3 Outdoor Games that Your Children Can Enjoy

Studies have shown that being in contact with nature activates the imagination and curiosity of children. But not only that, it also relaxes them and separates them from the self-absorption that they experience with video games and television. 

If you wish to break away from the routine and enjoy a truly different weekend, then this article is just for you. Today’s ideas will be helpful whether you’re planning a special event – like a birthday party – or just want to change things up.

We’re sure the little ones in your family will love the three outdoor games we’ll describe below

3 outdoor games your children will enjoy

Playing outside stimulates many abilities in children. These abilities, in turn, contribute in a positive way to their social, emotional and cognitive development. Playing outdoors gives children the possibility of running around freely in wide open spaces. It also helps them to develop confidence in their bodies and their mobility.

What’s more, it gives them the opportunity to interact with their peers and learn about leadership and solidarity. These are just some of the many advantages of getting children out of the house and allowing them to be in contact with nature.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a park, a yard, the woods or even the beach. Any sort of game that children play while they’re outside will wake up their attention and imagination.

Furthermore, they’ll play with twice the motivation and excitement than they would indoors. You’ll see that even the most apathetic children will be unable to resist the temptation of having fun for a while.

1. Three legged race

Three legged races are a perfect fit for children ages 6 and older, and requires kids to play in pairs. To begin, all of the children should go to the starting line with their partners and line up next to one another.

Now, each pair needs to tie their shoe laces together in a particular way: One partner’s left shoe with the other partner’s right shoe. Another option is to tie their legs together with a ribbon or scarf.

Parents can join in the game by acting as judges, or can participate in the race itself. When the race begins, the participants will run towards the finish line. The fun lies in team work, coordinating movements so that you and your partner don’t fall and can win the race.

2. Stone toss

This is a very simple game for children to play outdoors and requires very few materials. The activity consists of setting three paper plates on the grass. The first plate should be fairly close, the next a bit further away, and the last plate even further. Each plate has a different point value – for example, 20, 40 and 60 points.

Then, ask children to explore the area and look for small stones. These will be used to toss on the plates and earn points. They can also use small coins, pine cones, acorns, etc.

This activity does more than just help children gain control of their bodies and movements. It’s also a great way for them to practice a little math as they add up their points. 

3. Poison ball

If you’re planning an outing to the park with your children and their friends, then make sure you bring along a ball. The possibilities are endless when it comes to games involving balls, and they’re a hit with kids.

Poison ball is a great activity that kids can play when they need a break from running around. To play, children must form a circle, and one of the children should begin with the ball in his or her hands. Of course, if you don’t have a ball on hand, you can use any other toy, a stick, or any other small object you can find.

This player will then start the game by saying a word, such as “Christmas”, and then pass the ball to the player to the right. Players must pass the ball around the circle counter-clockwise. Each player that receives the ball must say a word related to the first when the ball reaches him or her. For example, “presents”, “Santa Claus”, “reindeer”, etc.

The children must pay attention to 2 actions as they play. First, if any player says the word “poison”, then the following player should pass the ball without saying a word. At the same time, the players must be sure not to repeat any words that another player already said.

Failing to adhere to these 2 points, or failing to state a word related to the original means the player must leave the circle. The player who makes it the furthest wins.

Now that you’ve discovered these three new outdoor games for your children to enjoy, it’s time to make some plans. This weekend, get your kids out of the house and let them have fun while surrounded by nature. Whether it’s just some time in your yard, or a trip to the country, you’ll be sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.