Choosing to play outdoors can help bring you closer to nature and allow you to relax and enjoy your garden or neighborhood park and meet other people. It will also enable you to have a more active lifestyle that can help you maintain good health....
Children spend more time watching TV, playing video games and using the computer than they do exercising, according to KidsHealth. The lure of digital media keeps many children inside rather than going outside to play games, practice sports or...
Children of all ages benefit from playing outdoors, according to the Child Care Aware website. The Newcastle School website recommends providing a playground where children can run, jump, make noise and let loose. The outdoor playing area should...
Outdoor play time is dwindling for many kids. Today's children often spend hours in front of the television, computer or video game screens instead of playing outdoors. Kids who play outdoors get their hearts pumping, burn off energy and might...
It seems like the good old days of digging up worms and running through the sprinklers are slowly dying out, dwarfed by virtual simulation games. However, the sights, smells and feelings of playing on genuine dirt and grass are tough to mimic on a...
Whether they're making sand castles in a backyard sandbox, looking at stars or participating in structured games, children of any age will benefit from playing outdoors. Encourage them to use their bodies and minds to investigate nature, play...
Fresh air and summer breezes make the backyard a great play space that can be even more inviting with the addition of outdoor play equipment for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that play is essential for children. Not only does...
Children spend more time in front of the television than they do playing and exploring the outdoors according to E Magazine. This trend leads to obesity and other negative health issues. Children thrive when they are given the freedom to play...
Outdoor play yard stuff for kids can be very beneficial to their overall development. Play yard equipment can provide an excellent opportunity to get your children moving and exercising while encouraging imaginative play. There are many options...
A backyard play area gives your kids a place to burn off energy while getting fresh air. The setup of the play space influences the safety and usability of the area. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, home playground...
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....
By nature, 5- and 6-year-old kids are playful and love being outdoors. To keep them busy, you can tap into plenty of time-tested games. Many of these games do not require much outdoor space, and kids can enjoy them in all types of weather. Feel...
With their addiction to screen time via television, computers and video games, getting children outside for fresh air, vitamin D from the sun and the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day can be a challenge. While larger groups can...
Family outdoor games provide affordable entertainment for all ages. The games generally are simple to play and organize so you don't need a lot of planning ahead of time. Most of games involve physical activity, which improves the fitness level of...
Outdoor games raise your heart rate, take advantage of the fresh air and use basic supplies most homes have on hand. You can play these games with your kids in your backyard or at a local park or campground. Your kids may come up with their own...
A picnic involving friends, family, neighbors or co-workers can be one of the highlights of summer. While you need good weather and food to enjoy an outdoor picnic, plan a few activities as well so people have a way to enjoy their time. There are...
Many outdoor games are meant for two players or two teams of two. Others are best suited for large crowds. This leaves groups of three somewhat in the lurch. Playing sets, which often include equipment for just two or four players, can also be a...
Environmental games aim to raise awareness about the importance of caring for the Earth. Playing these games outdoors offers a natural setting, which emphasizes the environmental message. The games work well at schools or at home for school age...
Outdoor games allow you and your children to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. Whether you are the referee or playing alongside your children, you will be able to take time to unwind from a long day at work while your children...
Physical activity is critical for children -- and not just for preventing obesity. Games like tag and hide-and-seek allow children to develop physical coordination and cooperative teamwork. According to the National Association for Sports and...
The roots of basketball have a strong heritage of pickup games on the playground, and outdoor summer games are still popular in basketball cities such as Detroit, New York and Philadelphia. This usually brings up the discussion of some inexpensive...
Outdoor shuffleboard descends from an 18th-century table game called shovelboard. Rules for outdoor shuffleboard are set by the U.S. National Shuffleboard Association. You use a long-handled cue to shove 6-inch discs along a 52-foot-long by...
Many children enjoy playing outside, and outdoor games can provide fun and exercise. Bobbi Conner, author of "Unplugged Play: No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun," writes that the more children play outside, the more they will want to play outside...
Family activities do not have to include piling into the car, driving to some far-off destination and spending a ton of money. Playing outdoor home games can provide amusement for kids and adults alike while promoting fitness and saving money....
Outdoor games for teenagers often involve more skill or challenges than the games they enjoyed as children. Popular games among teenagers typically require teamwork and cooperation, which allow teens to be social as they work toward a goal. A few...
Kids are healthier if they play outside. A 2008 article published in "Monitor on Psychology," published by the American Psychology Association, reviewed the benefits of kids being involved with nature. The benefits include lower stress, less...
If you're looking for a way to keep your kids entertained for hours during the spring and summer months, an outdoor trampoline may provide you with the perfect solution. Keep in mind that trampoline games can result in injury, so always take...
The popularity of video games and the appeal of 24-hour-a-day television lead many people to spend much of their time indoors. It is tempting to sit down on the weekends or after a long day of school and watch television. Make an effort to take...
Playing games outside is not just for young children. The fresh air and beautiful scenery can make a wonderful backdrop for spending time outside with your boyfriend. Look for opportunities to stay active and fit together while building your...
