20 Outdoor Games for Kids: Fun and Physical Activity Guaranteed!
Do you want your kids to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise? Playing outdoor games is the perfect way to achieve that. Here are twenty fun games that can keep your kids active and engaged.
1. Red Light, Green Light
This game is perfect for preschoolers. One player is the stoplight while the rest of the kids stand in a line. The stoplight shouts, “Green light!” to let the kids begin moving towards the stoplight. Then, the stoplight shouts, “Red Light!” to make the players stop. The first player to reach the stoplight and tag them wins the game.
2. Duck, Duck, Goose
This game is perfect for children aged 4-10. Make a circle and have one player walk around tapping others on the head saying “duck” as they tap them. Then, when they tap someone and say “goose,” the goose must run around the circle and try to catch the tapper before they make it to the empty space in the circle to sit back down.
3. Simon Says
Similar to Red Light, Green Light, Simon Says is great for younger kids. One player is “Simon” and they instruct the other players to do certain things, but they must only do them if Simon says, “Simon says.” If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says” and players follow the command, they are out of the game.
4. Four Square
A classic game that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Draw a large square and divide it into four smaller squares. One player occupies each square. The player in the serving square bounces the ball off his/her square into another player’s square. If a player hits the ball out of bounds, they are out. The game continues until one player is left.
5. Capture the Flag
An exciting game that can be played by older children. Divide children into two teams, the red team and the blue team. Each team has a flag on their side of the field. The object of the game is to infiltrate the other team’s territory, find their flag and take it back to your side of the field without getting caught.
6. Kick the Can
Similar to Capture the Flag, this game was popular during the Great Depression. Have all players but one hide. The remaining player is “It” who tries to find the other players. Once they find a player they must tag them and declare the number of seconds they must stand in a designated “jail” area. Players can only be freed from jail by another player kicking the can while avoiding detection by “It.”
7. Water Balloon Toss
Perfect for a hot summer day, this game requires two players. They toss a water balloon back and forth, stepping backward with each toss, until the balloon pops.
8. Balloon Tag
In this game, players try to pop other players’ balloons while protecting their own. The winner is the last player with an unpopped balloon.
9. Scavenger Hunt
Organize a scavenger hunt with a list of items to find outside. Split into teams or let each child hunt individually. The first one or team to find all the items is the winner.
10. Mother, May I?
One player is “Mother.” The other players line up and ask for permission to move forward. The catch is the player must ask for permission in a specific way. For example, “Mother, may I take three large steps forward?” If “Mother” approves, they may take three steps. The first player to reach “Mother” wins the game.
11. Hula Hoop Challenge
See who can keep their hula hoop spinning the longest.
12. Giant Kerplunk
This game requires a bit of setup but is worth it. Set up a wire frame with holes drilled through it, insert plastic straws, and then fill with plastic balls. Players take turns pulling out the straws until the balls fall.
13. Tug of War
Divide into teams and see who can pull the other team over the line first.
14. Bean Bag Toss
Using cornhole boards or a homemade board with holes, see who can toss bean bags through the holes the most times in a row.
15. Frisbee Golf
Set up a course with cones or markers. Each player throws their Frisbee into the cone or marker and counts the number of throws it takes to complete the course.
16. Freeze Tag
Similar to Red Light, Green Light, the idea in Freeze Tag is to avoid being tagged and frozen. If tagged, players must freeze until another player unfreezes them by crawling under their legs.
17. Obstacle Course
Create an obstacle course using items found around your yard such as hula hoops, cones, and lawn chairs. Time how long it takes for each player to complete the course.
18. Relay Races
Divide into teams. Participants on each team take turns running to a location, grabbing an object, and running back to their team. The team that finishes first wins.
19. Jump Rope
It is a great form of exercise and can be done alone or with friends.
20. Hopscotch
Draw hopscotch squares on the pavement and use a rock to throw into each square, jumping on one foot to pick it up and being careful to not lose your balance.
In conclusion, getting kids outside to play is important for their physical health and well-being. These 20 outdoor games are sure to get them outside, have a lot of fun, and be active at the same time. With parental supervision and a few supplies, your kids can experience an exciting and fun-filled summer.
