{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"Urban areas offer a brilliant backdrop for adventures, and with a little creativity, you can turn any street corner into a space for learning, fun, and exploration. So, grab your chalk, camera, or coin, and let the urban exploration begin with these 21 activity ideas to help you explore your town or city.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/a5lhmick/hopscotch.jpeg","width":4284,"height":4284,"altText":"A pebble path that has squares drawn on it to make up a hopscotch ladder. It\u0027s drawn in blue chalk and purple chalk, with a number in each block in yellow chalk.","caption":"Try some hopscotch - or make a chalk obstacle course!","link":null},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHopscotch is a timeless game that never fails to entertain. Take this classic a step further by creating themed hopscotch games. You could make it longer, draw the board in a different shape, such as a circle instead of a straight line, or leave bigger gaps between the squares for people to jump across. You could also have a silly hopscotch version, where certain numbers mean you have to do silly challenges, such as singing a nursery rhyme backwards.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"1. Play hopscotch"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGet out the chalks and start drawing. You could even try making your own chalk. You could all draw images around a certain theme, write poems or positive messages, draw mazes and obstacle courses, or just let people have fun making the ground more colourful!\u003C/p\u003E","label":"2. Make chalk mural masterpieces"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGive each participant a camera or smartphone, and set out on a mission to find objects or scenes that represent each letter of the alphabet.\u0026nbsp;From \u2018A\u2019 for an archway to \u2018Z\u2019 for a zebra crossing, see if you can fill every letter with something you spot.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo make it harder, you could try to spot the letters, or the shape of the letters, in the environment, such as on signs or road markings, then spell out a word with the letters you\u2019ve found!\u003C/p\u003E","label":"3. Try alphabet photography"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EParks and green spaces within the city are perfect for gathering natural materials, such as sticks. Once collected, challenge the group to create sculptures or structures using just the sticks, string or elastic bands, and any other natural materials they can find. This could range from simple shapes to more complex designs, such as animals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"4. Build stick sculptures"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEven in the heart of a city, you can find bits of nature peeking through. Gather leaves, flowers, pebbles, and twigs, and make nature faces on the ground. Each face could represent different emotions, or they could be modelled after famous figures.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhy not use them to play Guess Who and see if you can work out who each person made? You may need to ask some questions to help you!\u003C/p\u003E","label":"5. Create nature faces"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECollect various types of leaves in different shapes, colours and sizes. You can then use them to create animals or even invent new creatures. Try making our \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-a-leafy-hedgehog/\u0022 title=\u0022Make a leafy hedgehog\u0022\u003Eleafy hedgehog\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/craft-a-leaf-crown/\u0022 title=\u0022Craft a leaf crown\u0022\u003Eleaf crown\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/lovely-squirrel-leafy-craft/\u0022 title=\u0022Lovely squirrel leafy craft\u0022\u003Eleaf squirrel\u003C/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-leaf-art/\u0022 title=\u0022Make leaf art\u0022\u003Eleaf art\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could also practice identify different types of leaves. Use our \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-a-leaf-spotting-wheel/\u0022 title=\u0022Make a leaf spotting wheel\u0022\u003Eleaf spotter wheel\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/play-guess-the-tree/\u0022 title=\u0022Play Guess the Tree?\u0022\u003EGuess the tree game\u003C/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/play-tree-switch/\u0022 title=\u0022Play Tree Switch\u0022\u003Etree switch game\u003C/a\u003E to help you.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"6. Make leaf animals"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA penny hike is where you flip a coin at every intersection: heads means turn right, tails means turn left. As you wander, make sure to observe their surroundings or find interesting landmarks. You could even try to follow along with where you on a map to practice map-reading.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"7. Go on a penny hike"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA journey stick is a traditional way of recording a journey by attaching objects found along the way to a stick, either with an elastic band or string. During a walk, collect items that represent different parts of the journey, such as a feather from a park, a ribbon from a local event, or a unique leaf. Later, you can share their stories using the stick as a visual aid, helping to develop storytelling and observational skills.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"8. Make a journey stick"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv id=\u0022\u0022 class=\u0022content-root mb-5\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPlan and run a scavenger hunt that lets you discover unique aspects of the town or city.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor older groups, you could create a list of items to find or have a list tasks to complete, such as answering a question by going to a landmark. You may also want to involve map-reading or using what3words to practice navigation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor younger groups, you could try a\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/road-sign-safari/\u0022 title=\u0022Road sign safari\u0022\u003Eroad sign safari treasure hunt\u003C/a\u003E or run a colour scavenger hunt. Each person could be given colour and have to find things that match their colour - or everyone could try to look for items to make up a rainbow.