Outdoor Nature Games: 6 Unique Ways to Make the Wild Your Playground

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Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Jeremy

There’s something about being outside that stirs something primal in all of us. Maybe it’s the fresh air, the scent of pine needles underfoot, or the way the sunlight dances through the trees at just the right moment.

But let’s be real—most people today don’t know what to do once they’re out there. They go on a hike, take a few photos, and call it a day.

Where’s the fun? The thrill? The unexpected adventure?

What if, instead, your outdoor experience became a game—one that turned a simple walk into a treasure hunt, a beach day into a mystery, or a camping trip into an epic competition?

That’s what this guide is about. Six immersive nature games—some for kids, some for families, and some strictly for adults—designed to make your outdoor experience unforgettable.

Ready to play?

Category 1: Family-Friendly Games

These are games for all ages—whether you’re on a road trip, hiking a trail, or camping for the weekend.

1. Geocaching: The Ultimate Outdoor Treasure Hunt

📍 Best Played: Forested areas, parks, hiking trails
🌱 Best Season: All-year
👥 Who Can Play: Families, friends, solo adventurers

The Experience

We did a geocaching treasure hunt in Crawford Bay last year as part of our girls’ homeschool project. GPS in hand, we followed a series of cryptic clues, trekking through a mossy BC forest with the kind of excitement usually reserved for pirate movies.

Then, finally—we found it. A small, weathered container tucked inside the roots of an ancient tree. Inside? A logbook filled with signatures from past adventurers and a handful of tiny trinkets left behind.

The best part? It felt like we had uncovered a secret world hiding in plain sight.

🔎 Get Started: Download a free geocaching app, pick a trail near you, and start hunting.

2. Nature Bingo: A Game of Observation & Discovery

📍 Best Played: Campgrounds, parks, road trips
🌱 Best Season: Spring & Summer
👥 Who Can Play: Families, road trippers, large groups

The Experience

Back when we lived in Saskatchewan, we turned scavenger hunts into a family sport. But instead of just making a list, we took it a step further—turning it into Bingo.

A grid of 25 nature-themed things: A hawk in the sky, an ant carrying food, a heart-shaped rock, a feather in the dirt.

First to five in a row wins. First to blackout? They pick the next adventure.

Category 2: Outdoor Games for Kids

3. Name That Tune: Campfire Edition

📍 Best Played: Campgrounds, backyards, road trips
🌱 Best Season: Summer & Fall
👥 Who Can Play: Anyone who knows a few songs

The Experience

Last summer, while operating Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park, we played Name That Tune around the campfire with campers of all ages. Someone hummed or played three seconds of a song, and everyone had to guess.

Soon, we had a full-blown sing-off, complete with guitar solos, improvised lyrics, and campfire echoes carrying across the lake. It felt like a scene out of a movie.

🔥 Pro Tip: Raise the stakes—losers have to cook breakfast the next morning!

4. Nature Relay Race: Outdoor Olympics for Kids

📍 Best Played: Large open spaces, parks, or beaches
🌱 Best Season: Summer
👥 Who Can Play: Kids 5+

The Experience

A relay race—but make it nature-themed.

1️⃣ Balance a pine cone on your head while running
2️⃣ Jump over a “fallen log” (stick or rock)
3️⃣ Crawl under a tree branch
4️⃣ Find a leaf that looks like an animal
5️⃣ Cross the finish line without dropping a rock from your hand

🏆 Pro Tip: Add an adult version where the loser has to jump into the lake fully clothed.

Category 3: Outdoor Games for Adults

5. The Midnight Skinny-Dipping Dare

📍 Best Played: Lakes, rivers, secluded beaches
🌱 Best Season: Warm summer nights
👥 Who Can Play: Adults, couples, adventure-seekers

The Experience

There’s something exhilarating, rebellious, and hilarious about stripping down and racing into the water at midnight. No lights, no distractions—just the cold shock of the lake and the sound of laughter echoing in the dark.

🚨 Pro Tip: Play safe. No sharp rocks, strong currents, or questionable locations.

