In a world filled with screens and busy schedules, helping children build confidence, resilience, and practical life skills has never been more important. That's why we've put together this exciting list of 30 outdoor and survival activities every child should try before they turn 15.
From learning how to build a shelter and safely light a campfire to identifying wildlife and navigating without technology, these fun challenges encourage adventure, independence, and a deeper connection with nature.
Whether you're looking for family outdoor activities, survival skills for kids, or simply new ways to keep children active during the holidays, this bucket list is packed with ideas that parents and children can enjoy together.Some of the activities on this list are intentionally open to interpretation, encouraging children to use their imagination and embrace creativity!
- Pack a survival backpack
- Complete a blindfold challenge
- Cross a rope bridge or balance trail
- Create wild art
- Make something from sticks and rope
- Explore in the rain without complaining
- Learn how to purify water
- Dam a stream
- Navigate without a phone
- Complete a scavenger hunt
- Try archery
- Finish the rainforest evacuation mission
- Survival the island expedition challenge
- Watch a sunrise
- Hunt for fossils
- Light a campfire safely
- Toast marshmallows over a fire
- Build a shelter
- Learn 3 useful knots
- Read a map
- Use a compass
- Follow a trail through the woods
- Cook food outdoors
- Complete an obstacle course
- Throw and axe at a target
- Spot animal tracks or signs
- Build a mini raft that floats
- Camp outdoors
- Skim a stone
- Stargaze and name a constellation
Why not print out this handy PDF copy of the list and make it a challenge to complete as many as you can over the summer?
30 OUTDOOR & SURVIVAL THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU'RE 15 WORKSHEET
Ultimate Survival school holiday day camps
If your child loves the idea of outdoor adventures, many of these survival-inspired activities can be experienced at our Ultimate Survival Day Camps!
Our action-packed days give children the chance to learn bushcraft skills, build shelters, practise teamwork challenges, develop problem-solving abilities, and enjoy exciting outdoor experiences in a safe and supportive environment. It's a fantastic way for children to build confidence, make new friends, and discover a love of the outdoors during the school holidays. Find out more about our upcoming summer holiday camps for children ages 7-14!
Running this summer in:
Faringdon (Oxfordshire)
Oxford (Farmoor)
Oxford (West)
NEW! Bromley (Mottingham)