10 Ways to Celebrate Great Outdoors Month as a Family (Without Spending a Penny!)

Did you know that June is officially Great Outdoors Month? It’s the perfect excuse to dust off the walking boots, pack some snacks, and get the children outside – without needing tickets, tech, or tapping the card.

Here at Treks, Trails & Travel, we’re big fans of outdoor time that’s easy on the wallet but rich in memory-making. So whether you’re in the mood for muddy adventures, quiet nature moments, or eco-friendly fun, here are 10 brilliant (and free!) ways to celebrate the great outdoors this month.

1. Go on a Family Walk (Add a Twist!)

Pick a local trail, nature reserve, or even a nearby canal path. To keep children engaged, add a theme: spot 5 birds, count the bridges, or find something for every colour of the rainbow.

Need ideas? 10 fun ways to keep children entertained on walks.

2. Try a Photo Challenge

Give everyone a phone or camera (or, as we did, let the children borrow yours) and set a mini photo challenge. Leave them to find things that interest them, or if they’re a little stuck for inspiration, try prompts like:

• A funny shadow
• Something beginning with “B”
• A tree taller than a house
• Favourite view of the day

Then compare your “gallery” over a post-adventure hot chocolate! If you have a printer, you could print them and make your own journal – or if digital is your thing – why not start your own blog? (Let us know in the comments if you do, and we’ll give you a follow to help you get started!)

Here’s what happened on our photo walk challenge!

3. Do a Nature Treasure Hunt

Not just for little ones! Create a checklist of things to spot: animal tracks, pinecones, wildflowers, or a squirrel on the move.

Lost for inspiration? Use our free printable scavenger hunt to get you started!

4. Have a Picnic in the Wild

Make sandwiches at home, fill up the flask, and find a quiet hill, woodland bench or field to make your base. Everything tastes better outside (especially when it’s squished in foil!). The grown ups can relax and the children can run wild!

5. Plogging: Litter Picking with Purpose

Take a small bag and gloves, and do a mini clean-up as you go. You’ll help the local wildlife and maybe inspire others on the trail to do the same. Double win.

6. Visit a Pump Track or Local Green Space

Pump tracks and bike parks are often free and fab for children who need to burn off energy. As an added bonus, they’re usually surrounded by plenty of green space and playgrounds, so there will be something for the whole family to enjoy!

Wondering what a pump track is? Check out our post on everything you need to know about Pump Tracks.

7. Camp Out in the Garden

Don’t fancy the full wild-camping experience? Pop a tent up in the garden (or make a den inside!) and have your own midnight adventure. Torch-lit stories, midnight snacks and all!

8. Go Geocaching

All you need is a free app and a sense of adventure. Treasure hunting + walking = the ultimate family walk where no one realises how long you’ve been out already. What will you find near you?

Wondering what Geocaching is? Find out all about Geocaching here!

9. Create Wild Art

If it’s raining (it’s June in the UK, of course it is!) – why not paint some rocks inside, and when the weather does pick up again, you can go and find some fun places for others to spot and enjoy them outside!

Find out more about Rock Painting here.

10. Make a Family “Outdoor Bucket List”

Let everyone choose one outdoor thing they’d love to do in June – from rock painting, to visiting the woods, to climbing a hill. Tick them off together and celebrate at the end of the month!

Looking for more ideas?

Check out all our Free or Cheap Outdoor Activity Ideas here!

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🌱 Bonus: How to Be a Nature Hero

• Stick to paths and trails to avoid trampling plants
• Take all your rubbish home (and maybe a little extra!)
• Talk to your children about why little actions matter – you’re raising future caretakers of the planet!

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However you do it, Great Outdoors Month is your excuse to just get out there. It doesn’t have to be epic – sometimes the best memories are made ten minutes from home with muddy boots, silly stories, and a bribe worthy snack in your pocket.

Let us know your plans to get outside this June!

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