When school is out for summer, kids need activities to stay cheerful and socially engaged. Sunny weather makes it easy to stay outside and promotes healthy physical exercise. Get ahead of potential sedentary habits and add variety to the lives of video game enthusiasts. Introduce children to a variety of games for independent and group playtime. Consider the following suggestions for outdoor summertime games and help your children have a delightful break. Tug of war ropes is also a good option that is best for outdoor summer game for kids.
1. Chalk Dollhouse
A set of colorful sidewalk chalk can open up an imaginary world. Whether solo or playing with friends, your child can create a world through pavement drawings. Chat about what their dream house would look like and challenge them to draw it on the sidewalk or empty driveway. Trace chalk dollhouses for their miniature friends from Mattel and see the cognitive benefits of world-building games.
2. Hopscotch
Use the same set of sidewalk chalk to draw numbered squares for a game of hopscotch. Children can play with rounds of hopping on both legs or just one. A single child could practice by themselves in front of their home and make neighborhood friends as others become interested. This is a great challenge for improving balance.
3. Jump Rope
A jump rope can provide hours of fun. Kids with seemingly endless energy can enjoy creating jumping routines on their own or team up for games of double dutch. Provide a variety of short and long jump ropes. Teach jumping rhymes and songs for a retro-inspired outdoor activity.
4. Ring Toss and Cornhole
Ring toss and cornhole can be played with a pair or as a larger group tournament. Game sets can be purchased online, or you could make a DIY setup. Use chalk to keep score and substitute buckets or cups of water for a splashy cornhole alternative.
5. Lawn Bowling
Lawn bowling can be played with decorated pins or a DIY set. Fill water bottles and arrange them in a triangle formation on the lawn or sidewalk. Bowl with a well-inflated basketball or kickball. Score along indoor bowling rules and try to roll an exciting strike.
6. Capture the Flag
Split kids into friendly teams and race to find a designated flag. Establish rules to put a spin on the game, such as treating the floor as hot lava. This can be done at a safe city park with playground equipment or between two backyards.
7. Water Tag
Elevate a typical game of tag with water. Have children wear swimsuits and cover-ups for this refreshing outdoor diversion. Instead of tagging with hand-to-shoulder contact, tag via water rockets or balloons. Consider biodegradable or new reusable water balloons to sneak in a lesson about being environmentally conscious.
8. Homemade Slip-and-Slide
You can have countless hours, or days, of fun with a homemade slip-and-slide. Skip shipping time and create your own with tarps and a hose. Lay out at least one or two big tarps on a hill and runs water over them from above. Let little children run and slide with adult supervision. An additional sprinkler at the end increases the joy.
9. Giant Bubble Contest
Increase the stakes of blowing pretty bubbles and have a giant bubble-blowing contest. Give children materials and instructions to mix their own bubble solution and allow access to crafting materials for making bubble wands. Take videos or pictures of the results to rank the winning bubbles.
10. Scavenger Hunt
An old-fashioned scavenger hunt is always a winning activity. This game uses clues to spark creative thinking and problem-solving skills in children as they solve riddles along the way. Write the clue list yourself or guide children through the process of creating their own game, with one taking the lead. Use glow-in-the-dark items for a spooky evening game.
Encourage children to employ their sweet imaginations, and set up an inviting water station for keeping kids happy and hydrated as they play under the sun.
