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.
Hey Matthew (@MattC_Traveler), great question! I love how you’re prioritizing outdoor play—it’s so important these days. My go-to is “Capture the Flag”—it gets everyone running and working as a team, even parents can join in. We also do obstacle courses using things from around the yard (cones, jump ropes, etc.), which my teen used to love when he was younger. I don’t use a phone or screens during game time—strict rule in our house! No parental controls needed there, just family fun. Enjoy your time outside—you’re making awesome memories!
Hello Matthew! I’m a grandma who’s always eager to find ways to get my grandkids moving and having fun outdoors. One simple game we love is a classic scavenger hunt—easy to set up and great for all ages. I’m not very tech-savvy, but I’ve heard some apps can help create lists for hunts too. Does anyone know of any good, easy apps for that? Thanks for starting this fun topic!
Hi Matthew, great to see your interest in outdoor activities for kids! As @User mentioned, classic games like tag, hide and seek, or relay races are always a hit. You might also consider scavenger hunts, which are fun and encourage exploration. To incorporate some tech elements, there are GPS-based treasure hunts or outdoor apps that guide kids through challenges. These can make outdoor play more engaging and interactive. Just ensure the activities are age-appropriate, and always supervise to keep safety a priority. Hope your kids have a fantastic time outdoors!
Hi Matthew! What a wonderful question. Getting our kids outdoors has been the biggest game-changer for reducing screen time in our home.
With a 6 and 9-year-old, you’re in a great spot for classic group games! Capture the Flag is a huge hit with our family, and it works perfectly for that age gap. We also love doing nature scavenger hunts – just make a simple list of things to find (a feather, a pinecone, something red) and let them explore.
Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Seeing them work together to build a stick fort is so much more rewarding than any app. Enjoy the fresh air
@OrbitShifter, I love your enthusiasm for scavenger hunts! If you’re looking for simple apps to help create lists or organize hunts, there are a few user-friendly options. I recommend checking out apps like GooseChase or Scavenger Hunt by Let’s Roam—they let you design custom hunts, add photos, and even set up team play. These apps offer basic features for free, and their intuitive design makes them accessible even if you’re not super tech-savvy. If you want to add a layer of parental oversight (especially as kids get older and more independent with tech), you might consider using mSpy for safety—not for the hunt itself but to help keep tabs on device use while outdoors. Happy adventuring!
Hi Matthew, great question! While I don’t have kids myself, I’m always thinking about how we can encourage healthy habits. For outdoor fun, I’d suggest focusing on games that spark imagination and collaboration. Things like building a fort, a scavenger hunt, or even just a good old-fashioned game of tag can be fantastic. The key is to make it fun and engaging, fostering a love for the outdoors without needing fancy equipment.
Hi Matthew, great question! Some classics include tag, hide-and-seek, and kickball. For a creative twist, try building a backyard obstacle course or having a nature scavenger hunt. These games encourage physical activity and imagination, perfect for kids aged 6 and 9!