Social distancing isn’t going anywhere, and after months of practice, we parents know that creativity is key for making safe activities for kids fun. If you’re running a little low on ideas, we’ve rounded up the best ways for you to flex your social distancing muscles and keep the kids entertained this fall. From scavenger hunts to backyard camping to engaging ideas from Nike PLAYlist that celebrate your child’s playful side, keep reading for fun activities for kids that are seriously engaging, even at six feet apart.
Have a Scavenger Hunt
Our little Magellans love finding surprises in even the most simple of settings. From your backyard to the mountains, the living room to a road trip, you can count on a scavenger hunt to help pass the time. Take a look at these places to have a scavenger hunt or try out one of these free printables for indoor scavenger hunts. Bonus: these printables are perfect for your next hike, whether it's on a mountain or around the block!
What to Wear on Your Scavenger Hunt: To make sure you are ready for any weather on your scavenger hunt, start with a lightweight base layer like this Nike Pro Warm long-sleeve training top and then layer over it an outer shell like this Nike Sportswear toddler full-zip jacket.
Rock Out & Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Get moving and shaking with Nike PLAYlist Youtube channel, which features curated segments that will give you ideas to stay active and moving, no matter if you’re inside or out. If you need some energy to get the dance party started, we love this brother-sister duo who in this Replay episode will seriously give your kids a run for their money on the dance floor. Boogie on down with the Nike PLAYlist The Replay episode below.
Go Backyard Camping
There's no better time to pitch a tent and enjoy the easy life than in the fall when the days and nights cool down. If you need gear, these camping tents for families are some of the best around, and we've rounded up camping gear that will make you look like a pro, even if you've never attempted the Great Family Camp Out before. Looking to expand your horizons? These unique campsites are perfect for inspiration, and regardless of where you land, you're going to need awesome (but not too scary) ghost stories for the campfire.
What to Wear on Your Backyard Campout: There's nothing that ends a backyard campout faster than a cold kid (trust us, we know). Start with these Nike Pro Warm tights that are so cozy and soft you'll want a matching pair for yourself. Then, make sure everyone has a hoodie (we love this Nike Therma graphic pullover hoodie) as they are the best option for keeping their heads warm throughout the night.
Do Outdoor Science Experiments
It's the best time of the year to set up a science experiment in the driveway and let your geniuses fizz, splat and bubble their way to serious fun with these easy science experiments that don't require a lab. For the mother lode of ideas—complete with a messiness meter on each one—check out these 48 science experiments.
What to Wear When Conducting Your Experiments: We like to go with a full black wardrobe when trying out science experiments because, let's be honest, messiness is going to happen. This totally awesome Nike tee conveys the perfect message and these Nike training pants are both comfy and forgiving in the stain department.
Host a (Socially-Distant) Yoga Class
Let your littles host a Zoom meet up with their friends and let the games begin. They’ll dig this Nike PLAYlist episode starring siblings, Sky and Ocean as they bust out the yoga moves and make it into a game with “Rock, Paper, Scissors Shake Up”. Kids will love following along as Sky and Ocean make yoga into a fun competition, which your kids can do right in your own living room.
Set Up a Stargazing Station
Is there anything more amazing than a clear night in the fall? The days are shorter so your night viewing can begin at a much more reasonable hour than in the summer. Check out these tips on staying up late to stargaze, with suggestions on when to go, what to look for, what to read up on, and how to make it a masterful memory. Also, if you're staying up late, you should check out these games that are perfect for filling the twilight hours.
What to Wear When Stargazing: You'll want to be warm when staying outside for any period of time so start with this Nike Sportswear long-sleeve tee. A comfy and coordinated Nike Jacket and Leggings Set is always a winner when the temps dip.
Go for a Hike
It's something every age and stage can conquer because no one is in a hurry, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the view. Check out our favorite hiking spots around the country to get inspired, and if one of these spots isn't close to you, there are loads of ways to hike in your own neighborhood. If you've got an infant in tow, we've got you covered with these tips.
