Backyard Adventures: How This Dad Ditches Screens & Gets the Kids Outside

That’s when I decide: we’re going on a backyard adventure.

Backyard adventures are my secret weapon against screen time, boredom, and the chorus of “there’s nothing to do”. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained, maybe teach them something, and even get them interested in taking care of the garden.

And also I should probably trim the hedge while I’m out there.

Why backyard adventures matter (beyond the fun)

You’ve probably heard a million reasons why kids need less screen time and more green time, but here they are again in case you’ve forgotten.

• Physical + motor development: Outdoors, kids jump, climb, and jump, building strength, balance and coordination.

• Cognitive & creativity boost: Natural environments spark curiosity, problem-solving and imaginative play.

• Emotional & stress relief: Time in nature reduces anxiety, helps regulate mood and gives your brain a rest.

• Social skills & risk‑taking: Backyard play gives kids space to try things, test boundaries, negotiate, figure out conflict.

• Connection with nature & sustainability: When kids dig, observe insects, tend plants - they see their role in the circular economy and start caring for “their patch” of earth.

So yes, it’s not just “outside for fresh air.” It’s good parenting, wrapped in fun! Like trying to hide veggies in the bolognese sauce.

Dad’s toolbox: 7 backyard adventure ideas

Here are ideas I’ve tested (some successes, some beautifully chaotic fails), plus tips to make them sustainable, fun, and screen‑free.

1. Nature treasure hunts & scavenger safaris

What you do: Give kids a list (or pictures) of things to find in the yard (a feather, a gum leaf, a worm, a rock shaped like a heart).

Why it works: Kids love exploring the outdoors and having an excuse to look under branches or bushes for things.

Eco twist: Use a repurposed jar as a “specimen holder,” or use cloth bags instead of plastic, and return things once checked (unless leaves or fallen branches).

2. Backyard obstacle or ninja course

What you do: Set up a simple obstacle course for the kids to run around outside. Give the kids something to jump over, crawl under, balance across, etc.

Why it works: All the fun of running around but with an extra step to keep their brains occupied.

Eco twist: While outdoor play sets are great fun, you can make an obstacle course out of things already in your yard. Use logs or branches in your yard, an old tyre, a piece of rope you’re not using any more.

3. Mud & water kitchen

What you do: Set up a table or trough with soil, water, leaves, pots, sticks. Let them “cook” soups, ‘cakes’, mud pies, etc.

Why it works: Kids love messy sensory play.

Eco twist: Use unused pots or bowls or utensils for the kitchen. If you think ahead of time, leave some buckets out next time it rains so you can collect the rain water, rather than using the mains.

4. Stargazing or “cloud stories” evenings

What you do: Lie on a blanket with your kids and spot constellations, stars, or shapes in clouds. Tell them facts or make up stories.

Why it works: My kids are fascinated by the moon and stars. This works really well during a full moon on a clear night.

Eco twist: Keep it tech‑free. No phones, just a blanket and maybe a torch. You could even teach them about light pollution if there’s too much city light to see many stars.

5. Mini garden / pollinator patch

What you do: Dedicate a little bed or containers to growing some plants. Plant native flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Let kids tend to the plants and see how they grow.

Why it works: One child absolutely loves watering the plants and seeing how they change over time. One absolutely does not care. But they do both love flowers, and that’s where it all comes together.

Eco twist: Use compost or worm castings, recycle containers, and collect seed pods to replant.

6. DIY obstacle + art meets nature

What you do: Use leaves, twigs, stones and pebbles to build mosaics, rock towers, leaf collages, and twig frames. Get the kids to help explore to find the pieces before starting your art project.

Why it works: Combines outdoor exploration with arts and crafts.

Eco twist: None needed! You’re already using only what’s natural around you to learn, explore and play.

7. Storywalk / sensory path

What you do: Map a route in the yard. At points, place cards or objects that prompt a story piece or sensory challenge (smell a flower, feel some bark, listen for birds).

Why it works: Mixes physical movement with language and imagination.

Eco twist: Use laminated recycled cards, natural objects as markers, and rotate prompts with seasons.

If I’ve learned anything as a dad trying to parent sustainably, it’s this: the best adventures are the ones we build ourselves. Screens are tempting, but backyard adventures remind kids (and us) what wonder sits outside the window.

So the next time phone batteries are low and the “what to do?” whine rises, plant your feet on the grass, call the kids out, and improvise. Hunt, build, dig, imagine. Let the backyard be your stage.