10 Fun and Engaging Outdoor Games for Kids

2 min read

Last updated

Tamar Andrews

Tamar Andrews

2 min read

Last updated

As summer approaches, it’s time to get your kids outside and playing!

Outdoor games for kids can be a great way to get your preschoolers outside, having fun and learning some valuable skills along the way.

Tag Games

Tag is a classic outdoor game for kids of all ages. It’s a great way to get your preschoolers running around and having fun.

Consider different variations of tag to keep the game interesting.

Hula Hoop Games

Hula hoops are not just for hula hooping. Use them as targets for bean bags, tossing balls, or even a game of ring toss.






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Simon Says

This game is a great way to get your preschoolers following directions. Have them do various activities like hopping, running, and dancing.

Duck Duck Goose

This is a classic game that’s been around for generations. Have your preschoolers sit in a circle and take turns being the “goose” as they run around the circle.

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Jump Rope

Jumping rope is an excellent way to get your preschoolers exercising. Try to make it fun by making different patterns or using songs.

Musical Statues

This is a fun game that encourages your preschoolers to move to the beat. Have them dance around to some music and then freeze when the music stops.

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Water Gun Races

On hot days, water guns can be a great way to keep your preschoolers cool. Divide them into teams and have them race to the finish line while shooting water at each other.

Hide and Seek

This is a timeless game that can be played outdoors. Have your preschoolers take turns hiding and seeking each other.

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Three-Legged Race

Tie your preschoolers’ legs together in pairs and have them race to the finish line. This is a great way to encourage teamwork and cooperation.

Relay Races

Relay races are a great way to get your preschoolers running and having fun. Divide them into teams and have them compete against each other.

These 10 outdoor games for preschoolers are sure to keep your little ones engaged and having a great time. So get outside and let the games begin!

As summer approaches, it’s time to get your kids outside and playing!

Outdoor games for kids can be a great way to get your preschoolers outside, having fun and learning some valuable skills along the way.

Tag Games

Tag is a classic outdoor game for kids of all ages. It’s a great way to get your preschoolers running around and having fun.

Consider different variations of tag to keep the game interesting.

Hula Hoop Games

Hula hoops are not just for hula hooping. Use them as targets for bean bags, tossing balls, or even a game of ring toss.






Image Source

Simon Says

This game is a great way to get your preschoolers following directions. Have them do various activities like hopping, running, and dancing.

Duck Duck Goose

This is a classic game that’s been around for generations. Have your preschoolers sit in a circle and take turns being the “goose” as they run around the circle.

Image Source

Jump Rope

Jumping rope is an excellent way to get your preschoolers exercising. Try to make it fun by making different patterns or using songs.

Musical Statues

This is a fun game that encourages your preschoolers to move to the beat. Have them dance around to some music and then freeze when the music stops.

Image Source

Water Gun Races

On hot days, water guns can be a great way to keep your preschoolers cool. Divide them into teams and have them race to the finish line while shooting water at each other.

Hide and Seek

This is a timeless game that can be played outdoors. Have your preschoolers take turns hiding and seeking each other.

Image Source

Three-Legged Race

Tie your preschoolers’ legs together in pairs and have them race to the finish line. This is a great way to encourage teamwork and cooperation.

Relay Races

Relay races are a great way to get your preschoolers running and having fun. Divide them into teams and have them compete against each other.

These 10 outdoor games for preschoolers are sure to keep your little ones engaged and having a great time. So get outside and let the games begin!





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Tamar Andrews

Director of ECE @ American Jewish University

Tamar Andrews, EdD, is an Associate Professor at UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies and Director of the Early Childhood Education Department at American Jewish University. With 30+ years in early childhood as a teacher and director, she led Temple Isaiah Preschool from 2003 to 2023, where she earned NAEYC accreditation and built an award-winning STEM program. Her work inspired her son Daniel to build Playground. She also teaches at UCLA Extension and Santa Monica College and speaks internationally on early childhood education.

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Book a demo to see why providers are switching.

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Great! What's the best way we can contact you?

  • Gan Sinai Early Learning Center of Temple Siniai
  • Yakima Valley Memorial
  • Child Development Consortium of Los Angeles
  • St. John Lutheran Church
  • The Weston School Early Childhood Education
Illustration of a child care classroom with bookshelves, a slide, and a teddy bear

Book a demo to see why providers are switching.

First, tell us about yourself. What type of program do you run?

Great! What's the best way we can contact you?

  • Gan Sinai Early Learning Center of Temple Siniai
  • Yakima Valley Memorial
  • Child Development Consortium of Los Angeles
  • St. John Lutheran Church
  • The Weston School Early Childhood Education