What we give our kids for the holidays determines how they’ll spend their time in the months ahead. So, we compiled some easy gift ideas that help get them outdoors because, well, kids grow better outside.
Each one is an idea for a big or small adventure. Download your favorite certificates to fill in (remember those IOU coupons?). Just print it out, stuff it in a stocking or card, and share experiences that last long beyond childhood.
Give them the gift of a cozy adventure. Fill in our free customizable certificate for a treat to look forward to!
Got a kid with a need for speed? Give them a redeemable certificate good for a day of zoom, whoosh, and yay!
An adventure with a mission—and maybe even a prize?! Surprise them with a certificate promising a day of wintery exploration mixed with “I spy.”
When they cash in this certificate, you’d better get ready to run! Good for one snowball fight with family and friends.
“No” takes the day off with this certificate. Gift a kid a Yes Day during which the adult in their life has to say “yes” to whatever outdoor activities they want to do.
Give the gift of staying up past bedtime with a certificate redeemable for one full moon trek.
The sweetest certificate yet, this IOU coupon is good for one evening full of ooey gooey marshmallows, chocolate, and grahams with a heaping side of stars.
Slide into adventure with this certificate that’s good for one day of ice skating with friends and family.
When they cash in this certificate, get ready to grab some gear and fire up the campfire. Marshmallows anyone?
Give the gift of a reel adventure! Plan a fishing trip with friends and family and gift this certificate to get your kid excited about the experience ahead.
Camp is just footsteps away with this certificate that’s good for one backyard overnight adventure.
When they cash in this certificate anything goes! Well, almost. With this blank certificate you get to choose the outdoor adventure you give.
We’ll mail a certificate to you. Just fill out this form.
Just grab a blanket and some hot chocolate, maybe even some marshmallows, and find a spot outside to enjoy together.
Print this IOU certificate, fill it out, and give them a delicious adventure to “cash in.”
Check out these easy recipes to start the adventure in the kitchen:
Then, head to the nearest snowy hill for some winter fun.
Fill in this customizable certificate for your child and get ready to create a memory.
Bundle up with a mission. Challenge your kid and their friends to spot animal tracks, pinecones, and icicles to check off bingo boards. First one to “bingo!” wins a prize!*
Print this IOU certificate, fill it out, and gift an afternoon of eyes-wide-open fun.
Need bingo card inspiration? Check these out.
*Prize not included but we have some ideas to reward the winner:
Give a kid you love an epic outdoor experience where they get to pelt their friends and loved ones with snowball after snowball.
Simply print this IOU certificate, fill it out, and wait for them to cash it in for a snow day sneak attack.
Curious when snow may be in your forecast? Check here.
Spend a whole day saying “yes” to adventure—sledding, hiking, snow forts, or whatever the outdoors inspires—with the gift of a day in which the adult in your kid’s life has to say “yes” to any free outdoor activity.
Print this IOU certificate, fill it out, and give the gift of a day full of surprises and fun. The kids are in charge.
Give a kid in your life the gift of a nighttime adventure. This customizable certificate lets them redeem an evening when they not only get to skip bedtime, but they get to head out and explore under the stars, too.
Plan ahead with upcoming full moons:
Full moon dates in 2026: January 3, February 2, March 3, April 2, May 1 and 31, June 30, July 29, August 28, September 26, October 26, November 24, and December 24
Give a kid you love a night of simple, starry magic and sweet treats. This certificate is redeemable for one night of munching on s’mores while looking for constellations. Simply print out the certificate, pick your dates, guests, and location (from backyard to the backcountry) and give them a night of starry-eyed fun.
Look for constellations together with these easy resources:
Give a kid in your life a magical winter adventure where they can twirl, race, and skid. This IOU certificate is customizable to location, guests, and date so you can gift them a redeemable day of frosty fun.
Not sure where to skate? Here are a few places across the state.
Give them a gift to look forward to by planning a camping trip to a state park, national park or forest, or anywhere really! You choose the place, the guests, and the trip length and simply fill out the certificate to surprise them with the gift of the great outdoors.
Need ideas for where to go? Check out the tips below. And just a heads up! Some sites book up to six months in advance so it’s smart to plan ahead.
Campground Reservations
To reserve a site at a state park, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/camping.
To reserve a site on federally managed public lands, like national parks and forests, visit https://www.recreation.gov/. Have a fourth grader in the family? Get a free national parks pass to save on park entry fees.
Lots of Colorado cities, towns and counties also manage their own campsites, too.
Gear Libraries
Need some gear? Colorado has great gear libraries across the state that makes venturing out easier.
Now here’s something to look forward to: a peaceful morning on the lake or river as you reel in the biggest fish yet. This certificate gives kids something to look forward to as the seasons change. Simply set the date and grab the tackle box when the time comes.
Need a good spot? Check out: https://cpw.state.co.us/fishing/where-to-fish
Need some gear? Colorado has great gear libraries across the state that makes adventuring out easier and more affordable.
Curious about gear? Check out these gear libraries in Colorado:
The thrill of camping can happen right at home. This certificate promises a kid in your life a backyard campout. Gather up the sleeping bags, make some fun snacks, and sneak out back to turn the backyard into Camp Backyardia for a night.
Need a tent or some gear for the night? Check out these gear libraries:
Want to come up with your own IOU? This certificate allows you to fill in the outdoor adventure you’re gifting. Share what you come up with on Instagram and Facebook.