20 Outdoor Games for Children
Hi there, today I am sharing our top 20 outdoor games. Some of these games can be played indoors but most are more suitable for getting active outside in the fresh air now that Spring is here! In case you need instructions on how to play these games I have linked them to other great sites and blogs about games for children. I’ve also included some photos of my children having fun outdoors!
- Skipping games
- Treasure hunts
- Parachute games
- Duck duck goose
- Hopscotch
- Hide and seek
- Tag
- Clapping games
- Obstacle courses
- What time is it Mr Wolf
- Simon Says
- Stuck in the mud
- Musical Statues
- Red light, Green Light
- Horse/Donkey basketball
- Scavenger hunt (we use picture clues)
- Hot/Cold (searching for objects, the closer you get the hotter you are)
Oodles and Doodles playing parachute games with daddy and a friend - Hokey Pokey
- Leap frog
- Tent making
These are fantastic posts I have found on other blogs about traditional games for children:
Childhood101 – 14 Good, Old Fashioned, Outdoor Games for Kids
Homestead and Survival – 9 Outdoor Games for Kids and Adults
Mummy Mummy Mum – 5 Fun Things to Do Outside
Rainy Day Mum – Back to Basics – G is for Games
Mama Pea Pod – The Benefits of Old Fashioned Outdoor Play
Red Ted Art – How to Play Conkers
Why not stop by and take a look at my two Pinterest Boards about outdoor play, get involved, follow and I will invite you to pin to the boards!
Let me know what your favourite outdoor games are in the comments below! Have fun getting active and silly in the open air!!!
Ciara x
Also featured by: Fit Foodie Runs on Anything Goes Link Up
Linked to Anything Goes @ Joy Focused Learning //Weekly Kids Co Op//Just For Kids Weekly Link Up//Mums Make Lists//Family Home and Life-Wow us Wednesday
Our Little House in the Country
Hi, I’m Ciara — writer, homemaker, and the heart behind Our Little House in the Country. I share slow, seasonal living from our cozy corner of the Irish countryside, where life is a little messy, a little magical, and deeply real. Whether it’s a teen-friendly recipe, a lived-in home moment, or a reminder to let go of perfection, this space is about embracing the everyday and finding joy in what’s already here. Come in, kick off your shoes, and stay a while — the kettle’s always on.
34 Comments
Welcome to Mommyhood
I really love this list! I’ve been trying to think up some new activities to try with my son, but the traditional ones, which are so easy, I seem to have been oblivious to! I’m definitely going to try playing tag with my him during our next outdoor play session (once the Dutch rain clouds of doom manage to go away). Tag with a Toddler should be fun 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
ciwin22
You are very welcome, we managed to play tag for awhile yesterday in between the Irish rain showers, we’ve had so much rain all winter but finally the sun is out today! My 2 year old spent the whole game trying to get caught while my 4 year old took it very seriously!!!!!Have fun!
Welcome to Mommyhood
Haha, I think my son will behave the same way as your 2 year old! We had tons of rain this year, too. I imagine Dutch and Irish weather is generally pretty similar.
krissottoh
Fantastic list! Perfect ideas too for a party with young kids outdoors to keep them all occupied while having a great time.
ciwin22
Thank you! My son has a summer birthday and these games have been great fun at his parties! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Theres Just One Mommy
Thank you for reminding me of a few great games I grew up with! Can’t wait to try Red Light Green Light with them!
Pinning this one!
ciwin22
Thanks, have fun! Thanks so much for taking a look and leaving a lovely comment. Enjoy!
Katie Clark
I love this. Traditional outdoor games are just wonderful and in my opinion, aren’t played enough anymore. I’ve pinned this too 🙂 #PoCoLo
ciwin22
Thanks Katie, and I completely agree! Ciara
Merlinda (@pixiedusk)
So many things we can do! So little time =) #pocolo
ciwin22
Tell me about it!!! Lol. Have fun! Happy Friday!
Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault
Great list 🙂 Can I be cheeky and link to a blog post I wote not too long ago and that I think you might like – http://eco-gites.blogspot.fr/2014/03/let-children-play.html
Thank you.
ciwin22
Please do, I’d love if you did! Thanks a mil! Ciara
Victoria Welton
What a fabulous idea for a post 🙂 Some great old and new ones here 🙂 Thank you for linking to PoCoLo x
ldskatelyn
Great! I’ll have to check some of these out more as we begin enjoying more of this spring weather!
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Camille
Thanks for including the skipping and clapping rhymes- I’ve been meaning to look up sites for these and you just saved me a step! As soon as the snow melts, you know what we’ll be doing!
ciwin22
You’re welcome Camille – have fun!
Ashley
We are always in search of the newest, greatest thing that we tend to forget the classics! Featured you on Mom’s Library!
ciwin22
Thank you so much for featuring me Ashley! Nothing like good old fashioned simple fun. Thanks again!
TFewless
I love playing “old fashioned” games outside. Thankfully my son does too. I’ll definitely pin this for later!
ciwin22
Have fun with them! Thanks for visiting!
Amber @ Fit Foodie Runs
Thank you so much for joining the Anything Goes Linky Party! I’m featuring this post next tomorrow on the blog! I do hope you stop by again! (PS My kids love the parachute games!)
ciwin22
Thanks so much, that’s really great! I love parachute games too- super fun!
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ciwin22
Reblogged this on Our little house in the country.
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Lisa @ The Wellness Wife
Great collection! A helpful list for camps and outdoor parties!
ciwin22
Thank you Lisa! 🙂
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Adeeyo Samson
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Todd
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