Great Outdoor Games

The following are favorite, easy games for children from about four to ten years-old. The contests are particularly appropriate to keep in your arsenal, always prepared for the dreaded situation when at a, say, birthday party or co-op activity--the thought hits, "Gosh, what do I do now with all these children?"?!! These competitions require little or no equipment but are guaranteed winners.

• Spiders and Flies

  When played in water, this game is called Sharks and Minnows.

  One youngster or a Dad (little ones are especially delighted when parents play) crouches down in the center of the circle or other players. He is the Spider. The others move 'round while chanting "Spiders and Flies, Spiders and Flies" over and over.

  At an opportune moment the Spider jumps up, the circle breaks and everyone scatters. As everyone runs away, the Spider tries to catch a Fly. When he finally does, that player is the next predator and it all starts over.

• Grab the Bacon

  The players are divided into two equal teams. One is the odds and each child is assigned a number to remember, 1,3,5,7, etc. The other side is the evens and each of these is also given a number, 2,4,6,8, etc. The teams line up opposite each other, a fair distance apart, depending on age and ability.

  A scarf, ball or other soft object is placed in the middle.

  An adult or assigned referee shouts one odd and one even number. The two children sprint to grab the item in the center. If whoever captures the prize can race back to his place untouched, then he stays on his side, the item replaced and play goes on.

  However, if he is tagged, then he has to join the other team. Then the item is put back in the middle and the game goes on.

  The team with the most players at the end wins.

• Relays

  All the various relays come in handy at the most unexpected moments: After the children have been cooped up during a long car trip, when classes just become too much, when you have exhausted the planned activities with group of children at a co-op or family party. No one will ever know that they were not part of the pre-arranged festivities!

  The youngsters divide into two or more teams. Some distance away, a place or person is designated as the turning point. The sides line up in back of the chosen captains. At the signal, the leaders race to the turning point and back to the starting line. They tag the next persons on their teams, who in turn run to the other end and back, tag the next players and so on. The team which finishes first wins.

  Relays can be simple foot races as described above. But excitement and decibel levels increase when the youngsters have to do something in addition to running.

  Some relays are more appropriate for older children.
  Experiment with the following:
  
  

  • hop to the turning point and back

  • three-legged (two people with one foot each tied together--good choice for older kids)

  • running backwards

  • pass a baton or stick

  • pass a message (The team which finishes first and knows the correct message wins.)

  • crab legged (backwards on all fours)

  • shoe (Everyone piles his shoes at the turning point. The player must sprint down, find and tie his shoes, run back.)

  Try these familiar games whenever...They are crowd-pleasers as well as participant favorites.

  Check Out These Games!

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