I could learn a lot from my two-year-old son. Now that the weather is starting to warm up, he has been showing me just how much more fun it is to play outside than inside.

He would much rather spend his time running around outside searching for puddles and bugs than be inside with some car that flashes and hops and plays crazy music.

This is not uncommon. It seems like most toddlers prefer running around outside to being stuck inside.

Here are some of the many fun things we’ve discovered that you can do outside with little to no electricity required.

Toddlers:

At this age, my son is content to find and jump in puddles. It’s a great release after he’s been stuck inside due to the rain.

He also likes to inspect mud and dirt once it’s a little drier outside.

Search for caterpillars, roly-polies or other fun bugs.

Play an “I Spy” type game with flowers, leaves, houses, etc.

Play “Peek-a-boo” around big trees.

Pick “flowers” (we pick weeds, but they are still pretty to him.)

Inspect the roots of trees and collect sticks.

Name each and every vehicle and sign that you walk past. (This is a specific game that my son likes to play, but if your kid is interested in something else, it still could work.)

If your child is into dinosaurs, you could bury some “bones” in some dirt in your backyard and let your little paleontologist start a dig.

Bring some balls outside and let your child kick, throw, hit with a bat, etc.

Visit parks.

Pre-school:

Run around and try to catch fireflies at dusk.

Play sports and other fun outside games like Red Rover and Statues.

Pack a picnic lunch and lay a sheet out on the ground.

Have a scavenger hunt.

Go on a nature hike.

Look for and try to name different types of birds.

Help weed the garden, and pick produce.

Go fishing.

Older kids:

Play any type of sports — kick ball, soccer, baseball, football, etc.

Have a campout one evening.

Play Hide-n-Seek or chase.

Watch the stars and try to name some, or find constellations.

Draw out a map and try to help your child find a treasure using a compass.

Plant veggies, fruits, and flowers in a garden. Water, weed and help take care of the garden.

Have any suggestions for fun outdoor activities that I missed?