Are you looking for some great gift ideas for outdoorsy kids? I have put together some suggestions for presents that are not only fun but useful too. Many of these ideas include things my children have enjoyed in the past, currently use or want for Christmas this year. These ideas are for outdoorsy families, kids who love the outdoors, and for kids who you want to encourage to spend more time outdoors.
It can sometimes be difficult to get children away from a screen, so some fun gifts and gift experiences to entice them outdoors more, could be just what they need. These will be the things they’re more likely to remember from their childhood than sitting in front of a screen.
We love to spend time outdoors as a family as often as we can. Whether that’s walking with our kids, days out as a family or outdoor activities.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration, here are our suggestions for whole family gift ideas, outdoor kids, and those kids who need some encouragement to get outside more. There is something for everyone on this list. Here are the best gifts for outdoor kids.
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Outdoor Gift Experiences For Kids And The Whole Family
If you’re getting annoyed by all the plastic toys and all the packaging that comes with it, coming into your home every Christmas (and birthday), then how about giving the gift of a family day out, or an experience instead? It’s great to have something to look forward to later on in the year. Here are our top 12 gift experiences:
1. Go Ape or High Ropes Course Vouchers
How about giving the gift of adventure, up in the tree tops? Go Ape gift vouchers can be bought (from £10) for your adventure-seeking kids to enjoy any time during the year. These high ropes courses are suitable for ages 4 and above and is an thrilling experience the whole family can participate in together. There are plenty of different Go Ape locations all over the UK. Check out our trip to Go Ape Forest of Dean.
READ MORE: REVIEW GO APE FOREST OF DEAN
2. A Local Outdoor Activity Centre Voucher
Have you thought about buying a voucher for a local outdoor activity? We have a few Outdoor Activity Centres near us in Somerset who offer experiences such as archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting, tobogganing, dry slope skiing and much more. Check out our tobogganing experience.
3. A Family Day Out At An Attraction
Family attractions can be pricey. But if you’re buying presents for the whole family, how about buying a joint gift of family day out. A Buy A Gift Adventure Experience is a great option for between two to five people and is ideal for families who love getting outdoors and making memories together. All vouchers are fully flexible and can be redeemed against a huge range of experiences from treasure hunts, family steam train rides, adventure experiences and animal encounters. We’re Harry Potter fans – see our adventure at the WB Studio Tour.
4. Attraction Season Tickets
How about going the extra mile and contributing towards a season ticket to a family attraction? We’ve enjoyed season tickets to local attractions over the years because they are great value for money. This way, you don’t need to rush around trying to squeeze everything into one visit which is often impossible.
A season ticket can be used all year round and is even better if the attraction has different themed events running throughout the year. If it’s local you can go as often as you like.
5. National Trust Family Membership
We regularly enjoy a day out at National Trust properties near us and there are always seasonal events running throughout the year aimed at families. We particularly love going during the festive season because the decorations around the properties are always fantastic and there are always activities, such as trails or carriage rides, for the kids. There are great play areas for the kids and cafes serving the best homemade cakes!
Not only can a National Trust Membership be used throughout the UK but also when you go abroad too. You also benefit from free visiting arrangements with 14 similar heritage organisations in other countries.
6. A Christmas Day Out Or Experience
Christmas is an expensive time of the year and there are so many different festive experiences to choose from. You could buy some git vouchers towards a festive family activity such as ice skating or a light trail.
We have a couple of blog posts with ideas for Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset and Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol. These include Santa’s grottos, ice skating and Christmas Markets.
7. Family Festival
Have you considered gifting your loved ones, or contributing towards a family festival? We’re lucky there are so many child-friendly festivals in the UK, the options are endless. Local festivals in Somerset are ValleyFest and of course, Glatonbury Festival. Further afield you have the Cambridge Folk Festival, Camp Bestival, Timber Festival, Latitude and Wychwood Festival, to name a few.
8. Alpaca Walking Experience
If you’re looking for something a bit different, how about buying an alpaca walking experience? This has been on our wish list for a while. If you love animals, this could be the experience for you. Different Alpaca farms offer different packages. We’ve spotted Alpaca walks, Alpaca Picnics and Alpaca meet and greets. Look for your local Alpaca Farm or find an Alpaca Experience.
9. Horse Riding Lessons
Horse riding lessons is a great gift experience for those active kids who love animals and it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Check out your local riding school or trekking centre.
10. A Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Surf Boarding Lesson
How about a surf boarding or paddle boarding lesson for your little adventurer? Or a gift vouchers towards a water sports experience? We’re lucky living in the South West because we have The Wave, an inland-surfing destination where everyone can surf and bodyboard on consistent safe waves every day of the year.
There are also plenty of opportunities to learn to paddle board.
11. Vouchers for a Zoo Keeper or Animal Experience?
You could turn a childhood dream into reality by giving your child an experience they won’t forget. Vouchers to be a zoo keeper for the day or an animal handling experience would be the perfect gift for your little animal lovers. How about meeting and feeding giraffes? Or a penguin encounter, or meeting a sloth? There are so many options to choose from.
