25 Outdoor Games for Kids

Outdoor games are a fantastic way to keep kids active, engaged, and having fun. They promote physical fitness, teamwork, and creativity while providing a break from screens and structured activities.

From timeless classics like Hide and Seek to innovative twists like Shadow Tag, these games offer endless entertainment.

Here are 25 outdoor games that will ensure kids enjoy their time outside while developing essential skills.

Outdoor Games for Kids

1. Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is a timeless game where one child counts with their eyes closed while the others hide. After counting to a predetermined number, the seeker tries to find all the hidden players.

To make it more exciting, designate safe zones where players can be safe from being found. This game can be played in various environments, like a backyard, park, or playground, making it versatile and fun for kids of all ages.

2. Tag

Tag involves one player being “it” and chasing others to tag them, making them “it” in turn. The game can have variations like freeze tag, where tagged players must stay frozen until another player unfreezes them by tagging.

To keep the game fair, establish clear boundaries and safety zones where players can rest temporarily. This game promotes physical activity, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking.

3. Red Light, Green Light

In Red Light, Green Light, one child stands at a distance and calls out “Green Light” to allow others to move forward and “Red Light” to make them stop. If any player moves on “Red Light,” they must return to the starting line.

The first player to reach the caller wins and becomes the next caller. This game enhances listening skills, self-control, and can be played on any open field or playground.

4. Duck, Duck, Goose

Players sit in a circle while one walks around, tapping heads and saying “Duck” and then “Goose” to tag someone. The tagged player must chase the tagger around the circle, trying to tag them before they take the empty spot.

If the tagger is caught, they sit in the center as the “goose egg” until another player is tagged. This game encourages quick reflexes, agility, and is best played on a soft surface to avoid injuries.

5. Capture the Flag

In Capture the Flag, two teams each hide a flag in their territory, and the goal is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your side without being tagged. Teams must strategize to defend their flag while sending players to capture the opponent’s flag.

Set clear boundaries and safe zones to keep the game organized and fair.

This game fosters teamwork, strategy, and physical endurance.

6. Simon Says

In Simon Says, one player gives commands starting with “Simon says,” and the others must follow only those commands. If a command is given without “Simon says,” players who follow it are out.

The game continues until one player remains, who then becomes the new Simon. This game enhances listening skills, attention to detail, and can be played anywhere with enough space for movement.

7. Four Square

Four Square involves a large square divided into four smaller squares, with one player in each. Players hit a ball into another’s square, aiming to make it difficult for them to return.

If a player misses or makes an illegal hit, they move to the lowest square, and others move up. This game improves hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and can be played on any hard surface like a playground or driveway.

8. Kickball

Kickball is similar to baseball but uses a rubber ball that players kick instead of hitting with a bat. Teams take turns kicking and fielding, aiming to score runs by running around bases.

To keep it fair and fun, establish clear rules and rotate players so everyone gets a chance to kick and field.

This game promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and coordination and can be played on any open field.

9. Freeze Tag

In Freeze Tag, the “it” player tags others to freeze them in place. Frozen players can be unfrozen by being tagged by another player who is not “it.”

To keep the game interesting, set a time limit or designate a specific area where players can move.

This game encourages running, agility, and cooperation as players work together to free their frozen teammates.

10. Relay Races

Relay Races involve teams competing to complete a course the fastest, passing a baton or completing tasks along the way. Each team member runs a segment of the race and hands off the baton to the next runner.

To make it more fun, include obstacles or challenges like hopping on one foot or crawling under ropes.

This game promotes teamwork, speed, and coordination and is ideal for a large open space.

11. Hopscotch

Hopscotch involves drawing a numbered grid on the ground and players taking turns hopping through it on one foot while picking up a marker. The goal is to complete the course without losing balance or stepping on lines.

To add variety, use different shapes or challenges, like hopping backward or on the opposite foot.

This game improves balance, coordination, and number recognition, and can be played on any flat surface.

12. Jump Rope

Jump Rope can be played individually or with a group, using a rope to jump over as it swings. Various rhymes and tricks can be incorporated to make it more engaging.

For group play, use a long rope and have two players swing it while others jump in and out.

This game promotes cardiovascular health, coordination, and can be done almost anywhere.

