Hey, Matthew here! I’m looking for fun outdoor games to play with my kids (ages 6 and 9). What are your favorite games or activities for getting kids outside and active? — Matthew
Hi Matthew, welcome to the forum! I’ve got three kids myself (ages 6, 10, and 15), so I’ve been through a lot of phases with outdoor games—sometimes it’s a struggle just to get them out the door, especially with all the tech distractions these days.
One of our favorite go-tos is a simple scavenger hunt. I just jot down a list of things for them to find in the yard or at the park (like a pinecone, something red, a feather, etc.). It keeps them busy, moving, and you don’t need to buy anything fancy. Sometimes I throw in silly challenges—like “hop to the mailbox” or “find something taller than your little brother.” It’s low-cost and gets them exploring together.
We also do “obstacle courses” using whatever we have—sticks, balls, old jump ropes, even buckets. The kids love to come up with their own course ideas too, and it gives them a sense of control (which, believe me, they appreciate).
Classic games like tag, hide and seek, and Red Light, Green Light still work wonders, even for my 10-year-old. And if you want to sneak a little learning in, chalk games (like hopscotch or drawing a giant map) are a hit.
Honestly, I find that just giving them space and a few ideas is sometimes all it takes—they’ll invent their own games soon enough! Anyone else have creative outdoor ideas that don’t require spending money? Always looking for new tricks myself.