Outdoor games for kids to play outside are a wonderful way to encourage kids to be active, engage with friends, and develop teamwork and problem-solving skills. From classic favorites to unique games like Kubb, these activities are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or any time kids want to get outside and have fun.
1. Kubb (Viking Chess)
What You’ll Need: A Kubb set, which includes wooden blocks, “Kubbs,” and a “King” block.
Kubb, often called “Viking Chess,” is one of the popular lawn party games from Sweden. The objective is to knock over wooden blocks (Kubbs) placed on the opponent’s side of the field by tossing wooden batons. Once all Kubbs are down, players can aim for the King block in the center. Knocking over the King wins the game, but if a team hits it prematurely, they lose instantly. Kubb is great for building teamwork, coordination, and patience.
How to Play Kubb
- Set up two rows of five Kubbs across from each other with the King block in the center.
- Divide players into two teams. Teams take turns throwing batons to knock down the opponent’s Kubbs.
- Knock down all the opponent’s Kubbs before attempting to topple the King for the win.
2. Capture the Flag
What You’ll Need: Two flags, often made from bandanas or cloth, and space to divide into two territories.
Capture the Flag is a classic party games for kids and groups. The goal is to capture the opposing team’s flag and bring it back to your own side without being tagged. The game can be as strategic or as fast-paced as the players make it, requiring teamwork and planning.
How to Play Capture the Flag
- Divide players into two teams, each with a designated “home base.”
- Each team hides their flag within their territory.
- Players try to infiltrate the opposing side to retrieve the flag and return it to their base. If tagged, they must go to “jail” until a teammate frees them.
3. Red Light, Green Light
What You’ll Need: No equipment needed.
This simple yet engaging game is great for younger children and requires no equipment. One player acts as the “traffic light,” calling out “Green Light” or “Red Light” to control the movement of other players. When “Red Light” is called, players must freeze until “Green Light” is called again. This is one of the great kinder pe games.
How to Play Red Light, Green Light
- Choose one player as the “traffic light.”
- The “traffic light” player stands at a distance, with other players lined up across from them.
- Players move toward the “traffic light” on “Green Light” and stop on “Red Light.” The first player to reach the “traffic light” wins and becomes the caller.
4. Hide and Seek
What You’ll Need: No equipment needed.
A timeless game, Hide and Seek is beloved by kids of all ages. One player counts with their eyes closed while others hide. The seeker then looks for hidden players, with the last one found becoming the next seeker.
How to Play Hide and Seek
- Choose one player to be the seeker.
- The seeker counts to a specified number while everyone else hides.
- The seeker then searches for the hidden players. The last person found becomes the next seeker.
5. Kick the Can
What You’ll Need: A can or plastic bottle.
Kick the Can is a combination of tag and hide-and-seek. One player guards a can in the center of a play area while others hide. The objective is for players to kick the can before being tagged by the guard. This is one that you can use for summer camp games.
How to Play Kick the Can
- One player guards the can while the others hide.
- The guard tries to tag the players before they kick the can.
- If a player successfully kicks the can, all tagged players are free, and a new guard is chosen.
This works great for block party games.
6. Hopscotch
What You’ll Need: Chalk and a small rock or marker.
Hopscotch is a solo or group game that helps children develop balance and coordination. Players take turns hopping through a numbered grid drawn on the ground, using one foot or two depending on the square.
How to Play Hopscotch
- Draw a grid with numbered squares and assign hopping patterns.
- Players toss a marker onto a square, then hop through the grid, avoiding the square with the marker.
- Players continue as long as they don’t fall or touch the lines. The player who completes the entire grid first wins.
7. Four Square
What You’ll Need: A rubber ball and chalk to draw a large square divided into four smaller squares.
Four Square is a playground classic that can be played with any number of players but is best with four. Each square is numbered, and the goal is to stay in the game by bouncing the ball into other players’ squares without letting it bounce twice.
How to Play Four Square
- Draw a large square divided into four sections and assign numbers to each square.
- Players stand in their squares and take turns bouncing the ball to each other.
- The objective is to stay in the game by keeping the ball in play. If the ball bounces twice or lands out of bounds, that player is out and rotates out.
8. Sardines
What You’ll Need: No equipment needed.
Sardines is a twist on Hide and Seek where one player hides, and everyone else searches. As players find the hidden person, they join in hiding until everyone is crowded together like “sardines.” The last player to find the group hides next.
How to Play Sardines
- One player hides while the others count.
- When players find the hidden person, they hide with them until everyone is packed into the same spot.
- The last player to find the hiding group becomes the next to hide.
9. Simon Says
What You’ll Need: No equipment needed.
Simon Says is a game that helps kids practice listening and following directions. One player, “Simon,” gives instructions to the other players, but they must only follow commands prefixed by “Simon says.” If a command is given without this prefix and someone follows it, they are out.
How to Play Simon Says
- Choose one player to be “Simon.”
- “Simon” gives commands such as “Simon says touch your nose.” Players must follow only the commands with “Simon says.”
- Players who make mistakes are out, and the last player remaining becomes the next “Simon.”
10. Tug of War
What You’ll Need: A strong rope.
Tug of War is a competitive team game that encourages strength and teamwork. Two teams hold opposite ends of a rope and attempt to pull each other across a marked centerline. This also works great for lawn games for adults.
How to Play Tug of War
- Divide players into two teams and give each team one end of the rope.
- Teams pull until one side crosses the designated line, signaling a win.
- Tug of War can also be played in rounds to keep everyone engaged.
Conclusion
These outdoor party games offer endless entertainment and encourage kids to move, strategize, and collaborate. Whether they’re playing a unique game like Kubb or a classic like Capture the Flag, kids will enjoy the benefits of physical activity, teamwork, and skill-building through these timeless games. Perfect for backyard fun or larger gatherings, these games are sure to be a hit! If you’d be interested in outdoor play area ideas so that you can have more space for games we recommend checking that out.