Whether your kids are having a big party or just looking for an entertaining way to spend the afternoon, outdoor games and scavenger hunts can be fun for all involved. Not only can these games stimulate laughter, they also encourage exercise. Gather together your supplies and a little imagination and let the games begin!
Shoe Relay
The Disney Family Fun website suggests having a shoe relay race outside. Before playtime, tell all children to bring over two shoeboxes. Secure the lids with tape and then cut out a slit on top, making it about an inch wide and four inches long. If desired, let each child decorate his new “shoes” with markers or stickers. Have each child slip on his new “shoes” and line up. Then start the big foot races!
Backyard Scavenger Hunt
To have a backyard scavenger hunt, the Family Education website recommends creating a list of items that can easily be discovered in the backyard. Scout out the backyard or plant items around the yard before the start of the party. Items can include a green leaf, feather, old bottle, matchstick or aluminum can. When ready to play, divide children into the desired teams. The first team to return all items to a designated spot wins!
Square Step
Begin “Square Step” by drawing a 10 foot by 10 foot grid on the pavement. Tell each child to stand on his own square. Taking turns, have each child move to a different square, crossing out the square he was just in. All crossed out squares are off limits and can no longer be occupied. When a player cannot move to a square, he is out of the game. Continue playing until only one child is left.
Treasure Chest
Begin this scavenger hunt by creating a series of clue sheets. Think of your own or get inspired by a pre-made list on the Parents website. Create rhymes or draw pictures to individualize clues. Hide the clues in their designated places and plant a picture of a treasure chest, which can also be printed on the Parents website, at the end of the hunt. If desired, have treats or special prizes at the end for each child as well.
Have each child go through the scavenger hunt one at a time, being sure to put each clue back where it was found for the next child to discover. If playing in teams, consider making separate sets of clues for each team so each can discover its own. The first team or player to find the treasure chest wins. Be sure to have enough prizes for every child that played.
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