18 Simple Outdoor Games That Get Kids Off Screens and Moving
In today’s digital age, getting kids outside and away from screens can feel like a challenge. However, outdoor games are a perfect solution to encourage physical activity while offering fun and excitement.
Whether it’s a family event or a simple backyard game, these outdoor activities provide a great way for kids to get moving, socialize, and use their imagination. Here are 18 easy and enjoyable outdoor games to get your kids off screens and into the fresh air!
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt turns any outdoor space into an adventure. Make a list of things for the kids to find, such as a pine cone, a certain type of flower, or a smooth rock.
This game keeps them engaged and moving around, exploring their environment while using problem-solving skills. You can make it more challenging by adding riddles or clues to guide them.
Freeze Tag
Freeze tag is a classic game that never gets old. One child is “it,” and when they tag someone, that person has to freeze in place.
To get unfrozen, another player must touch them. It’s a great game to get the kids running around and burning energy while having fun with friends.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Relay Races
Relay races are perfect for burning energy in a team-based way. Create fun, themed races like running with a spoon and egg, hopping on one foot, or balancing a ball on a spoon.
Kids love the competitive nature, and it’s a fun way to get everyone moving at once.
Kickball
Kickball combines the excitement of soccer and baseball, making it a hit for kids of all ages. Set up bases, pitch the ball, and let the kids kick away!
This team game encourages running, teamwork, and coordination, while also providing a way to engage in friendly competition.
Obstacle Course
Design an obstacle course using outdoor items like cones, ropes, or chairs. Challenge the kids to crawl under tables, jump over objects, or race to the finish line.
An obstacle course promotes strength, agility, and balance, while keeping the kids engaged and active.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Nature Bowling
Find a few sturdy bottles or cans and set them up in a “bowling” formation. Use a ball to knock them down and see how many points each child can score.
Nature bowling is a great way for kids to practice their aim and enjoy a little healthy competition outdoors.
Water Balloon Toss
Perfect for hot days, a water balloon toss provides a mix of fun and refreshment. Kids toss balloons back and forth, taking a step back after every successful catch.
The game continues until the balloon pops. It’s a simple game that keeps everyone cool and active, plus it’s great for working on hand-eye coordination.
Capture the Flag
In this classic outdoor game, kids split into two teams, each with a flag to protect. The goal is to capture the other team’s flag without getting tagged.
This game promotes teamwork, strategy, and plenty of running around, making it perfect for outdoor play.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is always a crowd favorite! One child counts while others hide, and then the seeker tries to find everyone.
This game encourages problem-solving and exploration, while also getting kids to move and think creatively.
Sidewalk Chalk Games
Using sidewalk chalk, create a giant hopscotch board, maze, or even a large tic-tac-toe grid. Kids can jump, skip, or draw their way through the games.
It’s a fantastic way to mix creativity and physical movement outdoors, and the possibilities are endless.
Parachute Games
Using a large parachute (or even a blanket), have the kids hold the edges and create waves, bounce balls on top, or run underneath. Parachute games build teamwork and coordination while providing a burst of fun.
Plus, they work great in both small and large groups!
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Tug of War
Tug of war is a fantastic game for teaching teamwork and strength. Grab a sturdy rope, divide the kids into two teams, and pull with all their might.
The team that manages to pull the other across a certain line wins. It’s great for building physical strength and creating a sense of camaraderie.
Frisbee
Playing frisbee is a simple yet effective way to get kids running and exercising. You can play catch, or challenge kids to see how many successful throws they can complete in a row.
This activity works well to improve hand-eye coordination and endurance.
Kick the Can
A mix between hide and seek and tag, kick the can has kids hiding while one person tries to find them. If a hider is spotted, they must race to kick a can placed in the center to “free” the others.
It’s an engaging game that encourages running and stealth, making it ideal for outdoor fun.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Balloon Volleyball
Set up a “net” (or simply use a rope or line) and have the kids use balloons instead of a traditional ball. This light version of volleyball is fun and easy for young kids to grasp, plus it helps with coordination and motor skills as they try to keep the balloon in the air.
Giant Jenga
A large-scale version of the traditional Jenga game can be set up outside. Take turns pulling wooden blocks from a stack, trying to avoid making the tower fall.
Giant Jenga is great for improving fine motor skills, balance, and patience, all while keeping kids active and competitive.
Shadow Tag
In shadow tag, the “it” person tries to step on the shadows of others rather than tag them physically. It’s a fun twist on the traditional game of tag that adds an element of awareness and agility while also keeping the kids on their toes, literally!
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Catch the Butterfly
In this game, one child is the “butterfly,” and the rest are the “caterpillars.” The butterfly runs around, and the caterpillars try to catch them.
It’s a fun, energetic game that encourages running and quick thinking. The butterfly can even be given a time limit to make the game more exciting!
More from IEPMommy
- Younger Workers Refuse to Follow These 15 Outdated Office Rules
- Stop Saying These 18 Overused Phrases That Drive People Up the Wall
- The Harsh Realities Boomers Lived That Millennials Didn’t Have to Face
- 17 Things Kids Had to Follow in the 70s That Sound Unreal Today
- 19 Old-Fashioned Beliefs That Boomers Cling to but Are Harmful Today
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