6. The Campfire Storytelling Face-Off

📍 Best Played: Campgrounds, beach bonfires, cabins
🌱 Best Season: Any time
👥 Who Can Play: Adults & older kids

The Experience

You have two minutes to tell a completely made-up story—but it must include:

A real location nearby
A ridiculous but believable plot twist
At least one character based on someone in the group

🔥 Pro Tip: Add a challenge—whoever laughs first loses.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Play?

You’ve got the games. You’ve got the inspiration. Now it’s time to play.

But let’s take it a step further. Want to test your outdoor adventure knowledge?

We’ve created a one-of-a-kind outdoor history game, based on your upcoming trip.

Are you in? Let’s start the game below! ⬇️

Outdoor True or False Trivia

Enter 2 player names to begin:

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4 responses to “Outdoor Nature Games: 6 Unique Ways to Make the Wild Your Playground”

pasindu dimanka

June 15, 2023

I love how this article brings adventure back into outdoor experiences! Too often, people step outside, take a quick walk, and call it a day—but these games transform nature into an interactive playground.

The educational aspect is also fantastic. Whether it’s Geocaching in the forests of BC, Nature Bingo on a road trip, or Campfire Storytelling under the stars, these activities foster curiosity and deepen our connection to the outdoors.

I appreciate how each game can be adapted for different ages, settings, and adventure styles. This guide is a must-read for anyone looking to engage with nature in a fun, meaningful way!

Reply
1. Jeremy
  
  June 15, 2023
  
  You nailed it, Pasindu! The wild isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a playground, a classroom, and a stage for unforgettable adventures.
  
  I love that you appreciated the educational value of these games. Whether it’s hunting for hidden caches in BC’s forests, racing through a Nature Relay in the mountains, or swapping campfire stories after a long hike, these activities make outdoor experiences richer and more interactive.
  
  Best part? It’s all adaptable—from a solo explorer hiking through Costa Rica’s jungles to families on a weekend camping trip. I hope you get to try a few of these on your next outdoor adventure. If you do, I’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite!
  
  Reply
Kevin Meyer

February 8, 2025

Your article is absolutely amazing! It brilliantly showcases the incredible importance of outdoor nature games that spark connection, creativity, and adventure. These activities aren’t just a blast; they’re essential for helping kids cultivate a lifelong appreciation for nature, especially since they spend so much less time outside than previous generations did.

I was thrilled by the fantastic variety of games you shared! They cater to so many different ages and group sizes—it’s simply wonderful! Do you have any exhilarating recommendations for nature-based activities that are perfect for smaller urban green spaces or backyards? I’m eager to infuse more of these adventures into my family’s weekend routine!

These activities not only promote outdoor play but also nurture a deeper connection with nature right in your own backyard. I can’t wait to hear which ones you’ll decide to try out!

My absolute favorite has to be backyard camping. Pitch a tent in your backyard and immerse yourself in the great outdoors for the night! Tell stories, stargaze, and indulge in delicious s’mores over a cozy fire pit or portable stove. This adventure combines the thrill of camping with the comfort of home. Thank you for putting together such an inspiring list! This content is exactly what families need to reconnect with nature in an exciting and meaningful way. Keep up the fantastic work!

Reply
1. Jeremy
  
  February 8, 2025
  
  Hey Kevin,
  
  I really appreciate your enthusiasm and thoughtful response! You nailed it—getting outside and engaging in nature-based games isn’t just fun, it’s key to fostering a real connection with the outdoors, especially for kids who don’t get as much unstructured time outside these days.
  
  For smaller urban green spaces or backyards, I’d suggest nature scavenger hunts (tailored for different seasons), DIY obstacle courses using natural elements, and cloud-watching storytelling where kids turn what they see in the sky into an imaginative adventure. Another fun idea is “Backyard Biologist”—where kids use magnifying glasses to examine insects, leaves, and soil, turning their own yard into a tiny wildlife expedition!
  
  Backyard camping is definitely a classic! It’s such a great way to introduce little ones to outdoor adventure while keeping the comforts of home nearby. Love that you included storytelling and stargazing—those are the little moments that make it truly magical.
  
  Thanks again for your thoughtful comment! If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to hear how they go!
  
  Reply

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