Finding Ideas for Outdoor Games

Some of my family’s fondest memories are of our time spent playing games in the great outdoors. Maybe you have had similar experiences. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and with a slight breeze in the air you think you are in heaven. Your friends and family are all around. You are playing football and the ball has just been snapped. You drop back and throw the ball to your best friend in the end zone. What a great game and what a great day! Outdoor games are good for us for various reasons. One is that they encourage a good social life. Friends enjoy each others company and support when playing outdoor games. Another good reason is the wonderful exercise we experience when playing and outdoor game in a competitive atmosphere. Finally, the exposure to the sunlight is actually very good for our spirits. This might surprise you, but studies have actually shown that time spent outside in the sun improves our moods. People who stay inside all the time or who never see the sun in the winter have a hard time with depression. A full day of outdoor games with your friends can make a huge difference in terms of mood and general well being. Because playing outdoor games are so important, it is also important for you to know how to find good ideas for outdoor games. If you don’t know how to find out about the games how will you ever know what to play? Consider these methods for finding out about outdoor games:

1. Realize that there are a lot of outdoor games out there. Many people don’t think beyond soccer, football, or baseball. They only think of the popular games they grew up with when searching for a great outdoor game. There are, however, thousands of great games that you and your friends would probably like to try. Kick the Can and hackey sack are just two. Because there are so many great outdoor games, your problem is less in finding out about them than it is in limiting the sheer number of games you can learn about. The best way to do this is to think about the type of outdoor game you would like to play.

2. Once you have figured out which type of game you want to play, or the environment that will limit the games you can play in it, try to find the right game for you. Consider the weather where you live, how much space you will need, and whether or not you will need a ball or Frisbee of some kind. At this point in time there are many methods for finding out about outdoor games. One great resource is the Internet. The Internet has a vast store of information about outdoor games. It also can connect you to other people who like to play outdoor games. Try general searches for outdoor games, and use your particular environment to limit the possibilities of the search.

3. Beyond the Internet there are lots of other great resources. Libraries and book stores contain all sorts of books about recreational activities. Another is your local park. This might seem strange, but every weekend there are literally hundreds of people playing outdoor games in a park near you. Stop by and observe the games. Ask to play. Most people will allow you to participate unless it is an exclusive party.

4. Finally, another great way to find out about outdoor games is through friends. If your friends are active people they probably participate in some sort of outdoor game. Ask them what they do for exercise or for outdoor games.

Using these methods you can find out about all sorts of outdoor games in your community. This will hopefully get you out there in the sunlight, playing one of these great games.