Sarah Banks

30 Easy & Fun Outdoor Activities in Nature for Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Thu, 04/17/2025 - 8:26am

Revel in the dirty hands! Outdoor activities help kids sleep better and jumpstarts their imaginations.

I know from experience that being outdoors helps kids feel less irritable and sleep better. But don't take my word for it; researchers have also found that when parents encourage kids to engage in outdoor activities, they become naturally connected to our planet and care more for its future.

These 30 outdoor activities in nature will spark your child’s imagination. From arts and crafts and sensory activities to outdoor learning activities and physical fun, there are outdoor activities on this list to please every kid. And when everyone’s worn out, we also have some quiet and relaxing outdoor activities.

Check out more green activities for kids in our Earth Kids Guide to Green Activities for the Planet. And if you need even more ideas for outdoor fun, take a look at our guide to Top Outdoor Activities Guide for Kids, with hundreds of ideas for ways to learn, explore, and play outside.

Best Things To Do in Brazos Bend State Park With Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 04/13/2025 - 8:10am

Alligator sighting in Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Shiva Shenoy via Flickr 2.0

Get the most out of a family trip to Brazos Bend State Park.

Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 03/21/2025 - 1:05pm

NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas

Have you been to all of these Houston-area science museums?

Spring Break 2025: Houston Adventures for Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 03/07/2025 - 9:02am

Moon to Mars Spring Break event. Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston.

Wondering what to do with a week off school? We've got you covered.

The Best Family Christmas Getaways in Texas

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 11/22/2024 - 8:09am

Go Rio Riverboat at Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio during Christmas. Photo by Nan Palermo via Flickr 2.0

From small towns to big cities, Texas shines bright during the holidays.

Visiting Denali National Park in Alaska with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sat, 09/28/2024 - 12:00pm

Most families that visit Denali National Park either hop on a non-narrated transit bus to explore the park or book one of the Denali National Park tours. Photo via Canva

Denali National Park in Alaska offers an unforgettable adventure for families, with a chance to see the tallest mountain in North America and a variety of wildlife. Whether it’s spotting a moose, enjoying a scenic hike, or visiting sled dogs, there are countless ways for families to have fun.

If you feel daunted by Denali National Park’s 6 million acres, remote location, limited road access, unpredictable weather, or even bears(!), we have tips to help you navigate any potential hurdles. Denali is a fantastic destination for families looking to create lasting memories while exploring one of the country's most iconic national parks.

Find more family fun in Alaska, including our insider's guide to Sitka and our list of free things to do in Seward, in our Alaska Family Travel Guide