Summer’s here, and it’s time to let the kids run wild! But with all the outdoor fun, how do you keep them entertained, active, and, most importantly, healthy? It’s all about getting them outside! Studies show that kids who play outside not only get stronger and healthier, but they also feel happier and more creative. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day—and summer is the perfect time to make that happen.
Whether they’re racing through the yard, building forts, or exploring nature, outdoor activities are a great way to boost your child’s physical and mental well-being. But here’s the thing: all that playing in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration. Keeping your kids hydrated is just as important as keeping them moving!
In this blog, we’ll share:
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Exciting backyard and outdoor activities that will keep your kids busy and moving all summer long.
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Fun and creative ways to keep them hydrated with cool cups and water bottles (we’ll even introduce you to Cocosmile cups!).
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Simple hydration tips to make sure your kids stay healthy and energized through all their summer adventures.
Why Outdoor Play is a Summer Essential?
Summer is the perfect time to get kids outside. Outdoor play boosts physical health, mental well-being, and creativity. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, daily outdoor activity is key for your child’s development. Let’s explore the benefits:
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Benefits of Fresh Air and Physical Activity
Outdoor play helps kids stay active, build strength, and improve coordination. It also boosts Vitamin D levels, supporting bone health and immunity. Active play reduces the risk of obesity and promotes overall fitness.
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Helps with Motor Skills, Creativity, and Mood
Outdoor activities improve motor skills like balance and coordination. Playing outside also sparks creativity, whether kids are building forts or imagining new games. Time outdoors also reduces stress and improves mood, helping kids feel happier and more focused.
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Keeps Screen Time in Check
Outdoor play naturally reduces screen time, which can lead to health issues like poor posture and sleep problems. When kids are outside, they’re moving, engaging, and socializing—without being glued to a screen.
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Hydration Tip: Keep kids hydrated with a reusable water bottle, like a Cocosmile cup. It’s an easy way to stay refreshed and energized while having fun outdoors.
Backyard Adventures to Keep Kids Busy
Your backyard is a goldmine for keeping kids entertained and active all summer. Outdoor play in nature helps children develop essential skills, boost their creativity, and improve their mood. Here are some fun, easy ideas to turn your backyard into the ultimate playground:
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Creative Play Ideas
Kids love using their imagination to create. Encourage them to build forts with blankets and pillows, turning the backyard into a personal hideaway. It’s a great way to spark their creativity and teamwork.
Set up an obstacle course using cones or ropes to challenge their balance and coordination. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep them active and entertained.
A nature scavenger hunt is another fun idea. Give them a list of things to find in the yard, like certain flowers or rocks. It’s a great way to teach them about nature while improving their observation skills.
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Physical Games
Classic games like jump rope, tag, and backyard soccer are timeless for a reason. Jump rope helps with coordination and fitness. Tag gets them running and thinking fast, and soccer is perfect for improving teamwork and motor skills. These games are simple but keep kids moving, active, and having fun.
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DIY Fun
Cool off with DIY water games like sponge bombs or water balloons. Sponge bombs are easy to make and fun to toss around for a water fight. Water balloon games like tosses or target practice are perfect for hot days.
For quieter activities, chalk art is an easy and creative way to let kids express themselves. Let them draw their masterpieces on the sidewalk or driveway.
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Hydration Tip: Make sure to have a water station outdoors or set a timer for water breaks every 30 minutes. Staying hydrated is key to keeping their energy up and ensuring they’re ready for more fun.
Outdoor Activities That Blend Learning and Fun
Summer is the perfect time to mix play with learning. These outdoor activities are not only fun but also teach kids valuable skills and lessons about nature.
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Bug Hunting and Bird Watching
Bug hunting and bird watching get kids outside and exploring nature. These activities teach them about ecosystems, insects, and different bird species while keeping them active and curious.
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Garden Planting or Rock Painting
Gardening teaches kids responsibility as they grow plants, while rock painting sparks creativity. Kids can decorate rocks and hide them for others to find, combining art with outdoor fun.
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Science in the Sun: Melting Crayons, Solar Oven S’mores
Outdoor science experiments like melting crayons or making solar oven s’mores teach kids about heat and solar energy in a fun, hands-on way.
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Hydration Tip: Keep them hydrated with a Cocosmile cup. Having a colorful water bottle encourages kids to drink more while they’re busy with outdoor activities.
Group Games and Social Play
Group games are not only fun but also help kids develop social skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Whether you’re playing in the backyard or at the park, these games can keep kids engaged and active while encouraging collaboration and friendly competition.
