The one word that best describes the activities in the book Get Outside: The Kids Guide to Fun in the Great Outdoors is variety. The book contains activities varying in weather conditions, age groups and levels of complexity. Parents will be familiar with some of the “old-fashioned” outdoor activities, while some will be new and some will be old-fashioned, but with a new twist. Here is a sampling of fun activities that kids of all ages can enjoy:

Spring
Miniature Golf Course- Customize course with ordinary household items in accordance with available space and age group.

Summer
Bird Seed Feeders – This is a quick and easy project using cardboard juice or milk cartons. Encourage kids to personalize their feeder with creative decorations.

Muffin-Pan Midway and Tiddlywinks- These games are quick to set up using markers, pennies, buttons and string. Great for those restless rainy days.

Night Sky Dome – This is an easy papermache craft project for all ages. You’ll need lots of newspaper as it could get messy, but the payoff will be worth it!

Fall
Capture the Flag – An old-fashioned but fun team game. Best played with lots of room to run!

Card Games and Marbles – Kids can learn several basic games with a deck of playing cards or a set of marbles. Perfect for playing with friends indoors or outside –just turn off the television, unplug the video games and set up a “no text” zone!

Winter
Snow Dome/Globe – Kids can create their own holiday scene.

While many of the activities, which include crafts and studies of nature, will certainly be entertaining for the kids, complete inclusion in these activities diminishes with younger age groups and geographical locations. For instance, as the title indicates, the idea is to encourage kids to get outside so the activities have incorporated the four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. Although this is a great idea in general, kids living in areas without very cold temperatures and/or lots of snow will have limited participation within the winter activities section. In addition, since some activities require a very detailed set up before beginning and some require constant adult supervision, parents will need to “get outside” as well. Of course, getting parents outside with the kids is not exactly a bad thing!

Overall, the range of games, crafts and adventures ensures that Get Outside: The Kids Guide to Fun in the Great Outdoors has something for everyone in the family!

Get Outside: The Kids Guide to Fun in the Great Outdoors

***A free copy of this book was received for review purposes***