How often have you been out at night to see all the kids playing inside? It’s not that they don’t want to be outside. It’s just that most parents are hesitant to let their children play outside after dark. The fact is, there are plenty of fun things for kids to do outdoors at night! Here are six ideas to get you started.
Watch a Movie in the Backyard
Watching a movie in the backyard is a classic activity that the whole family can enjoy. You can always set up a laptop or tablet on a stool or table if you don’t have a projector. Another fun option is to make your drive-in theater.
Line up chairs or blankets in front of the TV and have everyone sit in their car. Bring out some snacks and drinks, and enjoy the show!
If you stay in a colder location, try adding some warm experience through a fire pit. Installing an outdoor fire pit will make your backyard more enjoyable for kids during the night activities. This will also encourage the kids to spend more time in the backyard doing various activities, which is vital for their growth and development.
Visit a Local Observatory
Families with young children often find it difficult to find activities to do together that don’t involve screens. One option that is both educational and fun is to visit a local observatory. Many observatories offer public nights where families can come and look through the telescopes. This is a great way to introduce kids to the night sky and get them interested in astronomy.
If an observatory isn’t nearby, you can also do some stargazing in your backyard. Just lie down on a blanket and look up at the stars. You may be surprised at how many constellations you can see.
Have a Campout in the Backyard
If you have a big enough backyard, you can set up a makeshift camping area with a tent and some chairs. Be sure to bring some snacks and drinks too. The most important part of this activity is ensuring everyone has a flashlight. Not only will this help them see where they’re going, but it will also make them feel more secure in the dark. With a little planning, a campout in the backyard can be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Go on a Nighttime Nature Walk
Many animals are active at nighttime, so they may see things they wouldn’t see during the day. It’s also a great time to look at the stars. If you live in an urban area, you can still go on a nighttime nature walk — just be sure to bring a flashlight and wear reflective clothing so cars can see you. Nighttime nature walks are a great way for kids to get outside, explore the world around them, and learn about the natural world.
Play Flashlight Tag
Flashlight tag game is similar to regular tag, but instead of being tagged by another player, players are tagged by a beam of light from a flashlight. To play, each child needs a flashlight, and the playing area should be relatively dark.
Once everyone is ready, one child is chosen to be “it” and begins counting to 100 while the other players hide. Once the countdown is finished, the player who is “it” tries to find and tag as many other players as possible using their flashlight. When the beam of light hits a player, they are out and must sit on the sidelines until the next round. The game continues until all players are out or there is only one player left who has not been tagged.
Go Stargazing
Stargazing is a great outdoor nighttime activity for kids of all ages. Not only is it a fun way to spend an evening, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn about the universe. You can transform your backyard into a mini planetarium with just a few simple supplies. First, find an open area with clear skies.
Then, set up a telescope or binoculars and point them towards the stars. Finally, use a star chart to help identify the different constellations. As your kids explore the night sky, they’ll be amazed at the universe’s wonders. And who knows, they might even spot a shooting star!
Outdoor nighttime activities for kids are a great way to get them out of the house and away from screens. By playing games, stargazing, or exploring nature, kids can have fun while also getting some exercise. These activities are a great way for families to bond and create lasting memories.
