Have a game plan for keeping children engaged and active in a group setting. Whether you teach a classroom of students or you run an afterschool program, there is always a time when you need a quick idea for fun games to play.
Outdoor games are beneficial for many reasons, including de-stressing energetic kids.
Check out a few classic games perfect for groups with limited playtime for recess outside.
How to Make Outdoor Play Easier
As the adult in charge, some constraints are faced with outdoor play. Typically, you run out of time to develop a game plan, and your group has limited time to enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, you want to devise a plan by having a set of index cards with group games listed on them. Write down key points, such as tools needed or simple steps to play the game.
Cornhole
Cornhole is an outdoor game that is quite popular in the Midwest and with college-aged adults. Whether this game is new to you, cornhole is as American as Cracker Jacks at a baseball game. You do need to have some equipment in advance:
- Small bags filled with beans, rice, or pebbles
- A platform raised off the ground with enough space to drop a bag through a hole in the top and has at least three holes bored out of the surface area
When playing cornhole, children stand at a safe distance and underhandedly toss beanbags onto the surface of a cornhole game board. Each hole on the board can have a different value to make the game more challenging and educational.
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt gives kids something more to do than play the game. Use the outdoor time to let the children set up a scavenger hunt for each other. Divide everyone into two groups, and allow each group to create their route and clues. Here is a step-by-step on how to make a simple scavenger hunt:
- In two groups, let each side plan a route and write down clues toward a pirate chest full of treasure for each stop.
- Prepare in advance with a small notepad and pencil for each group to write down the clues.
- Clues for the hunt should include riddles, puzzles, or math problems to solve to get to the correct answer, which is the following location.
- Set aside toys or prizes for a pirate chest to be the treasure for the winning group to find at the end.
Parade
Have a costume closet and props ready to host a parade at the drop of a top hat. Draw straws or offer an incentive of who gets to be the grand marshal. Also, provide children with a theme for each parade, such as a holiday or a special historical person.
Mention at Disney World, Mickey Mouse, and Friends host parades daily to increase interest and excitement.
Hide and Seek
A good old hide-and-seek game is always fun for children of all ages. Increase the challenge by having hide and seek with blindfolds if you are in a limited size area or a twist.
Jump Rope Games
Along with good cardiovascular exercise, jump rope games are easy to pick up. You only need one long jump rope for three to four people. If you have more jump ropes, the kids can do a lot of jump rope group tricks.
Consider Installing a New Playground
Are you ready to do more with outdoor space for children? If so, contact Churchich Recreation serving North and South Carolina. Call our office at 843-757-3156 to discuss your ideas for a playground.