Besides out elders touting the benefits of exercise, research proves that physical activities improve general health and lower anxiety in children. With summer just around the corner, you must be excited to set up a fun day for your kids out in the front yard. To help you encourage your children to play outdoors, we’ve compiled a shortlist of activities and games you can plan:
Red Light, Green Light
You may have played this game in your youth too. This is a fun game to play with young kids who’re learning colors or traffic signs. One child is designated as the “traffic light” while the other participants stand in a line 15-20 feet away.
The Traffic Lights turn their backs to the others and calls out, “green light,” which is a cue for others to move towards the traffic light. The goal is to tag the Traffic Light and run back to the starting line. When the Traffic Light says “red light,” they immediately face the other players who stop in their tracks in the positions they’re in. Whoever gets caught by the Traffic Light becomes the next Traffic Light, and the game is repeated.
Obstacle Course
Build obstacles around the yard with things from the house or garage such as chairs, tables, tents, pipes, and any other object that may be jumped over, climbed under, or avoided. You may designate a course or simply let your child explore the obstacles in whatever way they like.
Scavenger Hunts
Print out scavenger hunt checklists online or make your own customized list. Kids will enjoy searching for these items and gathering them or simply ticking off the items on the checklist. You can also set a time limit for added excitement. Whoever manages to collect all the items first is the winner.
Bottom Line
Come up with new games with your children or explore classics like hopscotch. Spend some quality bonding time together as a family under the sun for summertime fun!