Outdoor Games for Kids

What are some of your favorite memories? Do they involve working? Do they involve something sad or happy? Many of us have childhood memories that stand out more than almost any other. Among those memories there are probably several that involve outdoor games. Playing outdoors in the sun with your friends can be one of the most enjoyable and fun things anyone can do. Time spent outdoors playing is good for our bodies and it also helps us to appreciate nature. We want our children to have fun times outdoors in their youth. But what games can our children play and how can they be safe playing them? These are excellent questions and ones that we need to think seriously about. Before we discuss the actual games you should have your children play outdoors, consider some basic ground rules that will increase their enjoyment. First, check the weather. If the weather gets cold or it starts to rain the game is basically over. Second, watch out for physical or psychological violence. Sometimes when kids get out of control while playing a game they can hurt each other. Make sure that you watch the game and are ready to assist in the event of an emergency. One way to avoid these types of problems is to to not invite kids who you know will be problematic. Children, like adults, have enemies and conflicts. Don’t invite children who might fight with each other. Also, make sure you bring refreshments to the game day. This is not only safer but will make the activity more enjoyable. Here are some good ideas that will get your kids begging you to go out and play:

Try a game of Ultimate Flying Disc.

1. Football, soccer, baseball, ultimate frisbee. These are all games involving a ball that tend to get kids really going. This is partly because they are famous games that children are aware of. They might have favorite sports heros who play these games. While these might seem sort of boring because they are so traditional, games like football and soccer are great sports that help to build character and that provide very good exercise.

2. Capture the Flag. This is one of those games that everyone played at a camp when they were young. Capture the Flag involves two teams and two flags for each team. People on each team are trying to get each other’s flags. This is a great game but it is fairly easy to get hurt while playing. Do not play in the dark or in areas where the ground is uneven.

3. Sack Races. Kids love these games because they are so funny. A sack race occurs when each runner gets inside a sack and tries to race the people on the other team. This usually produces funny results because you can only hop in the sacks. However, you should be careful not to hurt anyone. It is easy to fall while running in a sack, so only do sack races on soft surfaces.

4. The Blob. You might not have heard of this one but it is really great. In order to play the Blob get a large group of kids. The game begins when one person volunteers to be the Blob. The Blob then tries to touch the other players. When you are touched by the Blob you become a part of it, which means that you need to hold hands with the people who are in the Blob. This creates a funny situation when there are just a few people and a huge Blob of kids chasing after them.