Outdoors is where the fun begins, and when you're looking for outdoor games to play with kids, it can be a challenge to come up with activities that don't require any equipment. However, the joy of playing outside is that you generally don't need to bring anything but yourself, a group of friends, and a sense of adventure. Here are some fun outdoor games that kids can enjoy without any additional equipment.
Hide-and-Seek
A classic game that's as popular with adults as with kids. Kids love to hide and seekers have to find them. To make it more challenging, use a timer or limited the number of times the seeker can��索.
Red Light, Green Light
A classic game that's easy to play and fun for all ages. Players race towards the 'traffic light' and then freeze when the light changes. The first one to reach the light wins. For added excitement, try variations like 'yellow light', 'purple light', 'blue light'.
Simon Says
One of the easiest games to play in the world. One person stands in front of the group and gives instructions. If they do not say "Simon Says", the other player should not do the action. The last person standing is the next Simon.
Tag
A simple game that's a lot of fun. One person is 'it' and the others run away. If they get tagged, they become 'it'. Games can be played inside or outside and can range from easy to competitive.
Capture the Flag
A classic outdoor strategy game that's perfect for larger groups. Kids divide into two opposing teams and try to capture each other's flag or bring it back to home base without being caught. Any of these outdoor games should be able to be played with items you can find around the house.
Ghosts in the Graveyard
Think of this like reverse hide-and-seek. Choose a home base and one player to be the ghost. The others remain at home base closing their eyes and counting slowly from 1 o'clock to midnight. The ghost runs off to hide. The others open their eyes and shout "Star light, star bright, I hope I see a ghost tonight!"
Hide-and-Go-Seek or Hide-and-Go-Seek-In-The-Dark
While grade school is the best age for this fun outdoor game, with a little help for parents, the younger ones can join in. We went through a phase in college where we played hide-and-go-seek-in-the-dark every weekend, so there is no top age, either
Kick the Can
Although it is THE classic game, I've never played Kick the Can, so forgive me if I summarize the rules incorrectly. You can find full instructions for kick the can here. The person who is "it" has to guard a can while those hiding try to run out and kick it. If IT catches a hider, they go to jail. The last person out of jail is the next IT.
Michelangelo's Madhouse
I've heard this silly game called by other names. Whoever is Michelangelo takes each of the other players by the hands and spins around with them several times before letting them go. Each player than freezes as they land. After each statue is set, Michelangelo walks through his madhouse trying to get the other players to laugh without touching them. The first to giggle (or if you prefer, the last) is the next Michelangelo.
Mother Says
Mother says is a bit like Mother May I. However, instead of each player asking permission to move. Mother will say something like, “Mother Says each child wearing red may take 2 steps toward me”. Or “Mother Says each child with brown hair may take two steps back.”
Races of Every Kind
There are so many ways kids can race from one side of the yard to the other: one legged, three legged, backwards, crab walk, fastest, slowest, middlest? Let your kids take turns calling out the race style
Red Rover
In this game, the children divide into two teams that hold hands and stretch across their side of the play field. Each team can call over a player from the other team, who then tries to find a weak spot break through the line of hand holders. If the player can't break through they join the other team. This is a game of both skill and strategy.
Sardines
Sardines is like backwards Hide-and-Go Seek. When a player is IT, they are the ones to go hide. All the other players search for the IT player. When a player finds IT, they squeeze into the hiding player with IT until all but one player is squeezed into the hiding spot.
Weeping Angels
Okay, this game is really called “Red Light, Green Light”, but Doctor Who fans will see the similarity to everyone’s favorite not-so-scary aliens more than some traffic lights
In this game, kids can only move when the person who is IT has their back turned. If IT is looking, you have to freeze. If IT catches you moving, you have to go back to the start. The first person to touch IT is the winner and the next IT.
Outdoor Nature Play
- Chase Fireflies
Who doesn't love catching or at least chasing fireflies? I know this is harder to do in the city, but look for after dark programs at your favorite nature centers and regional parks. All you really need is a jar for viewing, but you can find all sorts of bug collecting boxes online, including some with magnifiers.
- Run through the Sprinkler
This may be one of the most classic outdoor games to play. What kid doesn't love to run through the sprinkler (at least once) on a summer day? Don't have a sprinkler? Make one by duct-taping a pop bottle to the hose and punching holes in it.
- Study the Ecosystem Under A Stepping Stone
This is an easy one. Pick up a rock, a log or anything that has sat in one place long enough to kill the grass and see what is living underneath. We've found centipedes, millipedes, worms, slugs, roly polies (aka armadillidiidae) and spiders. Rather than making a big deal about this with my bigger kids, I simply lifted a rock while working outside and called them over to see all the cool bugs underneath, but you start with a book about bugs then go out and look.
Raises Monarchs from Eggs or Caterpillars
I'm usually all about the do-it-yourself, but after a terrifying experience with a larvae parasite, I would recommend purchasing a monarch kit or harvesting the eggs instead of the caterpillars. If you do decide to go forward with gathering your own, this article from Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle gives valuable information on how to avoid common parasites, diseases and predators.
Places to Go, Outdoor Playgrounds for Families
The great outdoors provides a vast playground for families, with endless possibilities for exploration and fun. Whether you're looking for a tranquil spot to read a book or a lively area to play sports, there's a playground nearby to suit everyone's preference. For families with younger children, local parks with游乐设施 are perfect for keeping kids active and entertained.
Creating an Outdoor Space
Choosing the right outdoor space for your family's needs can be as important as the games they'll play there. A big backyard provides ample room for children to roam freely and burn off energy. A nearby park is perfect for outdoor activities like tag, hide and seek, and frisbee. Even a small balcony or院子 can host a lively outdoor game with just a few adjustments like an ad hoc playing area marked with chalk or toys. Here are some tips for creating a family-friendly outdoor space:
Safety Considerations
Safety is a top priority when playing outside, so always supervise and keep an eye on the kids to prevent accidents. Choose an open space away from traffic and make sure the playing area is free of hazards like glass, broken glass, or clutter that could cause trips and falls. Install a fence or barriers to confine the playing area and ensure it's a safe environment that encourages both play and exploration.
Equipment and Materials
While you don't need much to set up an outdoor game, having a few basic items on-hand can make the experience more enjoyable. A football, soccer ball, or kite can be a great way to add structure to a playdate or family gathering. A jump rope, basketball hoop, or tennis professional will keep kids active and engaged. Other items like a hammer, nails, or stakes can be used for specific games like building fortifications or improving the playing field. Don't forget weather-appropriate clothing and insect repellent when planning any outdoor activities.
Variety and Creativity
Outdoor games don't have to be traditional to be fun. Encourage creativity by allowing kids to customize their own games or activities. For example, you can create a treasure hunt using clues found around the house, set up a target range for a target practice session, or invent your own game that combines elements of tag, hide and seek, and relay racing.
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Playing the Games**
Once you've selected a location and gathered your materials, it's time to play. Remember to let loose and let kids be孩子们. Encourage them to use their imagination and let them experiment as they play. Outdoor games are an excellent opportunity for family bonding and creating unforgettable memories together. Let's embark on this adventure together and discover all the excitement that the great outdoors has in store for us all.
