Times are really tough for kids right now. Gone are all their options to play at recess, go to the playground or even go to school. The kids can’t even date their friends right now.
As families quarantine and practice social distancing, children’s only choices are primarily for entertainment, with many “attending” school remotely. But what can they do when school time is over?
Fortunately, parents can introduce fun activities to keep kids energized, socialized, and relaxed. And that’s exactly what these outdoor games for kids will do.
I hope your home has an outdoor space in the front or back where your children can play safely. Otherwise, the park is always an option, as long as you follow safety protocols.
While classic and classic games are a great way to ensure kids get some exercise, there are plenty of modern games as well. The rest of the family can also participate without sacrificing too much social distancing.
1. GoSports Classic Cornhole Set
While many adults are used to playing cornhole at bars and backyard barbecues, this classic game could lead to hours of fun. Everything you need comes in one package, including 2 collapsible cornhole boards, 8 all-weather regulation bean bags, and a portable carrying case.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
2. Wnvivi Hopscotch Ring Set
Hopscotch is a throwback to our own childhoods, and it’s so easy to put together. If you are short on garden space, you can install this one in your living room. Movable rings let kids use their imaginations, and it’s a great way to help young children build strength and develop gross motor skills.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
3. Ravenox Natural Twisted Cotton Rope
Tug-o-war is a fun game kids can play outside – all they need is a strong rope! This one has fun colors, is tough enough to hold some serious grip, and can even be part of a family obstacle course.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
4. Fun-Here High Capacity Super Soakers
These powerful squirt guns are perfect for cooling off on a hot day…or taking on your siblings in a competition. They are more powerful than they look and can shoot up to 36 feet!
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
5. 5 in 1 carnival set for kids
Let their imaginations run wild as they design their own backyard obstacle courses. This 38-piece carnival play set includes a ring tosser with 6 colorful cones and 10 toss rings to develop hand-eye coordination.
(Sears, $29.21)
6. Family treasure hunt game
The best part about this scavenger hunt is that everything comes in a box. Children learn to focus, pay attention to detail and work together. In addition, the whole family can participate because adults deserve to have fun too!
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
7. Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
If the kids are playing around the neighborhood at dusk or at night, a glow-in-the-dark game is a great idea to keep them safe and entertained. This set includes 25 light-up play pieces, over 12 hours of batteries, and 12 different ways to play.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
8. WAKA Official Kickball
For larger families, why not play a game with everyone? Kickball is an old school game, but you can also turn it into a rousing game of dodgeball if you have more than one.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
9. Lifetime 32″ Portable Youth Basketball Hoop
Do you have a future Michael Jordan in your hands? Install this basketball hoop in the garage, yard or even the basement. This Youth Impact 32″ backboard with 15″ folding lip is made of steel and weather resistant nylon mesh. In addition, you can easily adjust the height.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
10. Simplay3 Garden View Cottage
If you have younger children who are quite imaginative and are in their “playhouse” phase, this playhouse will provide hours of fun. Winner of the National Parenting Product Award, this spacious indoor/outdoor playhouse features a kitchenette with a faux oven, stove and storage cupboard.
(JCPenney, $279.99)
11. Foxhill Olive and Cocoa Croquet Set
This is another great game for the whole family. Ideal for all ages, this set includes four wooden mallets, four wooden balls, four pegs and collapsible wickets. And it comes in its own wooden box for storage, so you can put it away neatly after playing.
(Olive and Cocoa, $99)
12. NinjaLine Slackers Outdoor Training
Is your child inspired by American ninja warrior? Set up their own obstacles with this set, which includes a Traverse Ring, 36-foot Ninjaline, Gymnastic Rings, Monkey Fist Knots, and Monkey Bar Holds.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
13. All-Surface Swingball Game
This set puts a new twist on tethered ball. Your kids can play swingball on any surface (grass, concrete, and even sand), and when they’re done swinging around the bat, everything fits into a storage base.
(Fantasy Toyland, $44.95)
14. Moulin Roty Explorer Playset
For kids who want to go camping in the backyard or go on a scavenger hunt, this set comes with a compass, water bottle, binoculars, travel diary and treasure chest.
(Rose and Rex, $65)
15. Twee Fortune Cookie Chalk
You really can’t go wrong with sidewalk chalk! But this chalk is shaped like fortune cookies, and it’s up to kids to find out which ones actually have a fortune.
(Rose and Rex, $25)
16. Throw bean bag at the door
Set up this beanbag toss game on the clothesline outside, or bring things inside and hang it on the door frame. Then have the kids toss the bags through the colorful cutouts and turn it into a fun game!
(Case and barrel, $39)
17. Jump Power Magic Carpet Swing Set
If your young ones want to swing, but you can’t make it to the park, this swing set is perfect for outdoor play. It is easy to install and is weather and UV resistant, water resistant and has a sturdy powder coated steel tube and frame.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
18. Shuffleboard area
Maybe the kids have seen Grandma and Grandpa playing shuffleboard and want to try! Now they can with this colorful court made of quality indoor/outdoor mats. The set also includes two wooden cues and ten wooden washers.
(Foyer Song, $109)
19. Crocodile Hop Floor Game
Set this jumping game on the grass and watch your children learn skills such as color and shape recognition, numbers and counting, problem solving and gross motor skills.
(Learning Resources, $39.99)
20. Garden dice
While the kids probably won’t want to play Yahtzee, get them in the mood for a family competition with these giant dice. They’re made of solid pine wood and come in a rustic drawstring bag that includes rules for four different games.
(Uncommon Goods, $50)
21. My Picnic Simulation Game
If the weather permits and your child is tired of being indoors, bring their picnic to the yard. This set comes with picnic basket, forks, knives, plates, bowl, glasses, pitcher, napkins and tablecloth. And seriously, how cute does that look?
(Uncommon Goods, $42)
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Aly Walansky is a New York-based writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. His work regularly appears in dozens of digital and print publications. Visit her on Twitter or send him an e-mail.
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