older kids may enjoy flying a kite or shooting off a water rocket in the park.  However, be sure to go to areas where there is a lot of open space to reduce the risk of the kite or rocket landing in a tree.

4.  Soccer Centers- Although soccer may not be the number 1 sport in America, soccer centers are fairly popular throughout the US.  These can be both indoor and outdoors but provide a nice setting where parents can watch their kids in action.  (Age Estimate: 5 and up)

5.  Archery Ranges- Believe it or not, archery is one of the fastest growing sports in America.  Thanks to movies like Lord of The Rings, many people are picking up the sport.  This can be a very good thing for children as it can help teach them discipline and the value of practicing.  In addition, it is a gender neutral sport that can allow brothers and sisters to participate together in the same sport without having to be on separate teams.  Although there is a decent upfront cost for equipment, additional costs are normally minimal after this point.  Depending on the location you may find target ranges that have Olympic targets or field archery ranges which offering shooting at animal or 3d targets.  (Age Estimate: 8 and up)

6.  Scouting- This can be a great way for allowing children to experience camping and to experience some other different activities like hiking, wood carving, arts and crafts, leatherwork.  The actual option will vary according to the age of the child with Indian guides being the earliest program which evolves into Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts.  As a sideline, these activities can be helpful for providing kids with leadership experience in a non-sports environment which is another nice by product.  Check your local area to see possible options.  (Age Estimate: 5 and up)

7.  Race or play with remote control cars or boats.  The slightly older kids will love to play with remote control cars and many of these are relatively inexpensive.  By choosing a large area like an empty, vacant parking lot.  Kids can be entertained for hours by simply racing these remote control cars around.  The same can apply for remote control boats and even airplanes.  However, I recommend avoiding remote controlled airplanes because of the heightened risk of crashing them.  (Age Estimate: 5 and up)

8.  Frisbee Golf- This is a good sport that is more leisurely than other sports.  Older aged children and family members can enjoy playing this game together and many parks have Frisbee golf courses.  However, even if a course does not exist in your area, you can make your own course by using landmarks as the markers.  (Age Estimate: 7 and up)

9.  Tennis- For families that want an activity that is a little more fast paced, tennis can be a good sport.  By playing doubles, four people can play at once allowing for many families to play together.  In addition, tennis courts are all over the place making it fairly easy to find a place to play.  (Age Estimate: 8 and up)

10. Beach activities- If you are fortunate to live near the beach, there are a large number of activities you can do with your family.  A list of a few of them include snorkeling, scuba diving, building sand castles, collecting sea shells, etc.  These are great because kids of all ages can do these activities.  (Age Estimate: Varies depending on the activity)

11. Backyard games- Many unique games can be played in the backyard by children and the family that can be very fun to play.  This list can include games like horseshoes, badminton, croquet, etc.  These are also great because they can be done in concert with barbecue parties or grilling in the backyard.  (Age Estimate: Varies depending on the activity)

12. Bird watching- This can be a fun activity but should be reserved for older kids.  Younger kids will not be able to stand the time it needs to remain quite.  In contrast, older kids can learn about different birds and then spot them outdoors.  The experience can be educational and provides a way for families to share in something a little different.  (Age Estimate: 8 and up)

13. Watch the stars or clouds- This can be a fun activity that requires only as little as a blanket to lay back on.  During the day, families can check out the clouds and discuss what shapes the clouds look like.  At night, families can check out the stars.  For watching the stars, it is a good idea to bring along a telescope or set of binoculars.  In addition, you should try to choose a location away from the city as the city lights and overcast can obstruct the view.  (Age Estimate: 5 and up)

14. Nature Trails- Many times, families can find nature trails in their area that can be great for families to travel together.  Whether families choose to walk, bike ride, or even go horseback riding, these options can be a fun way for the family to spend time together.  (Age Estimate: 8 and up)

15. Backyard Camping- A fun and inexpensive alternative to regular camping.  If your backyard is suitable, this can be a great way to enjoy time together sleeping in a tent.  Also, with it being at home, you can save cash on food and enjoy basic amenities like showers and a bathroom.  This is also a great activity because safety and risk of ticks and insects is significantly reduced.  Popular activities can include storytelling or ghost stories, building a campfire, singing songs, and playing backyard games.  (Age Estimate: 8 and up)