Head Start Body Start, a program of the National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play, notes the benefits for kids who play outside regularly include an increase in immunity and a reduction in stress as well as better overall health. In addition, playing outside fosters creativity in children and makes them stronger. When there are three children playing together, they must find games that don't require teams because they have an uneven number of players. However, some popular games are available for three kids to play when they are outside.
Outdoor Bowling
Playing a game of bowling outside is easy and fun for three kids, says the parent resource website Kaboose. If a bowling set is not available, kids can set up 10 of any item. Kaboose recommends cans or boxes from the recycling bin, stuffed animals or plastic containers. Each child takes a turn rolling a small ball at the assembled items. For each object that is knocked over, the child gets a point. After 10 rounds the points are tallied and the winner is the child with the most points. This game requires both physical and mental activity and helps keep a child's muscles and brain in shape.
Scavenger Hunt
For three kids, Kaboose recommends a nature scavenger hunt. A parent can prepare a list of nature items to be found, such as flowers, rocks, leaves or pine cones. For young children, this game can be played in the backyard to keep them safe, but older children may have more fun at a park. Each child tries to find the items on the list and whichever one finishes the list first is the winner. Kaboose notes a variation on this game is to have the children draw their findings rather than bringing them all home.
Firefly
Firefly is a game that is played outside when it is dark, according to Family Fun magazine. One child is the firefly and carries a flashlight. She walks for one minute while the other two players stay behind. At the one minute mark the firefly turns her flashlight on and off quickly. The remaining two follow the light to try and reach her. However, the firefly continues walking and flicking the light on and off every minute. When one of the other players finds her, they become the firefly. For safety, this game is best played in a secure backyard.
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