As a parent, you know how important it is to get your kids moving and playing outside. Outdoor games not only provide physical activity but also encourage social interaction, teamwork, and creativity. Whether you’re looking for classic outdoor games or something new, there’s sure to be a game on this list that everyone will enjoy.
Outside Play Games to Try
If you’re looking for something new to play with your children outdoors, here are 10 fun outside play games for kids.
Game #1: Tag
Tag is a classic game that is easy to play and can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. The object of the game is for one player to chase and tag the other players to become “it”. The game continues with players taking turns being “it”. This game is a great way to encourage kids to run and get their heart rates up.
Game #2: Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a game that requires two teams. Each team has a flag and the object of the game is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your own territory. To play, divide the playing area into two halves and place a flag in each territory. When a player from one team enters the other team’s territory, they can be tagged by an opposing team member.
If the player makes it back to their own territory without being tagged, they score a point for their team. The game continues until one team captures the other team’s flag. This is one of the favorite outdoor games for kids, as it encourages strategic thinking and teamwork.
Game #3: Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a fun outdoor game that is easy to play. To play, one person is chosen to be the traffic light and stands at one end of the playing area. The other players stand at the opposite end. When the traffic light says “green light”, the players can move towards them. When the traffic light says “red light”, the players must stop. If a player moves while the traffic light says “red light”, they are out of the game. The first person to reach the traffic light becomes the new traffic light for the next round.
Game #4: Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, Duck, Goose is a fun outdoor game that is great for younger kids. To play, one player is chosen to be “it” and walks around the circle of players, tapping each player’s head and saying “duck, duck, duck” until they say “goose”. The player who is tapped as “goose” must chase the player who is “it” around the circle and try to tag them before they reach the open spot in the circle. If the player is tagged, they become “it” for the next round.
Game #5: Simon Says
Simon Says is a fun game that can be played outdoors. One player is chosen to be “Simon” and gives commands to the other players. The players must only do the command if Simon says “Simon says”. If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says”, the players must not follow it. If a player does follow an un-prefaced command, they are out of the game. The game continues until only one person is left. This can be one of the great outdoor party games for kids as everyone can play together.
Game #6: Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a classic outdoor game that is great for younger kids. To play, draw a hopscotch pattern on the ground with sidewalk chalk. Players take turns tossing a small object, such as a stone, into one of the squares and hopping through the pattern to retrieve it. The game continues until a player makes a mistake and must start over from the beginning.
Game #7: Red Rover
Red Rover is a fun outdoor game that is best played with a large group of kids. To play, divide the players into two teams and have each team form a line, holding hands. The object of the game is for one team to break through the opposing team’s line by calling a player from the other team to come over.
The player from the opposing team then runs to try and break through the first team’s line, holding hands. If the player is able to break through the line, they can choose a player from the first team to join their own team. If the player is not able to break through the line, they join the first team. The game continues until all the players are on one team.
Game #8: Four Square
Four Square is a fun and fast-paced outdoor game that is great for older kids. To play, draw a four-square court on the ground and divide it into four equal squares. Each square has a player and the object of the game is to keep the ball in your square while trying to get the ball into another player’s square. The first person to miss the ball must step out, and the game continues with the next person in line filling the empty square. The player who remains in the square the longest is the winner.
Game #9: Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is a fun outdoor game that encourages kids to explore the outdoors and learn about nature. To play, create a list of items that can be found in nature, such as leaves, flowers, and rocks. The players then search for the items on the list and mark them off as they find them. The game ends when all the items on the list have been found or a set time limit has been reached.
Game #10: Jump Rope Games
Jump rope games are a great way to get kids moving and having fun outdoors. To play, gather two players with one jump rope. The object of the game is for the players to take turns jumping over the rope while performing different tricks, such as single jumps, double unders, and crossovers. The player who can perform the most tricks successfully wins the game. If playing with a larger group, multiple jump ropes can be used to create a relay race or tournament-style competition.
Jump Rope Games are not only fun, but they are also a great way to get kids moving and exercising outdoors. Jumping rope is an excellent form of physical activity that can help improve coordination, balance, and endurance. It is also a great way to stay cool in the summer heat.
Conclusion: Outside Play Games
Outside play games offer a fun and engaging way for kids to spend their time. With a wide range of options to choose from, there’s sure to be a game that all the kids will enjoy.
From classic games like tag and hopscotch, to newer games like nature scavenger hunts and bean bag toss, the options are endless. These games not only provide a great way to keep kids entertained, but they also promote physical activity and encourage kids to get outside and explore the world around them.
So, get the kids outside and encourage them to play, run, and have fun! Whether they’re playing with friends or participating in independent outdoor play, these games provide a great way for kids to have a blast and develop important skills.
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