Open, outdoor spaces allow you to play more active games with groups of children. These games can help new groups of young people get to know each other better and learn to work together or simply compete as good sports. You can play a variety of simple outdoor games with minimal equipment or set-up.
Elbow Tag
In elbow tag, one player designated as "it" must chase one other player designated as free. All other players must remain still. The free player changes throughout the game, however. Before the start of the game, designate one "it" and one free player and have the remaining players stand in pairs around the playing area with their arms linked. Once the game starts, "it" must chase the free player. The free player can tag a new player to become the free player by linking arms with any pair. The player on the opposite side of the pair becomes the free player and must avoid being tagged by "it." If a free player gets tagged, he becomes "it."
Cats in the Corner
For this variation on dodge ball, designate a square playing area using cones or other markers. Have one or two players stand at the center of the square, each with a ball. The remaining players can stand in any one of the four corners of the playing area. When the player or players in the center of the square yell "Cats In The Corner," the players in the corner must run to a different corner while trying not to get hit by the ball. Players hit by the ball must sit out for the rest of the round. The last player left standing wins and gets to be the ball thrower in the next round.
The Blob
The blob game requires a large group of players to move and think as a unit in order to tag other players. Begin the game with one player as the blob. The rest of the players must run away from the blob to avoid being tagged. Tagged players become part of the blob and must hold hands with the original blob or newer blob members. As the blob grows larger, it will be able to cover more space, but it will not be able to move as quickly. Players must balance these features of blob movement in order to tag all remaining players. The last player tagged can begin the next round as the blob.
Member Comments