Games to Play Outdoors

As any experienced teacher or child care worker can attest, children of all ages behave better after playing outside. They are more likely to pay attention and follow directions in the classroom and at home after being physically active. Games that enable children to move their bodies will help relieve stress and tension--while teaching them important problem-solving skills and virtues such as how to play fair.

Ghost in the Graveyard

This game can be played outdoors during daylight. However, it's even more exciting to play at night, when trees and bushes cast eerie shadows on the playing area.

To play, you will need four to 10 people and a yard with many hiding places. Select an area such as a large rock or tree to be home base and nominate someone to be the ghost. All players stand at home base. Everyone except the ghost covers their eyes and begins counting up to midnight by saying "one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock rock, four o'clock, five o'clock," and so on. While they count, the ghost runs and hides.

At midnight everyone yells, "Midnight, midnight, hope we don't see a ghost tonight." And they all begin searching for the ghost. The person who finds him yells, "Ghost in the graveyard." The players then run back to home base while the ghost chases after them. If she tags someone before he reaches home base, that person becomes the new ghost. If not, she remains the current ghost.

Lighthouse

To play this nautical-themed game you need six or more players and a large piece of cardboard for the lighthouse. Place the lighthouse in the center of the playing area. Choose one person to stand on the cardboard and be the lighthouse keeper. The remaining players are fishermen.

The lighthouse keeper says, "Lighthouse, lighthouse. Bet you can't pass my house." The fishermen run around the lighthouse while the keeper tries to tag them. However, he must keep one foot on the lighthouse at all times.

Tagged players hold hands with the keeper, forming a chain and trying to catch free fishermen. The last person caught becomes the new lighthouse keeper.

Scout Ball

Physical education teacher and author Glenn Kirchner recommends this Italian game in his book, "Children's Games From Around the World." You will need a 6 inch piece of ribbon for each player, one ball, two goals and a large playing area.

Divide players into two teams. Ask everyone to tuck one end of a ribbon into their pants, the other end should hang outside their clothing. Assign a goal to each team and ask players to spread out on the playing field. Give the ball to one player and tell everyone that their team can earn points by carrying the ball--not throwing it--through the opposing team's goal.

Any player with the ball in his hand can only move five steps. He must then pass the ball to a teammate.

Opposing players can intercept the ball during passing. The opposing team can remove the ribbon from anyone holding the ball. If this happens, the ball is given to the other team and the ball handler must sit in the penalty box for one minute.

A team earns one point whenever it carries the ball through its opponent's goal. The first team to reach 21 wins the game.