Summer is a great time to get outside and play. It has even been proven that time outside is good for you and your children. These games will get your children out playing this summer and
if you're lucky, tire them out for bed. These games are also great if you have lots of neighborhood kids playing at you place all summer, too. Here are 7 Classic Games to Play Outside This Summer.
7 Classic Games to Play Outside This Summer
Hide and Seek- This is a classic game we all remember playing. While less common in our time of helicopter parenting, it is just as fun as before. Instead of banning it at the playground in favor of
keeping your kids in your sight at the all times, join in for a round or two. Change things up by having kids spell a word or sing-a- song to commit something to memory instead of counting to
ten.
Hopscotch- This is a super simple, take anywhere with you kind of game. Anywhere you can write with chalk on the ground becomes a playground to help your child work out those wiggles. Spice it
up with a change in counting, use a spelling word, or even shapes and colors.
Capture the Flag- When it comes to ways to get a group of kids running, capture the flag is a great option. Split into teams and use whatever you have handy for flags at the home base for each team and get them going. When a child passes into the other team's territory, they can be tagged back into jail. To get out, another teammate must come in and tag them back into the game. When one
team grabs the flag and makes it back to their side you have a winner.
Red light, Green light- Do you remember playing this game as a child? All you need is some kids with extra energy and a bit of room to run. One player acts as the stoplight. The others line up. When the stoplight turns their back and yells “Green light!” everyone runs to tag the stop light. When they turn and yell “Red light!” anyone moving is out. The first person to tag the stoplight wins.
Simon Says- We all remember this game where the person playing Simon calls out “Simon says” (with an action such as “Simon Says hop on one foot”) and everyone does the action. If they don't say “Simon says” first and you do it you are out. This is a fun one that works attention, direction following, and large motor skills. Not bad for a fun game right?
Tag- Kids love to play tag and it is a great way to get kids outside and working off that extra energy. To spice it up a bit, play freeze tag with music or go out at night and play flashlight tag. If you feel
up to it, jump in and play with the kids.
Dodgeball- This game was always a childhood favorite. There's something about being allowed to throw a ball at your friends and not get into trouble that makes this game loads of fun. Find a soft, bouncy ball that will not hurt anyone and let them go at it. Just set a few rules such as no head shots and no below the belt.
Get the kids out as much as you can this summer. Use that time to play with them and get your own workout in or to relax in a comfy chair with a good book. It is time to bring back good old
fun for kids.
More Fun Summer Activities for Kids:
Cheap Summer Activities for Kids
25 Ways to Avoid Summer Boredom
Fun Outdoor Physical Activities for Kids
I remember playing some of these at recess in school! Can’t wait to share them with my daughter, too!
I love these oldies, but goodies, and I’m all for simplifying summer to enjoy some nostalgic fun. We’ve been doing a lot of digging in the sandbox and playing catch for this reason lately!
Old School and old-fashioned is usually the best way to go. Love these.
blessings,
The How-to Guru {shan walker}
Good old fashioned fun! Thanks for linking up at #HomeMattersParty.
I forgot all about red light, green light! What fun! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday.