Playing outside is one of the simple joys of childhood. According to Jennifer Ward, author of "Let's Go Outside!: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature," playing games outside helps children foster a love of nature while also promoting physical health and well-being. There are many entertaining and free games that children can participate in while spending time outside.
Cat And Mouse
Cat and Mouse is a tag game with a twist, write Debra Wise and Sandra Forrest, authors of "Great Big Book of Children's Games: Over 450 Indoor and Outdoor Games for Kids." Gather the children together in a large patch of grass or dirt and choose one player to be the cat and one player to be the mouse. The other children form a large circle holding hands. The mouse starts inside the circle and the cat starts outside of the circle. The objective of the game is for the mouse to keep from being tagged by the cat. The mouse can run around the circle and dart in and out of the circle. The cat cannot go inside the circle but can reach his arm in to try to tag the mouse. The players in the circle raise and lower their arms to help the mouse. Play continues until the mouse is tagged, at which point he becomes the cat and a different player is chosen as the mouse.
Frisbee Baseball
Frisbee baseball has similar rules to regular baseball, writes Ward. To play, you will need first, second, third and home bases arranged in a diamond formation and clearly marked foul lines. Divide the children into two teams, with at least four or five players per team. Place one player each on first, second and third base and designate one as the catcher. The other players scatter about the field. The batting team lines up and each player throws the Frisbee as hard as he can and then runs for base. If the Frisbee is caught before touching the ground, that player is out. A player is also out if he is tagged with the Frisbee or if the Frisbee reaches base before he does. Play continues until the team gets three outs, and then teams switch places. Continue playing until the score reaches a designated amount or until you play a predetermined number of innings. The team with the most points is the winner.
Capture The Flag
Capture the Flag is a competition game that requires children to work together to capture the opposing team's flag, writes Ward. Divide the children into two teams and designate a boundary that marks each team's area. Give each team a flag and instruct them to work together to hide the flag in a safe place. The objective of the game is to steal the other team's flag without getting tagged. If a player crosses over the other team's boundary, they can be tagged and held captive by the opposite team. Play continues until one team successfully captures the other team's flag.
References
- "Let's Go Outside!: Outdoor Activities and Projets to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature"; Jennifer Ward; 2009
- "Great Big Book of Children's Games: Over 450 Indoor and Outdoor Games for Kids"; Debra Wise and Sandra Forrest; 2003
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