The recent pandemic may have confined us indoors, but that doesn’t mean outdoor fun is off the table. Fresh air is essential, and even if gathering at parks isn’t an option, simple activities like taking a stroll around your block or relaxing on your porch can significantly uplift your spirits. Kids, in particular, crave interaction with the outside world, and just because they’re at home doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy family games in the backyard. Engaging in outdoor play can alleviate some stress during these challenging times—so grab some sunscreen, a bottle of water, and let the kids burn off that energy!
Remember how we used to spend endless hours exploring our yards and those of our friends? Nowadays, it’s common to find kids glued to their screens rather than jumping on trampolines or cycling through the neighborhood. To rekindle that spirit of adventure, we’ve compiled a list of exciting outdoor games that will encourage your kids to move and interact.
If you’re looking for more activities that the whole family can enjoy, don’t miss our posts about fun minute-to-win-it games, exciting farm games, and creative musical games, along with the best inflatable swimming pools for your backyard!
1. Colorful Chase
This game shines in areas rich with obstacles. Start by hiding painted Popsicle sticks (one for each rainbow color) around your play area. Each stick should be paired with a face paint stick of the same hue. Choose someone to be “it,” while everyone else hunts for the sticks and colors their face accordingly. If tagged by “it,” they must wipe away one color. The first player to create a full rainbow on their face emerges victorious.
2. Enormous Memory Challenge
Craft a giant memory game using 12-16 poster boards as cards. If you’re artistically inclined, showcase your talent; however, even simple drawings of various expressions work well for teaching emotions as they play.
3. Capture the Treasure
Similar to Capture the Flag, place an item in the center of the playing area. Players stand at the edges while one individual guards the treasure (which can be anything from a ball to a shoe). At your signal, players attempt to snatch the treasure. If tagged, they must swap places with the guard. The first to retrieve the treasure wins!
4. Sea Creatures
Designate a shark, while everyone else becomes minnows. The minnows line up on one end of the yard and try to cross to the other without being tagged. Tagged minnows become sharks. Once the remaining minnows reach the other side, they must return, now facing more sharks. The last minnow standing is the winner!
5. Nature Quest
Create a scavenger hunt with a list of natural items (like a smooth stone, a brown leaf, etc.) or colors to find. Alternatively, challenge them to find something very round, rewarding the first back with a prize!
6. Hula Hoop Relay
Have players form a line holding hands and give the first person a hula hoop. They must pass the hoop down the line without letting go of each other’s hands. For an added challenge, try using multiple hoops or starting them at both ends.
7. Obstacle Course
Help your kids design a fun obstacle course using items like picnic table benches to climb over or a small slide to crawl under. They can also weave through various balls to enhance the challenge.
8. Outdoor Twister
Use biodegradable yard paint to create a giant Twister board on the grass, and enjoy the hilarious positions everyone gets into!
9. Ladder Toss
You can play this in two ways: either use a ladder and assign points to each rung while tossing bean bags or balls, or use long socks with weights at each end to toss and hang on the rungs.
10. Blindfold Tag
In this twist on traditional tag, the “it” player is blindfolded and calls out “Marco,” while others respond with “Polo.” The “it” must rely on sound to catch someone.
11. Frozen Tag
Similar to tag, but when tagged, players must freeze in place until another player comes to unfreeze them.
12. Traffic Lights
Kids start at one end of the yard while you face away. When you yell “green light,” they run toward you. At “red light,” turn around—anyone still moving is out! The first to reach you wins.
13. The Recipe Challenge
A twist on scavenger hunts, this activity involves gathering specific items—like twelve twigs of a certain length or six cups of water! Help them find a suitable container for their “soup.”
For more engaging ideas, check out this blog post for additional activities, or explore resources like this one for insights on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in boosting fertility, consider checking out these fertility boosters for men.
Summary
These outdoor games provide a fantastic way for kids to stay active and engaged while enjoying the fresh air. From colorful chases to obstacle courses, these activities will help burn off excess energy and create cherished family memories.
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