Childrens Outdoor Games

Childrens outdoor games are as fun today as they were a long time ago!

In this day and age,it has become more important to encourage our kids to leave behind the video games and TV shows to step outside the comfort of our home, and explore the wide range of fun outdoor games that have entertained millions for many, many years.

Not only are there plenty of childrens outdoor games and activities that kids can play that don’t carry a hefty price tag, but there are also a multitude of selections that encourage hand-eye coordination, social skills, and physical fitness.

All it takes is just the right game to bring about hours of healthy fun.

While it may take a bit of time for a preschooler to catch on to some of these listed fun outdoor games, with a little guidance, encouragement, and patience, they will soon enjoy these many fresh air adventures in no time.

Bug Hunt Jail Break Hopscotch Traffic Lights Simon Says Duck Duck Goose Piggy (or Monkey) in the Middle Tag Freeze Tag Amoeba (or Blob) Tag Hide and Seek Hot Potato I Spy

Childrens Outdoor Games

• Bug Hunt

A parent may hold a neighbourhood bug hunt that is sure to interest a little kid.

Some parents have used picture cards of bugs (ladybugs, beetles, ants, crickets, grasshoppers, butterflies) and tempted players with mini-prizes, such as pretzels and fruit when they become the first to locate or capture the designated bug.

When parents do not possess any pictures, it is still easy to say, "Who can find a caterpillar first?" or "Who can point to a bird's nest first?"

In the end, everyone is a winner in such kind of games kids can play when Mom or Dad caps off the hunt with a nice cup of juice.



• Jail Break

At the start of the game, a child is chosen as "it" and a place within reach is designated as "the jail" (like a porch or patio).

While the "it" person counts out "one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock rock, four o'clock, five o'clock, six o'clock rock, seven o'clock, eight o'clock, nine o'clock rock, ten o'clock, eleven o'clock, twelve o'clock rock, midnight," the remaining children should run to different hiding spots.

Once the "it" person reaches "midnight," they will attempt to find their hidden friends.

Children tagged are sent to the "jail," yet those who are not tagged may try to step on the jail to set the others "free."

When all children have been sent to jail, the first one caught is now "it."

• Hopscotch

All you need is a piece of chalk, a rock, and a sidewalk or paved driveway to set the stage for a game of hopscotch.

There are literally hundreds of ways to construct and play a game of hopscotch, and when involving preschoolers, there are ways to "bend" the rules until they become better able follow all directions.

Overall, hopscotch is one of the fantastic childrens outdoor games to keep them active while learning their numbers.

After drawing a chosen pattern on the ground (usually with 8 different numbered sections), players will toss a marker, such as a rock, beanbag, bottle cap, or button and then hop into each square following a sequential order.

All hopping is done on one foot unless the design uses two squares side-by-side.

To start, a player will toss their rock into square 1, hop over square 1 and into square 2, continuing until they reach square 8. They will then turn around and hop back again, pausing at square 2 so they may pick up their rock, followed by hopping in square 1 and out. Their next goal is to land their rock into square 2.

Players lose their turn if they hop into a square where their marker has landed; if their marker lands in the wrong square; if they step on a line; loses their balance; or if two hands or feet are used at the same time.

Before the next player begins, the first player places their marker in the square they will resume his or her game.

More Outdoor Games For Preschoolers.....

• Traffic Lights

One of the fun childrens outdoor games to can play that encourages movement and patience is Traffic Lights or Red Light, Green Light, where one child is selected to play the "stop light" and the rest of the kids try to reach him or her before the others.

At the start of the game, all of the children form a line about 15 feet away from the "stop light." When the "stop light" faces away from the kids and says "green light," the kids are allowed to move towards him or her.

At any time, the "stop light" may quickly turn around and say, "red light!"

Any kids moving must sit out and the "stop light" turns around and repeats the "green light – red light" process until all kids are out or one person is able to touch the "stop light," who will then assume the position of "stop light."

• Simon Says

One of the most demanding games kids can play to sharpen their listening and concentration skills is "Simon Says," which simply deals with following directions in the right way.

To start, one child or adult is chosen to play "Simon," who stands in front of the remaining players, who should be positioned in a straight line.

"Simon" then calls out actions, but players can only follow the instructions if the command starts out with "Simon says…"

When "Simon" exclaims, "Simon says jump up and down" – all of the children should follow, but if he or she suddenly says, "STOP," whoever follows has to sit out because he or she did not include, "Simon says…" The last boy or girl standing earns the chance to play "Simon."

Click on the link below to find more childrens outdoor games....

Contd. More fun outdoor games kids can play....

Related Pages

Kids Outdoor Activities for a Sunny Afternoon

Outdoor Activities For Children - Camping with Preschooler

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