11 Games to Play Outside For Kids: From Classic Fun to Playground Adventures

Whether you are a parent, an educator, or a community leader, providing the right environment for play is the greatest gift you can give a child.

Here are 11 of the best outside games to play with kids that will turn any outdoor space into a hub of excitement.

Classic High-Energy Games 

Sometimes, the best games to play outside with kids require nothing more than a bit of space and a lot of energy.

• Red Light, Green Light: A classic test of listening and agility. One player is the “stoplight,” and the others try to reach it. It’s a fantastic way to develop self-regulation and balance.
• Home Base Tag: Elevate a standard game of tag by designating “safe zones.” If you have a commercial playground, the slide or a specific platform can serve as a home base. This encourages kids to navigate levels and heights safely.
• Follow the Leader: Use your environment to its full potential. Lead the kids over hills, under benches, and across climbing domes to keep them moving in creative ways.

Contact Amish Direct Playsets today for a custom quote on a play environment that will keep kids moving for years to come!

Skill-Building Games with Simple Props

Adding a few simple items like a ball, bean bag, or jump rope can take play to the next level by focusing on hand-eye coordination and motor skills.

• The Nature Scavenger Hunt: Give kids a list of items to find: a smooth stone, a yellow leaf, something light green, or a dandelion. 
• Bean Bag Toss: Set up targets at varying distances. This is a low-impact way to help younger children develop throwing accuracy and focus.
• Racing: There is nothing like a good old-fashioned race. Use a jump rope or a chalk line as your finish line and let the kids compete in heats.

Strategy & Interactive Play

• Outdoor Tic Tac Toe: You can draw a grid in the dirt, but for a permanent solution that encourages daily play, a Ground Level Tic Tac Toe Panel is a community favorite. It’s a great way for kids to cool down while still staying engaged outdoors.
• The Floor is Lava: This game is a childhood rite of passage. Encourage kids to navigate from one piece of equipment to another without touching the grass. This is where our specialty theme playgrounds shine, as they provide the perfect “islands” for safety.
• Ground Level Activity Panels: For younger children or those who prefer tactile play, Activity Panels provide a sensory-rich experience that builds cognitive skills in the fresh air.

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Ball Games & Team Sports

• Funnel Ball: A playground staple for a reason. Kids toss a ball into the top of a funnel and wait to see which exit hole it drops out of. You can add a Funnel Ball Game to almost any existing play space.
• Kickball: A perfect “all-ages” game. It combines the rules of baseball with the ease of kicking a large ball, making it accessible for kids who are still developing their coordination.

Why the Right Play Environment Matters

While games are about the rules, the quality of play is often determined by the environment. An ASTM-compliant playground provides a safe, durable foundation where kids can push their physical limits without risk.

Inclusivity is also key. Games should be accessible to everyone, which is why we recommend incorporating elements like the ADA Activity Cube. 

Create Your Ultimate Play Space

The best memories are made outside. Whether you are looking to revitalize a park, a schoolyard, or a daycare center, the right equipment makes all the difference.