Fun Games To Play On A Walk In A Neighborhood

Taking a walk with your family in the neighborhood is an opportunity for you to get some exercise. KidsHealth states that children who regularly watch more than four hours of television a day tend to struggle with maintaining a healthy weight. The next time you are tempted to watch television after dinner, entice your kids into taking a walk by telling them you have some fun games to play.

I Spy

Take advantage of the time you spend together as a family and increase your awareness of the world around you. Challenge your children to a game of "I Spy." As you are walking down the neighborhood road, say, "I spy something red." Everyone else guesses until someone calls out the correct item. Whichever family member guesses correctly begins the next round. Vary the activity by looking for certain makes of cars and types of birds.

Alphabet Game

Help your young child improve her phonemic awareness while walking together. In their book, "Walking Games and Activities," June Decker and Monica Mize suggest playing the alphabet game. Begin by singing the alphabet song if you are walking with very young children. When you are through singing, find one item for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet. Take turns finding the items. Look for athletic shoes for "a," baseballs for "b" and cars for "c." Make it more challenging by running 26 steps every time one of you finds an item.

Spot the Street

As you are walking through your neighborhood streets, play Spot the Street. You may drive past the same street signs without noticing the unusual names of the streets. Walk and ask your child to count how many roads end with street, road, avenue, boulevard or lane. This teaches your child to pay attention to her surroundings. The fun of counting and reading the signs may help her walk farther. Vary the game by making up stories as to how each street got its name or who your child thinks lives in certain houses.

Follow the Leader

Follow the leader is a game you may remember from your childhood days. The California Childcare Health Program recommends playing follow the leader when you walk with your children. Appoint someone to be the leader. Whatever moves the leader does, the rest of the family copies. Encourage creativity by suggesting your child stop and do five jumping jacks, walk with one foot in front of the other for ten paces and taking three steps then jumping three steps. Take turns being the leader. Be aware of traffic and stay on the sidewalk.