Looking for ways to get your kids outside and moving? Outdoor games for kids are a great way to encourage physical activity, social skills, and fun. Whether you're in the garden, at the park, or hosting a party, there's something here for every age and setting.
In this guide, you’ll find the best outdoor games for kids, including ones that need no equipment and others that pair brilliantly with outdoor toys like dart blasters, bubble toys, footballs and water play sets. These activities are easy to set up, exciting to play, and guaranteed to get kids moving.
Classic Outdoor Games for Kids
Let’s start with timeless options that need little or no setup.
1. Tag
One child is "it" and must chase and tag others, who then become "it" in the next round.
- Quick to learn
- Endless versions (freeze tag, shadow tag, team tag)
- Great for small or large group
2. Hide and Seek
One child counts (30 seconds as an example) with eyes closed while others hide, then tries to find everyone.
- Works in gardens or larger parks
- Builds patience and observation
- Can be played with siblings or friends
3. Duck, Duck, Goose
Children sit in a circle while one walks around tapping heads saying “duck” until they choose someone by saying “goose", then race around the circle.
- Best for kids aged 3–7
- Helps with attention and reflexes
- Circle-based game; needs at least 4 players
4. Simon Says
One child gives commands starting with “Simon says” and others must follow only if the phrase is used.
- Ideal for mixed age groups
- No setup required
- Good for developing listening skills
5. Red Light, Green Light
One player calls out “green light” to let others run and “red light” to make them stop. Any movement during red light sends players back to the start.
- Great for building coordination
- One caller controls the group
- Best on an open lawn or playground
- Outdoor Games for Kids with No Equipment
You don’t need to buy anything for these.
6. What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
One child stands facing away while others ask “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” and take steps forward — until the wolf calls “dinnertime” and chases them.
- Classic counting game
- Builds suspense and movement skills
- Kids take turns being “Mr Wolf”
7. Stuck in the Mud
When tagged by “it,” players freeze with legs apart until freed by another player crawling through.
- Like tag, but tagged players freeze in place
- Encourages teamwork to free stuck players
- High energy
8. Copy Me
One child performs a movement (e.g. jump, spin), and others must copy exactly in turn.
- One child performs an action, others copy
- Improves body control
- Use different movements like hopping, spinning, crawling
9. Scavenger Hunt
Give kids a list of natural items or colours to find in the garden or park.
- Write a quick list (leaf, stick, rock, something red)
- Can be done in gardens or parks
- Develops observation and curiosity
10. Statues
Children dance or move while music plays, and freeze completely when the music stops.
- Play music or clap a rhythm
- Kids dance or move until you stop the music
- They must freeze when the music stops
Best Outdoor Games for Kids Using Toys
Match these games with our products for even more fun.
11. Dart Blaster Target Challenge
Kids shoot soft darts at set-up targets like cups or drawn markers, scoring points for hits.
- Set up cups or paper targets
- Kids take turns using dart guns to hit targets
- Score points for accuracy
12. Water Balloon Dodge
Players throw water balloons at each other and try to dodge without getting wet.
- Use water balloons on hot days
- Similar to dodgeball but gentler
- Encourage aiming and dodging
13. Bubble Chase
Blow bubbles and let kids run, jump, and pop them as quickly as they can.
- Use bubble toys like wands or machines
- Kids chase and pop bubbles
- Great for toddlers and pre-schoolers
14. Garden Obstacle Course
Create a course using garden toys or furniture and time kids as they race through.
- Use cones, ropes, or garden furniture
- Add blasters or football dribbles as checkpoints
- Time each run for extra excitement
15. Mini Football Tournament
Use a foam football or more and split the kids into small teams and play quick 5–10 minute matches with fun challenges like penalty shootouts.
- Teams of 2 or 4 work well
- Keep matches short (5-10 mins)
- Add penalty shootouts for fun
Outdoor Party Games for Kids
Hosting a birthday or BBQ? Try these high-energy options.
16. Pass the Water
Players form a line and pass a cup of water over their heads to fill a bucket at the end.
- Kids line up with cups
- Must pass water over their heads without turning
- Last child empties into a bucket
17. Egg and spoon (or ball) Race
Kids balance an egg (or small ball) on a spoon while racing to the finish without dropping it.
- Use small plastic balls, balloons or eggs
- Balance them while racing
- Good for all ages
18. Ring Toss
Children throw rings at cones or bottles, aiming to land them over the top.
- Use cones or bottles with rings
- Award small prizes for top scores
- Great for fair-style parties
19. Sack Race
Kids stand in sacks or pillowcases and hop to the finish line as fast as possible.
- Use pillowcases or garden sacks
- Mark out a short racing lane
- Easy to run heats for large groups
20. Tug of War
Two teams pull opposite ends of a rope, trying to drag the centre marker past a line.
- Use a strong rope
- Divide into fair teams
- Place a marker to show the winning side
Outdoor Garden Games for Kids
Simple setups for everyday garden play.
21. Water Splash Zone
Set up a mix of sprinklers, paddling pools, and water toys for free play and soaking fun.
- Use paddling pools, water blasters, and sprinklers
- Create stations for different games
- Great for sunny days
22. Bubble Target
Blow bubbles and challenge kids to pop only bubbles of a certain size or colour.
- Blow bubbles; kids pop specific colours or sizes
- Add challenges like jumping and clapping to pop
- Encourage colour recognition in younger kids
23. Toy Hide and Seek
Hide outdoor toys around the garden and give kids clues to find them.
- Hide blasters or bubble toys in the garden
- Give kids clues or a time limit
- Keeps them moving and thinking
24. Balance Challenge
Kids walk along a rope or garden edge without falling, sometimes while carrying objects.
- Walk along garden borders or use a skipping rope on the ground
- Add items to carry while balancing
- Fun and safe
25. DIY Bowling
Use a foam football to knock over plastic bottles set up like bowling pins.
- Use plastic bottles and a football
- Let kids take turns bowling
- Count down pins for quick maths practice
Outdoor Games for Kids at School
These games work well during playtime or PE.
26. Relay Races
Teams pass an item (like a baton) from one child to the next in a race to the finish.
- Simple baton or object passing
- Add challenges like hopping or skipping legs
- Build teamwork and speed
27. Beanbag Toss
Children throw beanbags onto drawn or marked targets, trying to land in high-scoring zones.
- Use targets drawn in chalk or mats
- Great for aim and hand-eye coordination
- Teachers can adapt it for counting practice
28. Circle Games
Kids sit or stand in a circle and take turns in games like Hot Potato or Duck, Duck, Goose.
- Play games like Duck, Duck, Goose or Hot Potato
- Work well with large groups
- Keep everyone involved
29. Playground Obstacle Challenge
Use school playground features and added obstacles to create timed or scored challenges.
- Use school equipment with cones and timing
- Encourage children to plan their routes
30. Team Ball Games
Kids play team-based ball games like football or rounders, switching roles and teams often.
- Football, rounders, or tag rugby
- Help build coordination and communication
- Allow for regular rotation to keep it fair
Choosing the Right Outdoor Games
Ask yourself:
- How many kids are playing?
- What's their age range?
- Do you want calm or high-energy activities?
- Is the space open, enclosed, or shared?
Pick 3–5 games per session to keep things fresh. Rotate between high and low energy options.
If you're planning a party or want everyday ideas, check our Outdoor Toys collection to match games with our products.
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