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to do a bigger scavenger hunt, you could even try running a local Scout event, such as a Monopoly Run, outdoor escape room or treasure trail.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"9. Search on scavenger hunts"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv id=\u0022\u0022 class=\u0022content-root mb-5\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOn a sunny day, head out to somewhere where you can make lots of shadows. Use chalk or pens and papers, then trace the shadows of various objects, from trees to benches to each other.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs the sun moves, you could observe how the shadows change, showing how the Earth moves around the sun and time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfter tracing, you could use the shapes to create unique abstract art pieces.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"10. Play with shadows"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv id=\u0022\u0022 class=\u0022content-root mb-5\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a walking tour of your city\u2019s urban street art - you might even spot a Banksy. You could take photos of the art or talk about the different styles and messages behind the work.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAfterwards, on paper, you could recreate let the urban art you saw using paints and felt tips, or let people design their own.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember, in most countries, including in the UK, graffiti without permission is illegal and considered vandalism. Street art can be done legally with the permission of property owners or as part of a community art project.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"11. Spot urban street art"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cdiv id=\u0022\u0022 class=\u0022content-root mb-5\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESearch for birds, insects, and small mammals that live in the city or town. You could use bingo sheets to see who can spot the most wildlife or use your senses to see what wildlife you can hear. Why not wake up early and go bird-spotting?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUse some free spotting sheet guides to help you know what to look for. You can get some from the RSPB, Woodland Trust, Wildlife Trust and WWF, either to print at home or use on a phone.\u0026nbsp;You could look more closely at what you find with with magnifying glasses too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways be careful and to always handle wildlife gently, making sure to return it to where you found it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"12. Search for wildlife"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGo for a walk around the local area and, at different stops, read a page or two of a storybook. It\u2019s a great way to bring a story to life. For example, you could try \u2018We\u2019re going on a bear hunt\u2019 in the local park and hide a bear for your group to find.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"13.\u00A0Go for a story stroll"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGeocaching involves finding hidden \u2018caches\u2019 using GPS coordinates, so go geocaching around the town or city. It\u2019s a modern-day treasure hunt that teaches navigation skills, problem-solving and patience. You can even encourage people to create their own cache for others to find or try the \u003Ca href=\u0022/scouts/activity-badges/geocaching/\u0022 title=\u0022Geocaching\u0022\u003Egeocaching badge\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"14.\u00A0Go geocaching"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAfter a rainy day, put on some wellies and go puddle jumping. Encourage them to observe the ripples, reflections, and even small creatures they might find in the puddles, then see who can make the biggest splash!\u003C/p\u003E","label":"15. Make a splash puddle jumping"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMake a tinfoil river, or use a piece of rain guttering to make a river, then make some small boats to race.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could make them from sticks and leaves, rubber ducks, kitchen sponges or paper boats, then decorate the boats before racing them. Remember to have a start and finish line, and stay safe when\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u00229.13 Water based activities\u0022\u003Erunning activities near water\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"16. Have a boat race"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPractice some \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/try-making-tracking-signs/\u0022 title=\u0022Try making tracking signs\u0022\u003Etracking symbols\u003C/a\u003E, then put together a short treasure hunt and get groups to follow the symbols to find a small prize. You could make the symbols out of sticks, pebbles or chalk.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"17. Learn tracking symbols"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGet outside and fly some kites, whether it\u2019s in the park or the playground. Why not trying \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-and-fly-a-kite/\u0022 title=\u0022Make and fly a kite\u0022\u003Emaking your own kites\u003C/a\u003E too?\u003C/p\u003E","label":"18. Fly kites"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESee who can make rockets fly the highest in our \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/reaction-rockets/\u0022 title=\u0022Reaction rockets\u0022\u003Erocket activity\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"19. Make and launch rockets"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGo \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/go-litter-picking/\u0022 title=\u0022Go litter picking\u0022\u003Elitterpicking\u003C/a\u003E and help to clean up your local town or city. Always wear gloves, use litterpickers and wash your hands afterwards.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"20. Go litterpicking"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPizza box solar ovens are quick and easy to make.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo make a pizza box solar oven, start by closing a clean pizza box and drawing a square on the lid, about 2.5cm from the edges.