13. Tug of War

Tug of War involves two teams pulling on opposite ends of a rope, trying to pull the other team across a line. To ensure safety, use a sturdy rope and play on a soft surface like grass to prevent injuries.

Teams should be evenly matched in strength to keep the game competitive and fun.

This game builds strength, teamwork, and strategy.

14. Scavenger Hunt

In a Scavenger Hunt, children search for a list of specific items or complete challenges within a set area. Prepare a list of items related to a theme or educational topic and provide clues to make it more interesting.

Divide children into small teams to encourage cooperation and problem-solving.

This game promotes exploration, critical thinking, and teamwork and can be played in various environments like parks or backyards.

15. Red Rover

In Red Rover, two teams line up opposite each other and hold hands to form a chain. One team calls out, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send [player’s name] right over,” and the named player runs to break through the chain.

If they succeed, they return with a captured player from the opposing team; if not, they join the opposing team.

This game encourages strength, strategy, and teamwork and should be played on a soft surface to ensure safety.

16. Obstacle Course

An Obstacle Course involves setting up a series of physical challenges like crawling under ropes, jumping over hurdles, and balancing on beams. Children take turns navigating the course, aiming to complete it as quickly as possible.

To make it more engaging, vary the obstacles and include both physical and mental challenges.

This game enhances physical fitness, coordination, and problem-solving skills and can be set up in any open space.

17. Water Balloon Toss

In a Water Balloon Toss, pairs of children toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The goal is to keep the balloon from breaking; the last pair with an intact balloon wins.

To add excitement, use different sizes of balloons and vary the distances.

This game is fun, refreshing, and improves hand-eye coordination, especially on a hot day.

18. Sack Race

In a Sack Race, players hop towards the finish line while standing in a sack. Each child must stay in their sack and hop as fast as they can without falling over.

To make it more challenging, set up a series of races with different obstacles or longer distances.

This game encourages physical activity, balance, and is best played on a soft, grassy area to prevent injuries.

19. Hula Hoop Contest

A Hula Hoop Contest involves children keeping a hula hoop spinning around their waist for as long as possible. The child who keeps the hoop spinning the longest wins.

To add variety, introduce different tricks like spinning the hoop on an arm or leg.

This game improves coordination, core strength, and can be played in any open space.

20. Simon Says

Simon Says is a classic game where one player, Simon, gives commands beginning with “Simon says,” and the other players must follow. If a command is given without “Simon says,” players who follow it are out.

The game continues until one player remains, who then becomes the new Simon.

This game enhances listening skills, quick thinking, and can be played anywhere with enough space for movement.

21. Nature Walk

A Nature Walk involves exploring a park or trail, observing plants, animals, and natural features. Prepare a list of items for children to find or questions about the environment to answer during the walk.

To make it educational, include stops to discuss interesting facts or points of interest.

This activity promotes physical fitness, curiosity, and an appreciation for nature.

22. Parachute Games

Parachute Games involve a large parachute held by children who perform various actions like making waves, bouncing balls on it, or running underneath. One popular game is “mushroom,” where children lift the parachute high and quickly sit underneath it.

To keep the activity engaging, vary the movements and incorporate songs or themes.

This game fosters teamwork, coordination, and is a fun way to encourage group play.

23. Balloon Volleyball

Balloon Volleyball uses a balloon instead of a ball, with players trying to keep it off the ground by hitting it over a net or a makeshift barrier like a rope.

To play, divide children into two teams and set rules for how many times the balloon can be hit before going over the net.

This game promotes coordination, teamwork, and is safe for younger children since the balloon moves more slowly than a traditional volleyball.

24. Shadow Tag

In Shadow Tag, players try to step on each other’s shadows to tag them. One player starts as “it” and attempts to tag others by stepping on their shadows.

To make the game fair and fun, play in an open area on a sunny day where shadows are visible.

This game encourages running, agility, and quick thinking, making it an exciting twist on the traditional game of tag.

25. Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs involves players walking around a circle of chairs while music plays. When the music stops, they must find a chair to sit in, with one chair removed each round.

The player left standing without a chair is out, and the game continues until one person remains.

This game promotes listening skills, quick reflexes, and can be played indoors or outdoors with any type of seating arrangement.