Fun Outside Games for Children

Although we are midway through our scorching hot summer, there still may be enough idle time left to incorporate more fun activities for the children.  I know a lot of the little ones are going out to camp every day, but what about the older kids?  What are their activities like for the summer?  I know there are the usual video games along with other things they do on the computer that can keep them busy all day.  But what about something that will keep them active as well?  You know…things like playing games that can be done outside.  They will have just as much fun outside getting a little fresh air and sunshine as they would have by staying indoors on the computer.  By encouraging the children to make time to play outside, they will get some well needed exercise.  Many of them don’t get exercise in school anymore since a lot of the schools have stopped teaching Physical Education.  I’ve created a list of a few summer fun activities that could be done outside, and I think your children will enjoy. 

Fun Games That could be Enjoyed Outside

When I was a child we played many games right in the street outside of our house, and had a ton of fun doing so.  But I wouldn’t recommend that so much today since things have changed a bit since then.  Instead, I would encourage group activities that can be played at your neighborhood park, or perhaps even in your very own back yard.  Here are a few examples of group activity games along with other outside fun ideas.



•          Dodge ball. That will keep them moving and their little hearts pumping. And it is a lot of fun in the sun.
Biking- Encourage bike riding with a friend.  More fresh air and sunshine.
•          Swimming (my favorite)- Can’t swim?  This would be the perfect time to join a swimming class.
•          Walking/hiking.  Take a meaningful walk around the neighborhood and beyond.  Make it interesting.  Pick a destination to visit such as the library, the gym, or the park.
•          Get a group together and do speed walking.  Be creative with it.  Maybe you can get a few donations for first second and third place prizes.
•          Take a trip to the zoo.  If the zoo in your town is as big as the one here where I live, there will be plenty of walking to do while at the same time enjoying the animal attractions. 
•          Encourage  group sports like tennis, volleyball, kickball, or thirty second tag.  They are all considered to be high energy and fun games.

  These are just a few suggestions.  I’m sure you can think of more.  I remember when I was a young teenager I was outside a lot.  We had no video games or computers back then and still we had loads of fun.  Just a quick suggestion; when the summer is over and school reopens, encourage your children to participate in coached sports like football, basketball and baseball.  These sports will help keep the kids physically fit, and trim.