Introduction
Think back to when you were a child, what kinds of activities did you do to entertain yourself? I bet a lot of those activities involved being outside. Whether you were riding a bike, playing tag, or climbing trees, outdoor activities played a major role in our childhoods. When we were younger, technology was not as advanced as it is today. Children had a limited number of options for entertainment, most of which included playing outside. In this day and age it is the polar opposite.
Most children now enjoy watching Youtube, playing games on their iPads or even scrolling on TikTok. It is rare that I pass by a park that is occupied with children or even see children outside anymore. As years continue, digital entertainment rises, causing a shift in the way children view the world. Instead of taking away technology completely in order to encourage kids to play outside, there are many ways that technology and the outdoors can be used to still entertain children.
By combining technology with outdoor activities, children can still experience the outdoors with the comfort of their technology at hand. It is important to bridge the gap between technology and the outdoors for children. Listed below are seven outdoor tech activities for kids that encourage adventure, curiosity, learning and entertainment for the entire family.
Outdoor Tech Activities for Kids
- Mobile Games
Many mobile games for children allow access to the camera on a phone in order to complete challenges or follow quests. One of the most popular games that can help get everyone outside is Pokémon Go. This app is location based and requires players to scan different areas in order to catch different Pokémons. The app utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology to overlay digital creatures or Pokémons into the real world environment, allowing children to become immersed in the world of Pokémon Go. Players can visit Pokéstops and Gyms which are connected to real life landmarks, encouraging exploration and physical activity among users. As children explore the outdoors using the app, they are almost unaware of the physical activity they are participating in while collecting items and completing tasks. An additional benefit of this app is the fostering of social interactions within the community, such as events, team battles, and community days where players can meet up. Apps such as Pokémon Go help to develop teamwork skills in face to face interactions, allowing balance between the digital and physical world for young players.
- Geocaching
Geocaching is a great outdoor activity that involves GPS enabled devices to connect users to the world around them. Geocaching allows players to find “geocaches” in their area. “Geocaches” are hidden containers located by using specific coordinates from the act of geocaching. Each container can vary in size and hide different objects. Geocaching promotes problem solving, navigation skills and outdoor exploration. This is both an educational and exciting adventure for the whole family to embark on. Even if users do not find any “geocaches” on their treasure hunt, it is a way to get kids outside while still utilizing technology. Geocaching encourages teamwork and perseverance when locating certain geocaches, as they might be tricky to locate. Many communities host events and challenges while geocaching, making it easier to connect with friends and family through your explorative adventures. This experience that the whole family can partake in, creates a shared sense of accomplishment, since geocaching involves planning, collaborating and paying attention to details. Geocaching is a rewarding activity for kids and adults, teaching everyone about landmarks, geography and the environment.
- Drone Flying
Plenty of children have been given drones as presents within the last few years. Most drones connect to a phone or any screen, for that matter allowing users to see through the eyes of the drone in real time. By flying drones, children can further develop their hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and possibly awaken an interest in STEM-related fields. Get your kids, get their drones that might be tucked away in the closet, and head outside for an exciting aerial experience! Users can create obstacle courses, take aerial photos or videos, and race against their friends with the help of their drones. If you are worried about navigating the drones, most drones offer beginner friendly modes, making it easier for young children and parents to begin flying. An added benefit of flying drones is the encouragement of creative thinking and problem-solving in relation to obstacles within the sky. This activity promotes outdoor play, technology, imagination and fun, while still engaging kids of all ages. It is a great way to spend time together as a family and explore the outdoors from a different perspective.
- Nature Identification Apps
Have you ever wondered what those flowers are that grow behind your house? Well, wonder no more thanks to nature identification apps. Apps such as iNaturalist, PlantSnap and Picture This allow users to upload images of plants and trees that they would like to identify. These apps use artificial intelligence (AI) and expansive databases to provide accurate information about plants and their ecological importance. This is an excellent way to get your kids outside, use their technology and learn a little bit more about the nature in your neighborhood. Some of these apps even include identification of insects, and fungi, creating an educational backyard exploration for everyone. As children observe different species and learn about their roles within the ecosystem, they can begin to understand the importance of conservation. Besides allowing children to follow their curiosity, this activity can create an appreciation for the environment and biodiversity while also promoting critical thinking and outdoor play.