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Water Relay Races
Water relay races are a great way to cool off and get moving. Kids work in teams, passing water-filled cups or sponges to each other, racing to fill a bucket. It’s an exciting way to promote teamwork while staying active and hydrated during the summer heat.
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Freeze Tag or Hide and Seek
Classic games like freeze tag or hide and seek never get old. Freeze tag gets kids running and dodging, while hide and seek encourages problem-solving and strategy. Both games are simple but keep kids moving, laughing, and bonding with friends.
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Summer Obstacle Courses or Mini Olympics
Setting up a summer obstacle course or mini Olympics adds a competitive twist to outdoor play. Use household items or natural features like trees and benches to create a course that challenges balance, strength, and agility. You can also organize fun competitions like running races, jumping contests, or long jumps.
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Hydration Tip: To make water breaks fun, turn them into a challenge. Set up a competition to see who can finish their water bottle first, or make water breaks a part of the game. This keeps kids motivated to stay hydrated while having fun.
5. Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
While summer activities are exciting, it’s important to stay safe in the heat. Dehydration and sunburn are serious risks, so taking precautions can help ensure your kids stay safe while having fun outdoors.
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Choose Play Times Wisely (Morning/Evening)
The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To avoid the hottest part of the day, try scheduling outdoor activities in the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces the risk of heat exhaustion and sunburn.
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Use Shade Tents or Umbrellas for Sun Relief
Setting up shade tents or umbrellas provides relief from the sun and helps keep kids cool during outdoor play. These can be a lifesaver during hot afternoons, offering a shaded space for breaks, water breaks, or even a quiet moment.
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Wear Hats and Sunscreen
Make sure kids are wearing hats and sunscreen when playing outdoors. Hats provide shade for their faces and necks, while sunscreen helps protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if kids are sweating or getting wet.
Make Hydration Fun: Tips for Parents
Getting kids to drink enough water during the summer can be challenging, but with some creativity, it becomes easier. As parents, setting a positive example and making hydration fun can help keep your kids healthy and hydrated.
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Use Reward Charts or Hydration Trackers
Using a reward chart or hydration tracker can motivate kids to drink more water. Tracking their daily intake and marking progress with small rewards turns hydration into a fun challenge. You can find plenty of printable charts or apps to help.
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Offer Popsicles Made from Natural Juice or Coconut Water
Offer popsicles made from natural juice or coconut water. These hydrating treats are a great alternative to sugary snacks, and you can make them at home using fresh fruit and water.
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Lead by Example—Drink Water with Your Kids
Kids are more likely to drink water if they see their parents doing the same. Drink water together during meals, outdoor activities, or just relaxing at home to reinforce the habit.
Conclusion
Outdoor play is a summer essential, but staying hydrated is just as important. As kids run, jump, and explore, drinking enough water helps them stay energized and healthy, preventing dehydration and heat exhaustion.
From backyard games to nature hikes, hydration supports your child’s physical and mental performance. With simple ideas like setting water breaks, using fun cups, or making homemade popsicles, keeping kids hydrated can be just as fun as the activities themselves.
Try these activities with your kids this summer to keep them active, hydrated, and happy. It’s all about making the most of the season and creating lasting memories.
Let them run, jump, play—and don’t forget to sip!
FAQs
Do kids only need water when they feel thirsty?
No, kids don’t always recognize when they’re dehydrated. It’s important to encourage regular water breaks, especially during outdoor play, even before they feel thirsty. Kids can often get too caught up in their activities to notice the signs of dehydration.
Can sugary drinks like soda or juice keep kids hydrated?
While soda and juice may seem hydrating, they can actually contribute to dehydration due to their high sugar content. Water, coconut water, or homemade fruit popsicles are much better for hydration and overall health.
Do kids only get dehydrated from physical activity?
No, dehydration can occur even without intense physical activity. Hot weather, prolonged sun exposure, and dry conditions can cause kids to lose fluids. It’s essential to stay on top of hydration regardless of their activity level.
If water is available, will kids naturally drink enough?
Not necessarily. While water should be easily accessible, many kids need encouragement or motivation to drink enough. Fun water bottles, hydration trackers, or a reward system can help encourage them to drink more.
Is water the only way to keep kids hydrated?
While water is the best choice, other hydrating options like fruits, vegetables, and even homemade popsicles made from natural juice or coconut water can also help keep kids hydrated and add variety to their hydration routine.
