Unplugged Fun: 15 Classic Outdoor Games to Play with Your Kids
With an increasing number of people spending most of their day staring at screens, it’s become more important than ever to encourage children to participate in outdoor activities. One way to do that is by introducing them to classic outdoor games. Not only do these games get kids moving, but they also offer a break from technology and allow for some quality family time. So, let’s take a look at 15 of the best classic outdoor games that you can play with your kids.
1. Red Rover
Red Rover is a classic game that requires at least six players. The players divide themselves into two teams and line up opposite each other. Each team takes turns calling a player from the other side to run over and try to break through the opposite team’s linked arms. If the player fails to break through, they join the opposing team.
2. Freeze Tag
Freeze tag is a simple game that kids love. One player is “it” and they chase the other players. When they tag someone, that person becomes “frozen” until another player unfreezes them by crawling through their legs.
3. Kick the Can
Kick the Can is a popular game that’s been played for generations. It involves one player guarding a can while the other players try to kick it over. If the player guarding the can tags someone before they kick the can over, that person becomes “it”.
4. Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that’s great for young children. One player takes on the role of “Simon” and gives commands like “Simon says touch your toes”. The other players must only follow commands that start with “Simon says”. If they follow a command that doesn’t start with “Simon says”, they’re out.
5. Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is another simple game that’s perfect for younger kids. One player is “it” and stands at the end of a playing area with their back to the other players. They call out “green light” and the other players move towards them. When they call out “red light”, everyone must stop moving. The first player to reach “it” becomes the next “it”.
6. Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-Seek is a classic game that everyone loves. One player is “it” and counts to a certain number while the other players hide. Once “it” has finished counting, they must find the other players. The last player found becomes the next “it”.
7. Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, Duck, Goose is a fun game that’s great for larger groups of children. The players sit in a circle and one player walks around, tapping each player on the head and saying “duck”. When they tap someone on the head and say “goose”, that person stands up and chases the other player around the circle. If they catch the other player before they sit in the open spot, they become “it”.
8. Tug-of-War
Tug-of-War is a great game that requires two teams of equal size. Each team holds onto one end of a long rope and tries to pull the other team over a designated line. The team that pulls the other over the line wins.
9. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a classic game that’s great for older children. The players divide themselves into two teams and each team hides their flag on their own side of the playing area. The goal of the game is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your own side without getting tagged by the opposing team.
10. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a simple game that’s perfect for younger children. The players sit in a circle and pass a potato or ball around while music plays. When the music stops, the player holding the potato is out. The last player standing wins.
11. Mother May I
Mother May I is a fun game that’s great for young children. One player takes on the role of “mother” and stands at one end of a playing area while the other players stand at the other end. The other players must ask “mother” for permission to take a certain number of steps forward. “Mother” can only give permission if the player says “mother may I”. The first player to reach “mother” becomes the next “mother”.
12. Four Square
Four Square is a classic game that’s great for older children. The game involves a large square divided into four smaller squares. The players take turns hitting a ball into the other player’s square. If the ball lands outside of the square, the player is out. The last player standing wins.
13. Obstacle Course
An obstacle course is a fun way to get kids moving and having fun. You can create your own obstacle course using items around your house or backyard. Use cones, chairs, hula hoops, or anything else you can find to create a challenging course that the kids will love.
14. Foursies (Hopscotch)
Foursies, also known as hopscotch, is a classic game that’s great for young children. The players take turns hopping through a chalked-out pattern on the ground. The first player to successfully navigate the pattern without falling wins.
15. Lawn Bowling
Lawn Bowling is a fun game that’s great for all ages. The players take turns rolling a ball towards a set of pins. The player with the most pins knocked over at the end of the game wins.
Conclusion
Outdoor games are a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and spend quality time with your family. Whether you’re playing classic games like Red Rover and Hide-and-Seek, or creating your own obstacle course, there are plenty of activities that are sure to keep kids entertained for hours. So, turn off those screens and head outside for some old-fashioned fun!