The world is doing a very good job of keeping our kids indoors.
This list is a small push in the other direction; 33 simple ideas to get you and your kids out the door and into something a bit more alive this spring.
They’ll love them, and I’ve got a strong feeling you will too.
These aren’t just instructions, they’re starting points. Take them, twist them, ignore bits, and make them your own.
Most take an hour or two. Some are quicker. A few ask a bit more of you (but that’s usually where the good stuff lives).
Have fun out there!
1. Hike A Unicorn
Plan a walk in the shape of something ridiculous and bring it to life as you go.
Whats needed: A route-planning app like Komoot, AllTrails, or OS Maps, plus a bit of imagination.
Steps:
1. Pick your creature (unicorn, dragon, shark… don’t overthink it)
2. Plot a rough outline using your app and a few waypoints
3. Head out and follow the route
4. Call out the body parts as you go (“up the horn!”, “through the belly!”)
5. Finish the walk and reveal the shape you’ve created
Link here for further instructions.
2. Make a Bird Feeder
Turn a plastic bottle into a DIY feeder and wait for birds to move in.
Whats needed: A plastic bottle, two sticks or pencils, string, scissors, and birdseed.
Steps:
1. Poke a few small holes in the bottom for drainage
2. Make two holes near the base and push a stick through for a perch
3. Cut a small feeding hole just above it
4. Repeat higher up, rotated, for a second perch
5. Add string to the top, hang it somewhere safe, and fill with seed
Link here for further instructions on making 3 bird feeders.
3. Make Campfire Bread
Dough on a stick, cooked over a fire and smothered in buttery goodness
Whats needed: A fire with good coals, long sticks or skewers, and simple dough (flour, baking powder, salt, water; mixed until soft).
Steps:
1. Tear off a chunk of dough and roll it into a sausage shape
2. Wrap it around your stick like a spiral
3. Hold it over hot coals (not flames), turning slowly
4. Cook for 10–15 minutes until golden and firm
5. Slide it off and fill with butter, honey, or whatever tickles your taste buds
Link here for further instructions.
4. Make a Rope Swing
Turn a tree into the best thing in the woods or park.
Whats needed: A strong tree branch, a 20m length of 10-15mm thick rope, and optionally a stick or plank for a seat.
Steps:
1. Find a sturdy branch that’s 5-10m high and feels solid and alive
2. Throw the rope over and pull it through
3. Tie a secure knot at the bottom
4. Add a seat if you want, or just use a loop to hold
5. Test it, then let the kids loose
Link here for full instructions
5. Seedbombing
Make small balls packed with wildflower seeds and sneakily plant them in dull, forgotten corners.
Whats needed: Wildflower seeds, paper, water, and somewhere that could use a bit more life.
Steps:
1. Tear up paper and soak it until soft
2. Mash it into a pulpy mix and squeeze out excess water
3. Mix in your seeds
4. Roll into small balls and let them dry
5. Take them out and plant your weapons of mass pollination in bare patches of soil
Link here for further instructions.
6. Make a Tiny Woodland Campfire Tea
Brew a tiny cup of tea over a small fire using whatever you can find around you.
Whats needed: A small metal cup, water, a handful of fresh pine or spruce needles (or mint if you find it), and a way to light a fire.
Steps:
1. Gather a few fresh needles or leaves
2. Build a small, contained fire using twigs
3. Heat some water in your cup
4. Add your foraged ingredients
5. Let it sit for a few minutes, then sip
7. Eat up a Tree
Climb a tree and have a snack up there. Everything tastes better off the ground.
Whats needed: A sturdy tree with low branches, easy-to-eat snacks, and something warm to drink if you’re feeling civilised.
Steps:
1. Find a tree with solid, climbable branches
2. Get everyone up safely and settled on a comfortable limb
3. Pass up the snacks
4. Sit, eat, and take in the view
5. Stay longer than you planned
8. Go Geocaching
A real-world treasure hunt using GPS to find hidden containers.
Whats needed: A phone with the Geocaching App, a pen, and optional small items for swapping.
Steps:
1. Open the app and find a nearby cache (free and paid options)
2. Head out and follow the map to the location
3. Search carefully as they’re often well hidden!
4. Open it, sign the logbook, and swap a small item if you like
5. Hide it again for the next person