Kids!!
It is impossible to keep them locked indoors. It is like trying to catch air.
Nothing can stop them, nothing can tire them out.
These kids have energy levels that are probably 50 times what we have.
Thus, we bring to you a collection of 15 outdoor games for kids that will surely keep your little ones engaged.
1. Freeze Tag
A lively twist on classic tag where tagged players must freeze until someone unfreezes them. Great for burning energy and encouraging teamwork.
Requirements:
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Open space
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4+ players
How to Play:
One child is “It” and tries to tag others. When someone gets tagged, they freeze in place with their arms out. Other players can unfreeze them by tapping their hand. The game continues until all players are frozen or “It” is too tired to keep going.
2. Duck Duck Goose
A circle game that combines suspense and speed, making it a timeless playground favorite.
Requirements:
-
Open area to sit in a circle
How to Play:
Kids sit in a circle while one walks around, tapping heads and saying “duck” until choosing one person to be the “goose.” The goose jumps up and chases the tapper around the circle. If the tapper gets back to the empty spot first, they sit and the goose takes over.
3. Red Light, Green Light
This game sharpens listening skills and reflexes while keeping kids excited with bursts of action.
Requirements:
-
Large open space
How to Play:
One player is the “stoplight” and stands at a distance, facing away from the others. When they say “green light,” kids run forward. If “red light” is called, they must freeze. Anyone who moves is out. The first to reach the stoplight becomes the new caller.
4. Sack Race
A hopping race that’s silly, active, and great for parties and school field days.
Requirements:
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Burlap sacks or pillowcases
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Starting line and finish line markers
How to Play:
Each child steps into a sack and holds it up at their waist. When the signal is given, they hop toward the finish line. The first to cross wins. It’s harder than it looks, and super fun to watch!
5. Simon Says
A command game that’s perfect for practicing listening skills and focus in a playful way.
Requirements:
-
No equipment needed
How to Play:
One child is “Simon” and gives commands like “Simon says touch your toes.” Players must only obey commands starting with “Simon says.” If Simon gives a command without the phrase and someone follows it, they’re out. The last one standing wins.
6. Hula Hoop Contest
This classic challenge tests coordination and endurance as kids try to keep their hoops spinning.
Requirements:
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One hula hoop per player
How to Play:
Kids each get a hula hoop and spin it around their waist. The goal is to keep it going as long as possible without it falling. The last one hooping is the champion. Try different tricks for extra fun!
7. Obstacle Course
An adventure-style game that combines agility, balance, and speed in a custom-designed course.
Requirements:
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Cones, ropes, hula hoops, chairs, or other playground items
How to Play:
Set up a course with challenges like crawling under ropes, jumping over cones, and balancing on lines. Kids race through one at a time or in teams, completing all stations. Time each player or run relays for added excitement.
8. Water Relay
A splashy team race perfect for sunny outdoor fun and laughter.
Requirements:
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Two buckets per team (one full of water, one empty)
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Sponges or cups
How to Play:
Players must transfer water from the full bucket to the empty one using only a sponge or cup. They run to the bucket, collect water, and rush back to squeeze it out. After a few minutes, the team with the most water in their bucket wins.
9. Parachute Popcorn
A colorful group game that builds coordination and excitement.
Requirements:
-
Large play parachute
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Soft balls or bean bags
How to Play:
Kids hold the edges of the parachute and shake it to pop lightweight balls or bean bags placed in the center. Try to keep the balls bouncing without them falling off. You can also call out challenges like “pop it higher” or “keep only the red ones on.”
10. Bubble Chase
A whimsical game where kids chase and pop bubbles of all sizes.
Requirements:
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Bubble solution and wand or bubble machine
How to Play:
An adult or machine blows bubbles into the air while kids run around trying to pop as many as they can. You can turn it into a contest or just enjoy the carefree chase. Add music for an extra layer of fun.
11. Bean Bag Toss
A simple yet skillful game that encourages aim and hand-eye coordination.
Requirements:
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Bean bags
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Toss board or targets (like baskets or buckets)
How to Play:
Players take turns tossing bean bags into targets at different distances. Each target can have a point value. After a set number of turns, the player with the most points wins. It’s easy to adapt for different ages.
12. Animal Races
A silly and energetic game where kids race by moving like different animals.
Requirements:
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Open space
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Animal list or flashcards
How to Play:
The leader calls out or shows an animal—like frog, crab, or kangaroo—and kids must race using that animal’s movement. You can have short sprints or obstacle-style courses. It’s goofy, giggly fun that keeps kids active and creative.
13. Follow the Leader
A playful game that involves imitation, attention, and surprise actions.
Requirements:
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None
How to Play:
One child is the leader and performs actions like hopping, clapping, or dancing while others mimic. After a few minutes, switch leaders. The more unpredictable the actions, the more fun the game becomes.
14. Balloon Stomp
An action-packed game where players try to pop each other’s balloons while protecting their own.
Requirements:
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One balloon per player
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String to tie balloons to ankles
How to Play:
Each child has a balloon tied to their ankle. Once the game starts, everyone runs around trying to stomp on others’ balloons while keeping their own safe. The last one with their balloon intact is the winner.
15. Shadow Tag
A sun-friendly version of tag where shadows become the target.
Requirements:
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Sunny day
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Open space
How to Play:
Instead of tagging bodies, the person who’s “It” tries to step on someone’s shadow. If they succeed, that person becomes the new “It.” It adds a fun twist and works great on bright days when traditional tag needs a shake-up.
See Also:
Keeping these youngsters will not be a Herculean task anymore.
Give them the props and shove them out of the doors.
Sit back and relax!!