Spending time outdoors is essential for kids’ physical and mental health. It helps them develop gross motor skills, coordination, and balance. It also helps them learn about the world around them and develop a sense of wonder.
There are many different types of outdoor games that kids can enjoy. Some games are active and require a lot of energy, while others are more relaxed and passive. There are also games that can be played with a group of friends, or games that can be enjoyed alone.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best outdoor games for kids of all ages. These games are sure to get your kids moving and having fun.
Tag
Tag is a classic game that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. It’s a great way to get some exercise and have some fun. To play, one person is chosen to be “it” and the other players try to avoid being tagged. If a player is tagged, they become “it” and the game continues.
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Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek is another classic game that’s perfect for kids of all ages. To play, one person is chosen to be “it” and the other players hide. Once everyone is hidden, “it” counts to ten and then tries to find the other players. If “it” finds a player, they are out and have to help “it” find the other players. The first player to be found is the next “it”.
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Capture the Flag
Capture the flag is a fast-paced game that’s perfect for older kids. To play, two teams are formed and each team hides their flag in their territory. The goal of the game is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your own territory without being tagged. The first team to capture the other team’s flag wins.
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Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a fun game that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. To play, one person is chosen to be “it” and the other players blindfold “it”. The players then spread out and call out “Marco!” “it” then tries to find the players by calling out “Polo!” The first player to be found by “it” is the next “it”.
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Croquet
Croquet is a classic lawn game that’s perfect for older kids. To play, players use mallets to hit balls through wickets. The goal of the game is to hit your ball through all of the wickets and then hit the final stake. The first player to do this wins.
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Kickball
Kickball is a fun game that’s a cross between baseball and soccer. To play, one team kicks a ball from home plate and the other team tries to field it. If the ball is fielded before it bounces, the kicker is out. If the ball bounces, the kicker can run to first base. The goal of the game is to score runs by running around the bases and touching home plate.
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Jump rope
Jump rope is a great way to get some exercise and have some fun. It can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. To jump rope, you simply need a jump rope and some space to jump. There are many different jump rope tricks that you can learn, so you can always challenge yourself to do something new.
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Red Rover
Red Rover is a classic game that’s perfect for older kids. To play, two teams line up facing each other. One team then chants “Red Rover, Red Rover, let Emily come over!” The other team then tries to prevent Emily from crossing the line. If Emily is able to cross the line, she joins the other team. If she is not able to cross the line, she returns to her own team. The game continues until all of the players have switched teams.
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Floor is Lava
Floor is Lava is a fun game that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. To play, someone shouts “Floor is Lava!” and all of the players have to find something to climb on so that they are not touching the “lava”. The last player to find something to climb on is out.
Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt
A nature photo scavenger hunt is a great way to get kids outside and exploring their surroundings. To create a scavenger hunt, simply make a list of items that can be found in nature, such as a flower, a leaf, a bird, and a rock. Then, have kids go out and take pictures of the items on the list. The first person to find all of the items wins.
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Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk is a classic and affordable outdoor toy that can be used for countless games and activities. Kids can draw pictures, play hopscotch, or write messages on the sidewalk. Sidewalk chalk is also a great way to practice spelling and math skills.
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Bubble
Bubbles are a simple but fun way to entertain kids of all ages. All you need is a bubble solution and a bubble wand. Kids can chase bubbles, try to catch them, or blow them into different shapes. Bubbles are also a great way to encourage imaginative play.
Frisbee
Frisbee is a great game for kids of all ages and skill levels. It can be played with two or more people, and there are many different ways to play. Kids can throw and catch the Frisbee, play frisbee golf, or play ultimate frisbee.
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Bike Riding
Bike riding is a fun and healthy way for kids to get exercise. It’s also a great way to explore the neighborhood or park. Kids can ride their bikes to the park, the store, or just for fun.
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Playground
Playgrounds are a great place for kids to let loose and have fun. They can climb on the jungle gym, slide down the slide, or swing on the swings. Playgrounds are also a great place for kids to make friends.