12. English Heritage Family Membership
Great for families who have an interest in historical places, and like to get out and explore. An English Heritage membership* gives unlimited access to over 400 historic places, and free or reduced prices to any of their events. Create some great family memories by giving a membership to some brilliant days out.
Indoor Gift Experiences for Kids and the Whole Family
Giving a gift experience can include some fun indoor activities too. Here are our suggestions:
- Cinema
- Theatre
- Trampoline Park
- Indoor Climbing Walls
- Ninja Warrior
- Family Meal Out
- Family Tenpin Bowling Game
- Museum Tickets (Fleet Air Arm, Harry Potter)
- Cave Adventure
- Pottery Session
Gifts For Outdoorsy Kids
We have practical, fun and useful gifts for kids who enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s hiking, camping, exploring or playing in the park or garden.
The Best Gifts for Kids Who Love the Outdoors and Camping
1. Card Games*
A simple pack of cards offer numerous different games to play. Card games are fun to play around the campfire or keep kids entertained in the tent if it’s raining. We love card games such as Uno* and Monopoly Deal*. They make excellent stocking fillers.
2. Books*
A great book or book tokens are one of the best gifts for kids. There are oodles of great books to choose from to keep kids entertained, depending on their interests. Books are also great for long car journeys. Fun outdoorsy books we like include National Trust: 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 3/4: An Outdoors Adventure Handbook*, Would You Rather* and The OS Kids Adventure Book*.
3. Scavenger Hunt Game
How about an outdoor nature scavenger hunt card game*? This game is ideal for preschool children and teaches them about nature through play. Great for taking on camping trips and will keep them busy on a walk.
4. A Hammock
Although a hammock* isn’t a toy, the kids will love sitting in their own hammock or sleeping under the stars. They’ll be the envy of the campsite! Great to use in the back garden as well, a hammock will last for years.
5. Multi Tool Pocket Knife
Older kids will love a pocket knife* for their outdoor adventures which can be used for making campfires, cooking and whittling wood. Learning to use tools safely and responsibly is a useful skill to learn.
6. Head Torch or Head Torch Hat*
A head torch* is a useful gift for any little explorer. Perfect for camping and embarking on night time expeditions. Alternatively, a head torch hat* is super cool for colder evenings.
7. S’mores Toasting Kit*
Kids love s’mores and cooking them over a campfire is a great fun activity. A S’more Toasting Kit* is the ideal sweet treat for the campfire cookout! This kit comes with everything you need to make and toast real American s’mores.
8. Dry Robe*
How about the ultimate posh coat* for your outdoor adventure-loving kids? Choose one that’s waterproof, windproof and warm for all their outdoor adventures. This Drying Changing Robe* by Regatta is ideal for camping and outdoor adventures.
9. Outdoor Adventure Night Vision Torch*
Your young explorers will love this night vision torch for their camping adventures. Great for taking on camping trips for spooky stories around the campfire or on night hikes for those little explorers.
10. Waterproofs*
Waterproofs are an ideal gift for outdoorsy kids and their families, especially in the UK. You need the right gear for all weathers for your outdoor adventures. From puddle suits* to kids rain coats*.
The Best Gifts For Kids Who Hike
1. Fitbit*
Perfect for young explorers, Fitbits* are not only perfect for keeping track of their steps, it also comes with features like a stop watch and a sleep tracking. You can set goals and it promotes an active lifestyle. Our girls all have a Fitbit and they come in different colours.
2. OS Map
Every young explorer should learn how to use a map. Buy a local OS Map* or somewhere you intend to visit in 2024 and get planning. A free digital download is included. Alternatively, the OS Great British Map of Wonders* is aimed specifically at kids. Discover tons of the most exciting things to do and places to see in Great Britain, including local legends, haunted spots, freaky festivals and weird witches.
3. Kids Compass
If your child is into hiking, camping or learning survival skills, a compass* will make an ideal stocking filler. Every young adventurer should learn some basic navigation skills.
4. Water Bottle
Every adventurer needs a drink to prevent dehydration while having fabulous adventures. A metal water bottle* will last for years. This stainless steel water bottle with straw is not only easy to drink from, but also keep your drink ice cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.
5. Rucksack or Hydration Backpack*
How about their very own kids rucksack*? It’s a great way to encourage independence when kids can pack their own bags and carry their own things. A hydration backpack* combines both a rucksack and water bottle. This backpack from Camelbak* comes with a 1.5-litre water reservoir and a straw that makes it easy for kids to drink on the go.
6. Nature Guides
Books are always a brilliant gift for nature-loving kids. There are some fantastic nature guides for outdoorsy kids. Pop them in your rucksack and take them on your outdoor adventures. We like Nature Handbook*, Swatch Guide Books, 101 Things to Do On A Walk* and the series of National Trust Out and About* books.
7. Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars* will be great for taking on walks for spotting wildlife, looking at views or playing spy games. Kids feel grown up with their very own pair of binoculars*.
