games to play with kindergarteners outside

games to play with kindergarteners outside

Playing outside is an essential part of childhood development. It allows children to explore, learn and have fun in a natural environment. For kindergarteners, playing outside not only provides them with physical activity but also helps develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills. One of the best ways to engage kindergarteners in outdoor play is by playing games. These games not only keep them active but also provide opportunities for learning and social interaction. In this article, we will explore 10 exciting games to play with kindergarteners outside.

1. Red Light, Green Light
This classic game is perfect for kindergarteners to play outside. It helps develop their listening skills and teaches them about traffic signals. To play, one child is chosen to be the traffic light and stands at one end of the playing area. The other children line up at the other end. When the traffic light says “green light,” the children start moving towards the traffic light. When the traffic light says “red light,” the children must stop. If a child is caught moving during “red light,” they are out. The game continues until one child reaches the traffic light and becomes the new traffic light.

2. Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is a great way to get children to explore and appreciate their surroundings. Create a list of items for the children to find, such as a pinecone, a feather, a leaf, etc. Then, give each child a bag to collect the items. The first child to find all the items on the list wins the game. This game not only encourages physical activity but also helps children learn about different objects in nature.

3. Duck, Duck, Goose
Another classic game that is perfect for playing outside with kindergarteners is “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Children sit in a circle, and one child walks around the circle, tapping each child on the head, saying “duck” with each tap. When the child says “goose,” the tapped child must get up and chase the first child around the circle. If the first child gets back to the spot before being tagged, they continue as the tapper. If they are tagged, they must sit in the middle of the circle until the next round. This game not only provides physical activity but also helps develop social skills as children interact and take turns.

4. Simon Says
“Simon Says” is a popular game that can be played both indoors and outdoors. The game involves one person giving commands, and the other players must follow the commands only if the phrase “Simon says” is said before the command. For example, if the leader says, “Simon says touch your toes,” the players must touch their toes. If the leader says, “touch your toes,” without saying “Simon says,” the players must not follow the command. This game helps children develop listening skills and can also be used to teach them about body parts and movements.

5. Sidewalk Chalk Art
Playing with sidewalk chalk is a fun and creative way to engage kindergarteners outside. Give each child a piece of chalk and let them draw whatever they want on the sidewalk or pavement. This game not only allows children to express their creativity but also helps develop their fine motor skills. You can also turn this into a group activity by having the children work together to create a larger piece of art.

6. Musical Statues
This game is a variation of the classic game “musical chairs” and is perfect for playing outside with kindergarteners. Have the children dance or move around when the music is playing, and when the music stops, they must freeze in place. Any child caught moving after the music stops is out. The game continues until there is one child left, who is the winner. This game helps develop listening skills, balance, and coordination.

7. Bubbles
Bubbles are always a hit with young children, and they are perfect for playing outside. You can use store-bought bubble solution or make your own using dish soap and water. Have the children take turns blowing bubbles and trying to pop them. You can also have a bubble blowing contest to see who can blow the biggest bubble. This game not only provides physical activity but also helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

8. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a classic game that has been played for generations. It is perfect for playing outside with kindergarteners as it involves jumping and balancing. Use chalk to draw a hopscotch grid on the ground, with numbers in each square. Have the children take turns tossing a small object, such as a pebble or beanbag, onto the grid. The child must then hop through the grid, skipping the square with the object, and then pick it up on their way back. This game helps develop balance, coordination, and counting skills.

9. Water Balloon Toss
On a hot summer day, playing with water balloons is a great way to cool off and have fun. Fill up some water balloons and have the children toss them to each other, taking a step back each time. The last pair standing with an unbroken water balloon is the winner. This game not only provides physical activity but also helps develop hand-eye coordination.

10. Tag Games

Tag games are always a hit with children, and there are many variations that can be played outside with kindergarteners. Some examples include freeze tag, where the tagged child must freeze in place until another child tags them, and tunnel tag, where the child must crawl between the legs of the other players to avoid being tagged. These games not only provide physical activity but also help develop gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and social skills.

In conclusion, playing games with kindergarteners outside not only provides them with physical activity but also helps develop their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. These 10 games are just a few examples of the many fun and engaging games that can be played outside with kindergarteners. So, next time you take your little ones outside, try one of these games and watch them have a blast while learning and growing.

fun outdoor games for teens

Outdoor games are a fun and exciting way for teens to socialize, stay active, and enjoy the beauty of nature. With the rise of technology and social media, it is important to encourage teenagers to spend time outside and engage in physical activities. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular and fun outdoor games for teens that are sure to keep them entertained for hours.

1. Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee is a fast-paced and high-energy game that is perfect for teens. It is a combination of soccer and American football, but instead of a ball, a Frisbee is used. The objective of the game is to pass the Frisbee to your teammates and score points by catching it in the opposing team’s end zone. This game is not only fun but also a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and teamwork skills.

2. Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is a classic outdoor game that has been enjoyed by generations of teenagers. This game requires two teams, each with their own flag placed on opposite sides of the playing field. The objective is to sneak into the opponent’s territory, grab their flag, and bring it back to your own territory without getting caught. It is a thrilling and strategic game that will keep teens on their toes.

3. Kickball

Kickball is a simple yet entertaining game that can be played in any open field or backyard. All you need is a rubber ball and some friends to get started. Similar to baseball, the objective of the game is to kick the ball and run around the bases to score points. This game is perfect for teens who love sports but are not necessarily good at throwing or catching a ball.

4. Water Balloon Toss

With the summer heat, what better way to cool off than with a water balloon toss? This game is not only fun but also a great way to beat the heat. All you need is some water balloons and a partner. Stand a few feet apart and toss the balloon back and forth without it bursting. As the game progresses, the distance between partners can be increased, making it more challenging and exciting.

5. Hiking Scavenger Hunt

For teens who love the great outdoors, a hiking scavenger hunt is the perfect game. Create a list of items that can be found in nature, such as a pinecone, a certain type of leaf, or a bird’s feather. Divide the teens into teams and give them a time limit to find all the items on the list. The team that finds all the items first, or the most items within the time limit, wins the game.

6. Cornhole

Cornhole is a popular outdoor game that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It involves throwing bean bags into a hole on a raised platform. This game requires precision and accuracy, making it a great activity for teens who love a challenge. It can be played in teams or one-on-one, making it suitable for any group size.

7. Balloon Pop

Balloon Pop is a fun and messy game that teens will love. Fill up balloons with water and hang them from a tree branch or a clothesline. Divide the participants into two teams and give each team a pin. On the count of three, both teams have to run towards the balloons and pop as many as they can within a given time limit. The team with the most popped balloons wins the game.

8. Obstacle Course

An obstacle course is a great way to get teens to be active and have fun at the same time. Set up various obstacles in a designated area, such as tires to jump through, a rope to climb, and cones to weave through. Time each participant as they complete the course, and the one with the fastest time wins. You can also make it a team activity by having each team member complete a different part of the course.

9. Outdoor Movie Night

An outdoor movie night is a perfect way to spend a warm summer evening with friends. Set up a projector and a screen in your backyard or a local park, and have everyone bring their favorite movie snacks. This is a great opportunity for teens to relax, socialize, and enjoy a movie under the stars.

10. Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag

Take the classic game of Capture the Flag to the next level by playing it in the dark. Use glow sticks to mark the boundaries and the flags, and give each player a glow stick to wear. This game is not only fun but also a unique and exciting experience for teens.

11. Water Gun Fight

A water gun fight is a classic outdoor game that never gets old. Teens can divide into teams or have an all-out battle. Set up some barriers, such as cardboard boxes or pool noodles, for hiding and strategizing. This game is perfect for hot summer days and is sure to bring out the competitive side in everyone.

12. Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is a larger-than-life version of the classic game that is perfect for outdoor gatherings. The game is played by stacking wooden blocks and taking turns pulling out a block without toppling the tower. This game is not only entertaining but also a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and balance.

13. Nature Photography Scavenger Hunt

For teens who love photography, a nature photography scavenger hunt is the perfect game. Create a list of items or scenes that can be found in nature, such as a butterfly, a sunset, or a waterfall. Give each participant a camera or a phone and a time limit to capture all the items on the list. The most creative and unique photos win the game.

14. Outdoor Twister

Twister is a classic game that can easily be adapted to be played outdoors. Use spray paint to create a giant twister board on the grass and have the participants take turns spinning the wheel and placing their hands and feet on the corresponding colors. This game is not only fun but also a great way to improve flexibility and balance.

15. Outdoor Chess

For teens who love strategy games, outdoor chess is a perfect activity. Use large wooden pieces and a large checkered board to create a life-size chess game in your backyard or a local park. This game is not only challenging but also a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon with friends.

In conclusion, outdoor games are a great way for teens to socialize, exercise, and enjoy the beauty of nature. With a wide variety of games to choose from, there is something for every teenager to enjoy. So, next time your teen complains about being bored, suggest one of these fun outdoor games and watch them have a great time.