Outdoor Games for Children

From LoveToKnow Kids

Outdoor games for children can range from group activities, to family time, to sports, to individual exploration. According to Kids Health, the number of overweight children in the United States has doubled since the 1970s. People are spending less time outdoors, and obesity in children is growing at an alarming rate, so getting your kids outdoors and moving may require some creative ideas on your part.

Children learn by exploring the world around them.

Group Activities

The long lazy days of summer (and winter, spring and fall) just call out to children for some fun games from yesteryear. Today's children may not be aware of the many games they can play with other children in the neighborhood, siblings or cousins. Here are a few they can try:

There are many sites that offer additional ideas for outdoor games. Allow children to make up stories and games of their own as well. Let the neighborhood children meet at your house to write and produce their own play and then invite their parents to come see what the children have worked on. Let the kids come up with an impromptu band, using common outside objects as instruments. There are as many ideas as there are unique items.

Family Time

Quality family time can be tough to find these days. Why not use outdoor games for children to bond your family together? Bike rides, hikes, and just exploring your own back yard can present some great adventures. Treasure hunts can keep the children thinking and exploring. Leave clues and letters to guide them from point to point or give them a list of objects to find and see how creative everyone can be.You may want to set some ground rules, such as no taking objects from neighbors' yards without permission and no getting items from inside the house.

Sports

Sports serve as wonderful outdoor games for kids. Whether an organized team sport or an impromptu game in the back yard, kids love games such as:

  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Flag Football
  • Races
  • Swimming
  • Baseball
  • Kickball
  • Volleyball
  • Badminton

Even just running through the sprinklers on a hot summer day can be a great form of exercise and fun.

Individual Exploration

Children love to pretend and make believe in the world around them. A group of children left on their own will often come up with an intricate plot that involves a villain and a hero. The movie [disney.go.com/disneypictures/terabithia Bridge to Terabithia] is about two children who weave their own imaginary world, and it has inspired many children to do the same. Suggest a murder mystery theme, western theme, space invaders theme, or any other interesting story line you can think of that might spark kids' interest.

Local parks can also be a great place for exploration and adventure as children poke through streams and see what small creatures are crawling around. Playground equipment often inspires games such as seeing who can swing the highest or go down the slide the most times.

Some families grow sunflower houses in the summer, and the kids use them as an outdoor playhouse. This can be a unique and memorable event for kids.

Other Outdoor Games For Children

There are many more outdoor games for kids, including:

  • Jump Roap
  • Catching Lightning Bugs
  • Tetherball
  • Hula Hoop
  • Simon Says
  • Marbles
  • Frisbee
  • Follow the Leader
  • Rhyme Games such as Little Sally Walker

You can even take traditional indoor games, such as Monopoly or Twister, outside on a nice day. Whatever games or the size of your group, remember to keep looking for new opportunities to make the great outdoors fun for your kids.


 


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