8. A Kite or Frisbee
These toys are easy to pack and carry so are ideal for taking on hikes, a camping trip or a visit to the park. A kite* or frisbee* are not only excellent fun to play with but are great for improving hand-eye coordination. They’re also perfect to pop in the rucksack and take on your walk.
9. Walkie Talkies
Great fun for kids who love the outdoors, go hiking or camping, and also perfect for the garden, play park and family festivals. Kids love walkie talkies* and this packs of three was perfect for our 3 kids.
10. Walking Boots
An essential bit of kit for kids who enjoy hiking.
Our eldest chose these Regatta shoes* (above). Our youngest loved the pink Regatta walking boots*.
The Best Garden Toys for Outdoor Loving Kids
1. Den-Building Kit*
The perfect gift for any young explorer, especially if they love spending time in the great outdoors. This portable adventure offers every child an outdoor experience whatever the weather and can be used in the garden, park or woods.
2. Bug Viewer
For those kids who are fascinated by bugs, see them up close in amazing detail with a magnifying bug box*. Also great for packing into your rucksack and taking out on your next walk. Our kids loved this bug viewer when they were younger.
3. Mud Kitchen
Kids will love making potions and mixing up all sorts of things in their very own mud kitchen*. Either buy a ready-made one or source some wooden pallets and build your own!
4. Flower Press
A lovely gift for children who love nature and enjoy arts and crafts. Press and dry flowers and plants in this flower press* to preserve the treasures they’ve collected, and make cards, bookmarks and other keepsakes.
5. Micro Scooter
Looking for cool outdoorsy gifts for kids? How about a Micro Scooter*? Our kids have all loved theirs and have used them from the age of 2 years old. They come with 2 or 3 wheels, are size adjustable and a veriety of fabulous colours. They’re a great way to get kids outside, easy to pack in the car for walks. (Don’t forget helmets and protective gear).
6. Balance Bike
We highly rate balance bikes* and it’s one of the best non-toy gift ideas for toddlers. Our youngest could ride a peddle bike without stabilisers by age 3 and we put this down to the balance bike. They aren’t just for the garden, after some practice toddlers learn to whizz along making family walks quicker. (Don’t forget helmets and other protective gear).
7. Garden Games*
How about a Junior Croquet Set*, Boules* or Rounders*? Suitable for all ages and can be played anywhere – in the garden, at the park, on the beach or take camping. Enjoy hours of fun with the whole family.
8. Making Potions Kit
A potion kit will provide hours of fun for kids who love to get creative, use their imagination and enjoy getting their hands dirty. Suitable for kids over 4 years.
9. Kids Super Soakers
Large water guns* are one of the most fun garden toys you can buy and my girls love them! These toy water guns* are reasonably priced and make an excellent gift or stocking filler. Also perfect for the beach.
10. Kids Gardening Tools
A mini trowel, rake and watering can, some gloves, a wheelbarrow and a packet of seeds are excellent gifts for kids to use in the garden.
Best Gifts For Kids Who Travel
1. Road Trip Activities Book
An activity book* is a brilliant way of keeping the kids entertained on long journeys. This one includes games, puzzles and colouring.
2. Travel Journal
A great idea for a gift for those kids who love writing and drawing, for recording all their travel adventures. A journal gets them thinking about all the places they’ve visited.
3. Scratch The World Travel Map
Looking for cool gifts for kids who travel? A scratch off map* will keep track of all the places they have visited. A great gift for your favourite adventurer to plan a trip on the world map wall poster then record their journey! Also the perfect gift to educate young explorers.
4. Camera
A fantastic gift for capturing all the places they visit and keeping those special memories from their adventures
Best Outdoor Gifts For The Whole Family
1. Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak
This is sure to bring a smile to water-loving families. We have spent many hours using our Bluefin Cruise SUP* which also has a kayak seat. Now they sell a light version which is ideal for kids. Keep an eye on the Bluefin website* for the latest deals and offers.
2. Adopt An Animal
You can adopt an animal at most zoos, animal shelters and animal sanctuaries. Our kids were really happy to receive an adopt a donkey gift from The Donkey Sanctuary for Christmas a few years ago. We visited our adopted donkey in Sidmouth and it makes for a lovely day out. Each animal comes with a personalised adoption certificate, as well as receiving regular updates, photos and newsletters as part of the adoption.
3. Fire Pit (portable, for camping)
All kids love a fire, so how about a portable firepit* to use in the garden or take on your camping trips? Perfect for cookouts and toasting marshmallows!
4. Camping/Festival Trolley (The Wagon)*
An essential item for transporting gear or even small kids around festivals or on trips to the beach. Loading up the wagon is so much easier than carrying lots of bags. The Wagon also makes a fun garden toy.
5. Action Camera*
Ideal for capturing all your outdoor adventures and saving those special memories.
I hope you found my Ultimate Outdoor Gift Guide for Kids useful and helps you find the perfect present for your outdoorsy kids.
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If you’re in Somerset or Bristol during the festive season, check out our latest blog posts with What’s On in 2024:
The Best Christmas Light Trails in Somerset and Bristol 2024
Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol, 2024
