Take the party outdoors with these games for kids bubbling over with energy.
A little forward planning is needed for both these games.
Bumper Cars
You'll need a large area for the game, preferably one that is grassed or is soft underfoot.
- Begin by setting out a track using string or rope. The track can be a plain oval shape, or around a small structure in the garden, or around a few obstacles. The shape and length of the track will depend on the age of the players. The younger the players, the more simple the track should be.
- Each player needs a length of string about 10 to 15 cms long. Players should spread out across the starting line. They squat down and tuck their hands behind their knees, each hand holding one end of the string.
- The referee blows the whistle to start the game and everyone races/waddles around the track trying to get to the finish line fist. But they must not let go of either end of their string. Players must not use elbows or head-butt each other.
Alien Litter
This is a very easy game but does need a little preparation. Best of all it's for almost any age group.
- Before the game begins wrap a number of prizes in very brightly coloured paper. This is the Alien Litter. It is best to have at least two or three pieces of litter per player, but it can be as many as you like. How many pieces of litter there are will determine the length of the game.
- Plant the litter around outside in the garden and around the house, varying how obvious they are according to the age of the players. It is best to keep a list or a map indicating where the litter has been left to ensure all the prizes are found.
- To begin the game, gather all the players together in the centre of the garden and at the blow of the whistle they set out to find the alien litter.
Night Game
Alien Litter can also be played at night, so long as the players involved aren't afraid of the dark. Instead of wrapping the prizes in brightly coloured paper, wrap them in pieces of cooking foil.
The game can be played in the dark with each player using a flashlight to find the litter (the light will reflect off the foil). If, however, players are not comfortable with that, leave all the outdoor lighting on.
For more game ideas check out Outdoor Games for Kids.
The copyright of the article Outdoor Games for Children in Kids & Teen Parties is owned by Lesley Munnichs. Permission to republish Outdoor Games for Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
