Does anyone else just love June? The weather is warming up, the days feel brighter and we finally get those longer evenings again. June is the perfect month to head outdoors with the family and The Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild challenge is a brilliant place to start. We have taken part for a few years now and the idea is simple, spend a little time connecting with nature every day throughout June. It does not have to involve expensive days out or hours of planning either. I've always found the smallest moments are the ones we talk about the most!
For busy families, 30 Days Wild is a fun reminder to slow down, step outside and enjoy the world around us. Whether you have toddlers, tweens or teenagers, there are plenty of easy nature activities that can fit around everyday life. Sometimes I overthink and overplan activities, but it could be something as simple as an evening walk, a bug hunt or a picnic in the park. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors together.
30 Days Wild Activities for Families
If you are looking for free outdoor activities for families or summer activities for kids, here are 30 simple ideas to inspire your own 30 Days Wild adventure this summer.
1. Go on a Nature Walk
We love a nice walk and we are lucky that we have lots of walks here in the North West to enjoy. A simple walk can become an adventure when children are encouraged to look closely at the world around them. Spot birds, flowers, insects and unusual trees as you explore your local area together.
2. Have a Picnic Outdoors
We love eating al fresco. Pack up your cooler bag with sandwiches, snacks and treats and head to your local park or beach. Eating outdoors instantly makes an ordinary lunch feel special for children.
3. Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt
This was one of our favourite things to do when the boys were little. We would write a list of things to spot including feathers, daisies, bees, butterflies and pinecones. Children love having a mission while walking outdoors.
4. Feed the Ducks
Visiting a local pond is a simple and affordable family activity. Swap bread for bird-friendly foods like oats or peas to help protect wildlife.
5. Watch the Sunset Together
Long summer evenings are perfect for slowing down and appreciating nature. Find a quiet spot and enjoy watching the sky change colours together.
6. Build a Den
If you head to a local forest you will usually see lots of sticks gathered together to make a den. It's so much fun. If you want to make a den at home in the garden use blankets to create a secret family hideaway outdoors. Den building encourages creativity, teamwork and imaginative play.
7. Plant Flowers for Bees
I'm not the biggest bee fan, but wildflowers and bee-friendly plants can really help local wildlife while also brightening up gardens, patios or window boxes. Children love helping with planting and watering.
8. Go Barefoot on the Grass
Feeling grass beneath your feet is a surprisingly calming sensory activity. Younger children especially enjoy exploring different textures outdoors. Morning time is usually the best to feel the morning dew between your toes.
9. Try Cloud Spotting
I never really realised that clouds really do come in all different shapes and sizes. Lie on a blanket and look up at the clouds together. See what shapes and animals you can find drifting across the sky.
10. Visit a Nature Reserve
Nature reserves are fantastic places for family walks and wildlife spotting. Many have family trails and activities during the summer months too.
11. Create Nature Art
Collect leaves, sticks, petals and stones during a walk and turn them into artwork at home. This is a great way to continue the outdoor fun indoors afterwards.
12. Go Bug Hunting
I'm not a huge fan of insects and bugs either but I have done many hunts with the boys over the years. Children are naturally curious about insects. The best place to find mini beasts is to look under logs and leaves to find them in their natural habitat.
13. Eat Dinner Outside
During the warmer months we will eat outside at every opportunity. Even a simple weekday dinner feels more exciting outdoors. Garden picnics and outdoor meals are easy ways to enjoy more fresh air together.
14. Make Bird Feeders
Homemade bird feeders are easy to create using pinecones, seeds and peanut butter. Hang them outside and watch which birds visit your garden.
15. Visit the Beach
If you are lucky enough to have a local beach nearby, then a beach trip offers endless nature experiences including rock pooling, shell collecting and paddling in the sea. Even a short visit can feel like a mini holiday especially on a sunny day.
16. Go on a Bike Ride
The boys absolutely love going on bike rides. We have visited lots of bike trails in the UK but even local parks, trails and waterfronts are perfect for the family getting active outdoors.
17. Start a Nature Journal
Not something we have done but encouraging children to draw or write about what they see outside each day can be a lovely keepsake from your summer adventures.
18. Stargaze on a Clear Evening
Late summer evenings are ideal for spotting stars and constellations. Wrap up in blankets and enjoy a calm outdoor moment together.
19. Visit a Farm
Family farm visits are perfect for connecting children with animals and nature. Many farms also have outdoor play areas and seasonal events.
20. Listen for Birdsong
Pause during a walk and simply listen carefully. Children are often surprised by how many different birds they can hear once they stop and focus.
21. Collect Interesting Leaves
Different colours, shapes and textures can turn an ordinary walk into a mini treasure hunt. Children can compare their favourite finds afterwards.
22. Make Mud Pies
Sometimes the simplest outdoor activities are the most fun. Mud kitchens and messy play encourage creativity and sensory exploration.
23. Explore a Woodland Trail
Woodland trails are one of our favourite outdoor adventures because they are full of opportunities for climbing, balancing and discovering wildlife. They also provide natural shade during warmer days.
24. Grow Herbs Together
Easy herbs like mint, basil and chives are simple for children to help grow at home. Watching plants grow teaches patience and responsibility.
25. Have a Family Water Fight
We have had so many water fights over the years. Outdoor water play is perfect during warmer weather. It is a fun way to cool down while enjoying time together outside.
26. Try Geocaching
We have never tried geocaching before but it looks like lots of fun. Geocaching is like a real-life treasure hunt using GPS locations. Older children and tweens especially enjoy the challenge of finding hidden caches.
27. Watch Butterflies
Find a sunny spot filled with flowers and see how many butterflies you can spot. This is a lovely quiet activity for slower summer days.
28. Go Puddle Jumping
Nature activities do not need sunshine to be fun. Put on wellies and waterproofs and embrace rainy weather outdoors.
29. Pick Your Own Fruit
Summer is the perfect time for strawberry and raspberry picking. It combines outdoor fun with delicious treats to enjoy afterwards. We are hoping to go strawberry picking this month and we cannot wait!
30. Create a Summer Nature Bucket List
The fun doesn't need to stop in June. Outdoor adventures can happen all year round. Why not sit together as a family and plan outdoor adventures you would love to do over summer. Having goals encourages children to spend more time outside.
Why 30 Days Wild is Perfect for Families
Taking part in 30 Days Wild is not about creating perfect outdoor experiences every single day. It is about encouraging families to reconnect with nature in simple, realistic ways. Even ten minutes outdoors after school or work can make a difference.
For children, outdoor play supports confidence, creativity and wellbeing. For parents, it is a chance to slow down and spend quality time together away from screens and busy schedules. Best of all, many nature activities are completely free, making them ideal for family fun during the summer months and school holidays.
Whether you complete all 30 activities or simply try a few ideas throughout June, spending more time outdoors together can create lasting family memories. Sometimes the best adventures are the simplest ones close to home.
We will be sharing our 30 Days Wild Adventures using #Playdays30DaysOfWild and would love to see yours too. Please do tag us @PlaydaysRunways if you share on socials.
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Michelle
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