10 Fun and Engaging Outdoor Games for Kids
10 Fun and Engaging Outdoor Games for Kids
10 Fun and Engaging Outdoor Games for Kids
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!
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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