Kids' Outdoor GamesIf you're having a group of active children at your party, then playing kids' outdoor games is a must. As you've probably guessed, I'm a big fan of parties with themes. Nothing can be more exciting to kids then having a theme to all their activities. So if you're looking for party games with themes, you can find them here: Below is an arsenal of my favorite kids' outdoor games. Enjoy! Octopus: This game is similar to classic Tag. You'll need a lot of open area to play it. 
Before the activity, draw chalk lines on the ground. Kids should have enough space to run in between the lines. Have one player standing in the middle of the area between the lines (the Ocean). He is the Octopus. Other kids should stand behind one of the lines. They are Little Fishes. The goal of the game is for Little Fishes to "swim" (run) across the Ocean without being "caught" (tagged) by the Octopus. The game starts when the Octopus yells, "Cross!", and the Little Fishes run from one side of the play area to the other. As they get tagged by the Octopus, they become the Tentacles (and stand near the Octopus). In the next round, the Little Fishes should swim across the Ocean avoiding not only the Octopus, but the Tentacles as well! "Octopus" Variations: As in previous game, draw chalk lines on the play area. (You can also use two ropes instead of chalk.) You should have lots of space in between the lines. Pick one player to be the Police Officer and have him stand in front of one line. Other kids stand behind the opposite line. To start the game, the Police Officer yells, "Green Light!", and starts counting to five out loud as quickly as he can. The other players must run toward the Police Officer while he is counting. When he finishes counting to five, he yells, "Red Light!", -- all the players must freeze instantly! The Police Officer walks around quickly to spot any players who are still moving. Those players must return back to the starting line, while the rest of the children stay frozen where they've stopped. The person who crosses the line first, wins. He or she becomes the Police Officer in the next round. "Red Light, Green Light" Variations: Crazy Olympics: Pre-teens will enjoy this outdoor game because it gives them a chance to exercise! 
Design two identical obstacle courses in your backyard. Split the group into pairs, and have the kids compete with their partners on two courses at the same time.You can place chairs that kids have to go around, tie a rope between the trees that they have to go under, or put objects they have to jump over, and so forth. You can have several rounds of challenges. For the first round, you can get the kids to "crab-walk" (walk backwards on all fours) around the course. For the second challenge, they can balance an apple on their head moving from "Start" to "Finish." If they drop the apple, they must start over. For the final event, you can allow them to race on tricycles and pedal to the finish line as quickly as they can. After the first two players complete the competition, the next pair can begin. "Crazy Olympics" Variations: Giggle and Howl: Here is a fantastic game to put the kids into a great mood! Have the kids stand "frozen" in a circle. The leader (you or another child) throws a handkerchief in the air to "free" them. As the handkerchief is in the air, the children must giggle and laugh out loud until it hits the ground. Then they have to freeze instantly! If the player smiles or giggles when the handkerchief is on the ground, that person must leave the circle. The game continues until there is only one player left. "Giggle and Howl" Variations: The rock will carry the handkerchief higher up, then it will detach itself on the way down and the handkerchief will float freely. If you're doing this, be sure to toss the rock away from the group, so it doesn't hit anyone. Balloon Burst: For this game, sunny weather on the day of the party is a must, or it won't work. Before the party, inflate enough balloons for everyone. Attach them to a side of a fence that gets the most sunlight. Have the balloons low on the ground, about two feet apart, so the kids reach them easily. Or, you can tie the balloons to a clothesline, then rig it to the ground in the sunlight. At game time, distribute magnifying glasses to all the players. On the command "Go", get the kids to hold their magnifying glasses about three inches away from their balloons. They should hold them in a way so the sun shines through the lenses onto the balloons (a small bright dot should appear). The kids must hold the magnifying glasses in this position, until their balloons pop. The first person to pop a balloon, wins. (Don't stop the game at that time, allow everyone to pop all their balloons.) "Balloon Burst" Variations: Return from Kids' Outdoor Games to Game Area Back to Kids' Birthday Party Guide Subscribe to Family Smiles |