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn adult should carefully cut along three sides of the square to create a flap that can be lifted open. Cover the inner side of this flap with aluminum foil, shiny side out, to reflect sunlight into the box.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext, open the flap and tape a piece of clingfilm over the opening, making sure it\u0027s tight and smooth to help trap heat inside.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECover the bottom of the box with black paper, as this helps to absorb heat. For better insulation, you can add rolled-up newspapers around the inside edges of the box.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext, close the box and prop open the foil-covered flap with a bamboo skewer. Place the solar oven outside in direct sunlight, with the flap angled to capture as much light as possible.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInside the oven, place a chunk of chocolate and a marshmallow on top of a biscuit, then place this on top of the black paper and let it cook for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the sun\u2019s intensity and the type of food being prepared.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe oven can get very hot, so always make sure to be careful when placing and removing the food items. Always wear and use protective equipment, such as tongs or heatproof gloves. When removing the items off the oven, place them onto a heatproof plate and make sure they\u2019ve plenty of time to cool. Make sure you\u2019ve access to a bucket of water, fire-safety equipment and a first aid kit, including for burns.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways supervise young people appropriately when they\u2019re using scissors or sharp objects. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"21. Cook s\u0027mores in a solar oven"}]},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/3hgpfpn3/penny-hike.jpeg","width":3024,"height":3024,"altText":"A hand holding a penny coin in front of two paths, with the forest in the background.","caption":"Try a penny hike and let the throw of the coin help you decide where you go.","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAll activities in Scouts must be safely managed. It\u2019s important to choose an appropriate, accessible outdoor area. You may need to think about avoiding steps, being close to public transport, or steep gradients or including frequent breaks. You must have permission to use the location.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou must complete a thorough\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. You should use our\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Take a look at our guidance to help you carry out your\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022 class=\u0022Hyperlink SCXW181642174 BCX4\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E, including examples.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways get\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance/approving-activities-guidance-for-commissioners/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Commissioners\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E, and have suitable\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and an\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process. You may need some parents and carers to help.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways check the weather forecast, tide times and sunset before running the activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou should inform parents and carers of any change in venue, days or times, and have a suitable drop-off/collection point. You could use our\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance/activity-information-form/\u0022 title=\u0022Activity information form\u0022\u003Eactivity information forms\u003C/a\u003E, and always make sure everyone knows what people should bring and wear.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore playing a game, there are some things you need to do to help keep everybody safe and make sure everyone can be included. Take a look at our advice on \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Running active games safely\u0022\u003Erunning active games safely and accessibly\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Staying safe","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"22 August 2024","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Try our activities","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Staying safe in Scouts","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Outdoors in 24","url":null,"newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Check out our parachute games","url":"/news/2023/november/17-quick-and-easy-parachute-games-to-play/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Try some circle games","url":"/news/2023/april/15-quick-and-easy-circle-games-to-help-fill-time/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Play some wide games","url":"/news/2023/june/9-wide-games-to-get-everyone-up-and-moving/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Discover activities to do on the beach","url":"/news/2024/july/15-exciting-activities-to-do-at-the-beach/","newWindow":true}],"id":81183,"nodeName":"21 outdoor activities to do in urban areas","title":"21 outdoor activities to do in a town or city","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/17840/db-20210611-15271-8691-141140min.jpg?cc=0,0.1561656165616561,0,0\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1daf2eb5cc4f920","caption":"Three Cubs play a game running outside","type":"jpg","size":1424315,"width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"Three Cubs, two in uniform and one in an orange t-shirt, smile and run down the street"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"21 outdoor activities to do in a town or city","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Try these 21 brilliant activities to connect with nature, get creative and enjoy the outdoors in an urban area near you.","browserTitle":"21 outdoor activities to do in a town or city","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84MTE4MyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2024/august/21-outdoor-activities-to-do-in-urban-areas/"}