Parks offer wide-open spaces for running and playing a variety of games. They also offer playground equipment for additional entertainment. While free play gives the kids a chance to use their imaginations, organized games keep them engaged if they start to get bored. Always supervise the kids closely in the park and teach them to watch out for other children, especially with games that involve running.
Obstacle Course
The features of the park offer a natural obstacle course in the park. Create a course around the park that includes tasks such as using the edge of the sandbox as a balance beam, crossing the monkey bars, shooting a basket and circling around the playground equipment. Obviously, the specific course depends on the park's layout. Show the kids the obstacle course route. Emphasize the importance of following playground rules and watching out for other children. The kids race through the obstacle course to see who can finish first. To slow them down, have them skip or hop through the obstacle course. This reduces the chances of them colliding with another child.
Tag
Tag is a classic childhood game with many different versions. If the park has an open grassy area, tag works well to burn off energy. The basic idea behind the game of tag is that one player is "it" and tries to tag other players. Some versions of tag eliminate a person who is tagged, while others have a tagged person become "it." When playing freeze tag, a player who is tagged must stand still as if frozen. Another player may unfreeze her by crawling between her legs. "Today's Parent" magazine recommends playing blob tag. One person starts out being "it." When she tags someone, they join hands to create the beginning of the blob. Each subsequent player who is tagged joins the blob. This continues until all of the players become part of the blob. If the blob becomes too large, break off into two or three smaller blobs.
Hidden Object
The expansive area of a park makes this game more of a challenge. One person hides a small object in the park. The other players search to find it. "Today's Parent" suggests hiding a button, but you could hide any small object such as a toy, a bouncy ball or a rock with a distinct look. The player who finds the object first gets to hide it the next time.
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