Outdoor STEM Activities

Outdoor STEM Activities are a great way to mix fresh air with hands-on learning. When the weather warms up around here, I try to take as much of our learning outside as possible.

If you’re looking for even more ways to keep the kids busy this season, check out my list of STEM Activities for Kids. I’ve gathered many ideas to help you make the most of summer.

Keep reading for details, resources I’ve used, and a list of the best hands-on outdoor STEM ideas that work for different ages and interests.

collage of Outdoor STEM Activities

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Benefits of STEM Activities

Something about building, testing, and tweaking grabs a child’s attention in a way worksheets never could. My kids light up when they use real-world materials and solve actual problems—even if that “problem” is figuring out how to make a contraption that launches a ball across the yard.

Outdoor STEM has allowed me to support their curiosity without making it feel like formal instruction. They’re learning measurement, observation, cause-and-effect, and more. And the best part? They often don’t realize how much they pick up along the way.

I like keeping a few STEM-focused books on hand, especially ones with experiments and challenges we can try outside. They’re a great backup when I need something low-prep that still counts as learning.

STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for KidsSTEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for KidsThe Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8The Curious Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and Build (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids: 50+ Exciting STEAM Projects to Design and Build (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Physics Experiments for Kids: 40 Fun Science Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat! (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat! (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)100 Easy STEAM Activities: Awesome Hands-On Projects for Aspiring Artists and Engineers100 Easy STEAM Activities: Awesome Hands-On Projects for Aspiring Artists and Engineers

 

Why Take STEM Outside?

Sometimes, just changing the setting can make a big difference in how kids respond to learning. Getting outdoors gives them space to experiment, move around, and explore more naturally.

  • Many outdoor activities double as great science or engineering lessons
  • Nature makes a perfect backdrop for experiments and observation
  • Kids tend to focus better when they can move their bodies and breath in the fresh air

My Favorite Summer Printable Packs

For days when the weather doesn’t cooperate or we need a quiet break, I keep a few printable packs on hand. They offer the same fun, seasonal vibe while reinforcing early math and critical thinking.

collage of Outdoor STEM Activities

The Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Getting outside shifts the energy in the best way. I’ve found that even when moods are a little off, stepping into the backyard for a simple activity can reset the whole day.

Plus, nature offers so much built-in learning. Whether we’re tracking shadows, listening to birds, or just watching clouds move, it all adds up to meaningful time spent together.

I try to keep a small stash of tools and toys that support creative outdoor play. Think about things they can build with, mix up, test, or reuse in different ways.

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More Summer Activities To Try

If you’re putting together your summer plan, you’ll want a mix of easy wins and activities that hold their attention longer. Here’s a starting point:

Exploding Tea Party
This one was a hit because it looks like play, but is secretly all about chemical reactions. We used small plastic cups and turned them into a pretend party—lots of mess, lots of learning.
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how to make super bubbles
Super Bubbles
I mixed up our own bubble solution and tested different shapes and sizes of wands. The kids were genuinely surprised by how long some of them lasted.
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DIY Bird Feeder
We tried this one when we were learning about local wildlife. It led to some really great conversations about birds and how they adapt to different environments.
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Cool Pop Rocks Experiment
Pop Rocks Experiment
Who knew candy could teach so much? The kids were fascinated by the reaction and had many questions, leading us to look up how carbon dioxide works.
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Outdoor Building Blocks with Chalk
This activity got the kids moving and thinking at the same time. They created obstacle courses and towers, then tried to figure out how to improve their designs.
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sunflower life cycle for kids
Sunflower Life Cycle for Kids
We planted sunflowers and tracked their growth over several weeks. This became a natural way to discuss life cycles and plant science.
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Make A Water Wall For Summer STEM
Make A Water Wall For Summer STEM
This one requires some setup, but it was totally worth it. The kids spent a long time adjusting the bottles and tubes to change the water flow.
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Egg Drop Project
Egg Drop Project
We’ve done this one a few times using different materials. It’s a great way to think through protection, design, and gravity.
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Kids Butterfly Garden
This was one of our favorite longer projects. Watching the transformation over time was magical, and it also helped us work on patience.
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Pouring Station Activity
Pouring Station Activity
Perfect for younger kids or mellow days. I set up pitchers, cups, and containers, and they explored volume and measurement without realizing it.
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Pizza Box Solar Oven Smores
We made these using old pizza boxes and foil. It turned into a whole conversation about renewable energy, and we also got to eat s’mores.
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STEM Challenge Kindergarten Engineering Activity –
There are tons of outdoor STEM prompts here to try. We like to pick one challenge a week and let it guide our outdoor play.
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Bottle Rockets Backyard Science
It's messy and loud, which makes it an automatic favorite. While they set up their launches, we talked about pressure and propulsion.
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Olympic Rings Outdoor Game
This one's great for a group or siblings. It combines movement with problem-solving and a touch of competition.
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How to Make Sponge Bombs
A good option for hot afternoons. The kids stay active and cool while practicing coordination and aiming.
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STEM-based outdoor activities have brought so much variety and joy to my children’s lessons. Whether planting seeds or launching bottle rockets, these experiences stick with my kids in ways that worksheets don’t. I hope you find something in this list that works for your kids, too.

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