10 Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures for Families This Summer
Introduction:
School’s out, the sun’s shining, and it’s time to trade screen time for tree time. At Education Outdoors, we believe the best learning happens outside — in the woods, under the stars, and beside a crackling campfire. This summer, give your kids the gift of memory-making and nature-based learning with these 10 outdoor adventures. And when you’re ready to gear up for the season, our store is packed with games, guides, and outdoor essentials: educationoutdoors.store
1. Backyard Bioblitz
Challenge your kids to explore the backyard like scientists. Identify bugs, leaves, birds — anything goes. Turn it into a game with points and prizes.
2. Campfire Cook-Off
Who makes the best foil packet? The best banana boat? Let the family compete with s’mores and campfire cuisine. Score based on creativity and taste.
Twist: Play a round of Camp, our best-selling outdoor board game, while your food cooks.
3. Storytime Hike
Print out pages of your favorite kids’ book and read them out loud at trail stops. Add voices. Ask questions. Make the hike an interactive story quest.
4. Stargazing in a Tent
Skip the screens and camp under the stars. Download a stargazing app, learn constellations, or just make up your own. Kids love storytelling under the night sky.
5. Wilderness Obstacle Course
Use branches, logs, and cones to create balance beams, hop stations, or crawling tunnels. Time each other and give out silly medals or awards.
6. Explore a State Park or Forest
Take a weekend day to explore Michigan’s best-kept secrets — like Maybury State Park or Island Lake Rec Area. Each trail brings something new.
Pro Tip: Print our Junior Ranger Checklist and bring a clipboard for field notes.
7. Build a Fort in the Forest
Gather sticks, leaves, and rocks to make your own hideaway. Add a tarp roof for rainy days. Perfect for imaginative play and quiet reading time.
8. The 24-Hour Unplug Challenge
Phones off. Tablets away. Just old-school fun like storytelling, scavenger hunts, or classic outdoor games.
Recommended Game: Try Fishing Camp, a favorite for kids ages 4+ that teaches outdoor skills in a fun way.
9. Farmers’ Market Field Trip
Support local growers and teach kids where food comes from. Let them choose ingredients and cook together that evening.
Ask farmers fun questions like “What’s in season?” or “What’s your favorite recipe?”
10. Campfire Stories with a Smokey Bear Twist
Make storytelling a family tradition. Each person starts a tale, and someone else finishes it. Add in a fun twist — like including Smokey Bear in each story as a nature-saving hero.
Learn About Smokey: Kids love learning from Smokey Bear — and now they can with puzzles, games, and fun gear. Check out our full collection: Smokey Bear at Education Outdoors
Where to Gear Up
From educational board games to wildlife-themed puzzles, we’ve got everything you need to keep summer fun, affordable, and unplugged.
Visit the store: educationoutdoors.store
Final Thoughts
Summer isn’t just a break from school — it’s a chance to live the lessons that matter. With just a little intention, you can spark curiosity, build confidence, and create lifelong memories under the sky. And remember: Only you can prevent boring summers.