What to Wear When Hiking: Get off on the right foot with some sturdy sneakers that can take on any trail like these Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37. Make sure to bring your Nike Heritage 2.0 Backpack for all those snacks and water bottles so you can keep your hands free.
Make a Slingshot & Take Your Best Aim
If you’re like us, chances are dirty laundry is piled up in your basket. Let your kids at it (and maybe encourage them to help fold the laundry) with this genius idea from Nike PLAYlist Shake Ups. Starring sibs, Sky and Ocean, your kids can follow along as the duo uses resistant bands to slingshot socks into the laundry basket. Watch to see who wins and then try it out yourself. How many can you make into the basket?
Have an Outdoor Movie Night
While you may not choose to watch this season's blockbuster in a theater, there are still tons of ways to make movies a hit in your house any time of year. Set up a drive-in movie at home or host an outdoor movie night with a small group of neighbors. If you need ideas on what to show, these family movies celebrate diversity.
What to Wear for an Outdoor Movie Night: Don't let the cool temps get your down. Fall is the perfect time of year for an outdoor movie night if you start with a Nike Pro long-sleeve training top and layer a Nike pullover Club fleece over top.
Build an Outdoor Obstacle Course
We all know our kids are secret ninjas, so put their super skills to work with these easy outdoor obstacles courses for your backyard. With each child starting and completing a round on his or her own, you can avoid bottlenecks and maintain good social distancing.
What to Wear for Your Obstacle Course Challenge: You'll want to be nimble to make the best time so start with base layers like this Nike Swoosh printed reversible sports bra for girls and then have a thin outer layer like the Nike Sportswear woven jacket for when you are waiting your turn to go.
Play the Ruler Game
If you’re sticking close to home, sometimes all you need is ordinary, overlooked objects to have a great time. Take a cue from Nike PLAYlist in this video, which shows you how much fun (and learning) you can actually experience with a ruler. Yep, all you need is a ruler! Let the fun begin!
Go on a Leaf Peeping Road Trip
If your yard doesn't produce enough fallen leaves for the kid favorite leaf pile, head out on a road trip to find an area nearby where you can see the leaves change colors. Pack a slew of kid-friendly snacks and pop on one of these podcasts that even parents will enjoy.
What to Wear When Leaf Peeping: With the whole family together you just might want to seize the opportunity to snap some family photos. This Kyrie full-zip basketball hoodie will keep everyone warm for the duration and these Nike Air Force 1 LV8 shoes are the oh-so-stylish addition that any kid will love.
Take the Crew Fishing
A crisp, fall day is a perfect time to head to a nearby lake or stream for fishing. It's a great way to spend time as a family and teach everyone a little patience.
What to Wear When Fishing: The Nike Dri-FIT long-sleeve training tee is a great option for fishing as its wicking technology will keep the kids dry. Be sure to pack a hat like the Nike Heritage86 as the water can be very reflective for little one's eyes.
Go for a Bike Ride
Bike riding has been a top activity for families and even for neighborhood friends because it's a perfect social distancing activity. If your little doesn't know how to ride a bike yet, we've got tips and tricks from experts here. Otherwise, consider a trailer for your tots, and if you need a new set of wheels for one of your kids, here are our editor's top picks for best bikes for kids in 2020. If you'd rather be the one pumping the wheels, check our guide to buying a cargo bike for your crew.
What to Wear When Bike Riding: Don't let the weather catch you by surprise. Gear up the kids in this Nike Sportswear Windrunner jacket. Its bright colors will make the kids easy to see if you are riding around the neighborhood. A solid shoe is always required and these Nike Court Borough Low 2 are both functional and stylish.
Looking for more great socially-distant activities you can do inside or out? Head over to Nike PLAYlist. They’ve curated ideas made for kids, from easy ways to get moving inside to games you can play with everyday objects you have at home. They even interview some of the world’s biggest sports stars to pick their brain about how they stay healthy and active.
—Shelley Massey & Kate Loweth
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