Games To Play Outside

It seems like kids are not outside as much as they used to be looking for games to play outside. I remember always wanting to go outside to play some cool games with my friends on weekends and all throughout the summer. Some days we would be outside very early in the morning until very late at night playing football, basketball, hide n seek or just hanging out conversing. I had a Nintendo system during these times but nothing compared to playing outside. Slowly, as the game systems started to progress and become more and more technologically advanced, the less time me and my friends started to play outside. More time was spent inside the house playing video and computer games instead of looking for games to play outside.

Some examples of great games to play outside are:

Kickball – This is played similarly to baseball except with a larger and softer round ball that you roll instead of throw. The outfield consists of the pitcher, first – second – and third baseman, and outfielders. You don’t need to have the full set of 9 players on both sides to have a good kickball game. You can have less or even more players set up. The core of the game consists of the 4 bases, pitcher, and kicker. The pitcher rolls the boll toward the plate and the “kicker” then proceeds to kick the ball as far as he/she can and then proceeds to run. If they make it to first – without the ball being caught, being tagged out, or someone throwing the ball to the first baseman (called “outs”) – then they are safe and the next player on the kicking team steps up to kick. Depending on how far the person has kicked the ball the runner can try for second, third, or home plate. When 3 outs are made the teams switch sides and start the process all over again. This continues until one team wins!

Chinese Jump Rope – A different version to the classic jump rope game that has been played for ages. Instead the rope is placed around the legs (between the ankle and calves) of two people who are facing each other. The rope should form a rectangle for a jumper to jump in, out, and on it. There are special “patterned jumps” that are designed for each game and is hours of fun. It is a great fitness work out and can be played by virtually anyone.

Hopscotch – Another classic game that can be played for a small price. Someone will just have to buy the chalk to draw the hopscotch court. There are different designs for the hopscotch court. Typically it’s a:- Box- Followed by two boxes that are side by side - Another single box- Two more side by side boxes -Then another box

Typically each box will have a number from 1-7 or more if there are more squares. Also, safe zones maybe drawn into the boxes instead of a number in some versions of the game instead of trying to hop so much.

A person will try to throw an object like a rock or coin into the number 1 box. If the object lands in the 1 box then it is their turn, if not then someone else goes or you try again if you’re playing by yourself. Once your object lands in the box you then hop over that box to reach the 2 and 3 boxes. If you hit the line or miss the boxes with your feet then you lose your turn. If you reach the boxes safely with both feet landing inside the boxes then you proceed to hop to the 4 box on one foot, 5 and 6 boxes with both feet, then the 7 box on one foot. Then you reverse it and come “home” doing the same hopping technique. If done correctly, you then grab your object and try and throw it into the number 2 box and you keep going like that until the winner is determined. The winner can be determined in a wide variety of ways and should be discussed at the beginning of the game.

Outdoor games are a fun way to spend quality time with your child. These games are easy to set up and are just the tip of the iceberg of the many games to play outside.

Return from Games To Play Outside page to Outdoor Games page

Return to Educational Games Home page

Copyright ©2012 EducationalGamesGuide.com All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclaimer

SBI!