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Nature Walk game for kids
Going for a nature walk is a great way for kids to learn about the natural world. They can look for different plants and animals, or simply enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
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Ball Games
Ball games are a classic outdoor activity for kids. Kids can play catch, kickball, soccer, or basketball. Ball games are a great way to get exercise and have fun.
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Building Sandcastles
Building sandcastles is a fun and creative activity for kids. They can use buckets, shovels, and their hands to build all sorts of different sandcastles.
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Playing in the Mud
Playing in the mud is a messy but fun activity for kids. They can make mud pies, have mud fights, or simply enjoy the squishy feeling of mud between their toes.
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Stargazing
Stargazing is a peaceful and calming activity for kids. They can lie on a blanket and look up at the stars, or use a telescope to see the planets and galaxies.
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Camping
Camping is a great way for kids to experience the outdoors. They can go hiking, fishing, or simply enjoy the campfire. Camping is also a great way to teach kids about nature and conservation.
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Geocaching
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt that uses GPS coordinates to find hidden caches. This is a great way for kids to get exercise and learn about their surroundings.
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Flying a Kite
Flying a kite is a fun and relaxing activity for kids. They can fly a kite in the park, at the beach, or in their own backyard. Flying a kite is a great way to teach kids about wind and weather.
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Bird watching
Bird watching is a great way for kids to learn about different types of birds. They can use binoculars to spot birds in trees, or simply listen to their songs. Bird watching is also a great way to teach kids about nature and conservation.
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Bug hunting
Bug hunting is a fun and educational activity for kids. They can use a magnifying glass to look for bugs in the grass, or simply catch them in a jar. Bug hunting is a great way to teach kids about insects and their role in the ecosystem.
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Nature journaling
Nature journaling is a great way for kids to connect with nature. They can write about their observations, draw pictures of plants and animals, or collect leaves and flowers. Nature journaling is also a great way to teach kids about the natural world.
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Gardening
Gardening is a fun and rewarding activity for kids. They can plant seeds, water plants, and watch them grow. Gardening is a great way to teach kids about plants and nutrition.
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Hiking
Hiking is a great way for kids to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. They can hike to a waterfall, a mountaintop, or simply explore the woods. Hiking is a great way to teach kids about nature and conservation.
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Fishing
Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity for kids. They can fish from a dock, a boat, or simply in a pond. Fishing is a great way to teach kids about patience and perseverance.
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Boating
Boating is a great way for kids to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. They can go swimming, fishing, or simply cruise around the lake. Boating is a great way to teach kids about water safety.
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Picnic
A picnic is a great way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. They can pack a lunch, play games, and relax in the park. Picnics are a great way to create lasting memories.
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Sports
There are many different sports that kids can play outdoors, such as soccer, baseball, basketball, and tennis. Sports are a great way for kids to get exercise and learn about teamwork.
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Outdoor Art
Kids can use natural materials like leaves, sticks, and rocks to create outdoor art. They can also use chalk to draw on the sidewalk or paint with watercolors in the park.
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Sensory Play
Sensory play is a great way for kids to explore the world around them. They can play in a sandbox, make mud pies, or splash in a puddle. Sensory play is a great way to help kids develop their fine motor skills.
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Imaginative Play
Imaginative play is essential for kids’ development. They can pretend to be superheroes, build a fort out of blankets, or create a world of their own. Imaginative play is a great way for kids to use their creativity and problem-solving skills.
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Water Play
Water play is a fun and refreshing activity for kids, especially on hot days. They can splash in a pool, spray each other with water guns, or build a water obstacle course. Water play is a great way for kids to burn off energy and cool off.
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Building Forts
Kids love to build forts! They can use blankets, pillows, chairs, and other household items to create their own cozy hideaway. Fort building is a great way for kids to use their imagination and creativity, and it can also be a fun place to read, play games, or simply relax.
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Trampolining
Trampolining is a fun and active activity that can help kids burn off energy and improve their coordination. There are many different trampoline parks and gyms where kids can jump to their heart’s content. Trampolining is also a great way for kids to make new friends.