- Outdoor Movie Night
One of my favorite activities is watching movies, and nothing beats watching movies with your family. All you need is a sheet and a projector for the whole family to enjoy this technology based outdoor activity. Most projectors hook up to a smartphone or laptop, allowing users to stream anything they would like in their own backyard. To create a memorable experience, set up a fun seating area with blankets and pillows, bring snacks for the whole family, and maybe even decorate the backyard to match the theme of the movie. Whether it is a wholesome family movie or a thrilling adventure, watching a movie outdoors with your family is a wonderful bonding experience for everyone. The fresh air combined with the ambiance of the outdoors enhances the experience of movie watching, creating a relaxing, cozy hangout for the whole family. The night sky adds a special touch to movie night making it feel unique. You can also put up some string lights to dazzle the family. This can turn into a regular tradition for the family where each member of the family chooses a movie to share each week or month. This way everyone feels seen and appreciated for the things that they enjoy.
- Star Identification App
Space, stars and the universe are all prevalent topics among children who are first being introduced to science. Star identification apps like SkyView, SkySafari and Star Chart help to identify what stars you have in your backyard. Some of these apps can even show you certain constellations that appear in the sky within your neighborhood. Similar to the gaming app Pokémon Go, these apps use augmented reality (AR) to overlay a map of the stars onto your screen. This activity can be done during the daytime or nighttime permitting education and entertainment anytime of day. Most of these apps inform users of upcoming meteor showers, the location of the international Space Station, and where the planets are in relation to the user. Children can also learn about the movement of the stars and planets while also learning about phenomenons like eclipses and full moons. Stargazing can spark an interest in astronomy for children and adults of any age. Family night outdoors and constellation exploration, create engaging experiences for children of all ages.
- Bird Watching App
Bird watching is not only informal, but also exciting. The apps Merlin Bird ID, Smart Bird ID and Raptor ID are different tools used to identify birds based on their look and sound. These apps allow users to record bird calls, upload pictures, and identify the birds based on the surrounding environment.That bird that keeps you up all night or wakes you up in the morning, it might be interesting to learn more about why birds act the way that they do. Observing birds in their natural habitat can teach kids about nesting behaviors, bird calls, and migration patterns, creating a learning experience. Another benefit of bird watching is the development of patience. Bird watching involves sitting and waiting, driving children to perform quiet observations. To attract more visitors to your home, you can set up a bird feeder in your yard. This will allow children to observe the birds in closer proximity. By learning about the different habitats and species of birds, kids can develop a connection to nature both in close proximity to them and around the world.
Conclusion
Getting outside has become less important as the years continue on and technology evolves. Technology has grown to be comfortable for kids to use in 2025, versus ten years ago we did not have the accessibility to technology that children have today. Instead of viewing technology as something that needs to be abolished, technology can be used as a tool to create unique outdoors experiences.
By combining technology, which is involved in many aspects of children’s lives, and being outdoors, your family can create special memories that last a lifetime. Augmented reality, nature identification apps, drones, and star constellation apps are all excellent ways to incorporate technology and the outdoors. These technological tools can be used to make outdoor activities more appealing to a younger audience. They provide educational value, understanding of nature, admiration for STEM activities and an appreciation of the world.
Forming a balance of screen time and fresh air is important to implement in your child’s life to create a healthy lifestyle. By encouraging outdoor activities while also integrating technology, families can experience physical activity, problem solving, social interactions, knowledge development and fun for all. Keeping kids engaged while also entertained is sometimes difficult. Exploring the outdoors while using technology can foster a love and understanding for both the outdoors and technology. Children are easily influenced by the behaviors that surround them so by inspiring young kids to step outside, you can promote curiosity, creativity, and an appreciation for the world around us.