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Going to the Park
Parks offer a variety of activities for kids, from playgrounds and swings to picnic tables and walking trails. Kids can play on the slides and monkey bars, ride their bikes or skateboards, or simply relax on a blanket and enjoy the fresh air. Going to the park is a great way for kids to spend time outdoors and have fun.
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Freeze Tag
Freeze Tag is a classic children’s game that is played by a group of children. One child is chosen to be “it” and tries to tag the other children. When a child is tagged, they must freeze in place. The other children can try to unfreeze the tagged children by tagging them. If a child is able to unfreeze a tagged child, they are no longer frozen. The game continues until all of the children are frozen. The last child to be frozen is the winner.
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Hiking with a View
Hiking to a scenic viewpoint is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Kids can see for miles and take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, forests, or lakes. Hiking with a view is a great way to teach kids about the environment and appreciate the natural world.
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Kayaking or Canoeing
Kayaking or canoeing is a great way to explore the waterways around you. Kids can paddle along a river, lake, or ocean and enjoy the scenery. Kayaking or canoeing is also a great way to teach kids about water safety and conservation.
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Playing Catch
Playing catch is a classic outdoor activity that is perfect for all ages. It is a great way to get exercise and practice hand-eye coordination. Playing catch can also be a fun way to bond with friends and family.
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Going for a Bike Ride
Going for a bike ride is a great way to get exercise and explore your surroundings. Kids can ride their bikes in the park, on the sidewalk, or even on a trail. Going for a bike ride is a great way to have fun and get some fresh air.
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Playing Soccer
Soccer is a great way to get exercise and learn about teamwork. Kids can play soccer with friends or family, or join a team. Soccer is a great way to have fun and stay active.
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Playing Tag
Tag is a classic outdoor game that is perfect for all ages. It is a great way to get exercise and burn off energy. Tag can also be a fun way to practice teamwork and coordination.
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Playing Basketball
Basketball is a great way to get exercise and improve your coordination and shooting skills. Kids can play basketball with friends or family, or join a team. Basketball is a great way to stay active and have fun.
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Playing Volleyball
Volleyball is a great way to get exercise and practice hand-eye coordination. Kids can play volleyball with friends or family, or join a team. Volleyball is a great way to stay active and have fun.
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Playing Badminton
Badminton is a great way to get exercise and improve your hand-eye coordination and reflexes. Kids can play badminton with friends or family, or join a team. Badminton is a great way to stay active and have fun.
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Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, Duck, Goose is a classic children’s game that is played by a group of children sitting in a circle. One child is chosen to be “it” and stands in the center of the circle. “It” walks around the circle and taps each child on the head while saying “Duck.” When “it” decides to tap a child on the head and say “Goose,” that child must get up and chase “it” around the circle. If the child catches “it,” they become the new “it.” If “it” makes it all the way around the circle without being caught, they get to choose the next child to be “it.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Classic outdoor games like Tag, Hide-and-Seek, Red Rover, and Kick the Can are timeless favorites suitable for kids of different ages.
Make outdoor play enticing by introducing games like Scavenger Hunts, Nature Bingo, or Obstacle Courses, tailored to their interests.
Absolutely! Games like Capture the Flag, Relay Races, and Tug-of-War encourage teamwork, communication, and collaboration among kids.
Simple games like Simon Says, Duck Duck Goose, or a spontaneous game of Frisbee are perfect for quick and fun outdoor playdates.
Yes, games such as Hopscotch, Alphabet Scavenger Hunt, or Nature Trivia walks blend learning and fun seamlessly for educational outdoor play.
Always supervise children during outdoor play. Ensure the play area is safe, free from hazards, and establish clear rules for each game to prevent accidents.
Games like Sack Races, Three-Legged Races, or Water Balloon Toss are perfect for large groups, fostering inclusive and entertaining play for all ages.
Modify game rules or equipment to accommodate younger children, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy games like Soccer, Tag, or Freeze Dance.
Conclusion
There you have it! 50 of the best outdoor games and activities for kids of all ages. I hope this list gives you some ideas for fun and exciting outdoor adventures with your little ones. Remember to always supervise children closely when playing outdoors and to choose activities that are appropriate for their age and skill level. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors!