Summer Activities For The Kids or The Whole Family

[kirbymom]

 For those days where our kids talk about how bored they are.  LOL 

Classic Kids Outdoor Games Still Have Appeal

Try These Games That Parents and Grandparents Used to Play

By Susan Adcox, About.com Guide

See More About:

• outdoor activities
• family fun
• things to do with grandchildren

In a simpler time, kids played outdoors all the time. As Adair Lara says, they "were set out in the yard in the morning and brought in at night, like cats." To stave off boredom, they played every game they had ever heard of, and invented hundreds of variations. Today, children tend to get more screen time and less scream time. Concern about physical fitness has led to a myriad of experts recommending more outdoor play. These classic kids outdoor games are just what the doctor ordered, and besides that, they're a lot of fun. If the weather isn't suitable for outdoor play, try these other old-fashioned games.

1. Swing the Statue

Photo © Hallgerd / Dreamstime

A favorite game of the fifties and sixties, Swing the Statue will still be enjoyed by children today. It's fun to try to hold a pose, but even more fun to watch others in their strange positions.

2. Sneaky Sprinkler

Photo © Melonesa / Dreamstime

Kids and water are a dynamite duo. Put the kids in their swimsuits or old clothes, and let the good times begin. You never know when that Sneaky Sprinkler is going to go off!

3. Horse Basketball

Photo © Maszas / Dreamstime

If there's a basketball goal and basketball in the vicinity, you have everything you need for a game of Horse. A game of shooting skill, Horse is fun for young and old.

4. Red Light, Green Light

Photo © GBH / Dreamstime

Kids of all ages can enjoy Red Light, Green Light, a classic kids game that is played all over the globe, in slightly different variations.

5. Shadowing

Photo © hsandler / Dreamstime

A tracking game played by Boy Scouts for many years, Shadowing can be played by groups both large and small. Powers of observation are important for successful shadowing.

6. Hide-and-Seek

Photo © Liunian / Dreamstime

Who doesn't know how to play hide-and-seek? Ah, but have you ever played Chain Hide-and-Seek or Sardines? Why be content with the classic kids game when you can give it a new twist?

7. Flashlight Tag

Photo © David Hernandez / Dreamstime

What kid doesn't love a flashlight? And if it can be used in a lively game of Flashlight Tag, so much the better! It's like hide-and-seek but played at night, when the darkness lends an air of mystery and suspense.

8. Red Rover

Photo © Andersen Ross / Getty Images

There's hardly an adult alive who doesn't have fond memories of playing Red Rover. Although banned in some areas for being too rough, with proper supervision Red Rover can still supply hours of fun.

9. Kickball

Photo © Stockbyte / Getty Images

A playground ball, an open space, and eight or more kids, and you have the makings of a classic neighborhood game of kickball. All ages can play, with a few accommodations, and the neighborhood windows are safe.

10. Four Square Ball

Photo © Cheryl Casey / Dreamstime

Just follow the bouncing ball to play the game of Four Square. With quick reactions and a little strategy, players can work their way up from being a peasant to being the king!

11. Hopscotch

Photo © Able Images /Getty Images

Hopscotch may be the oldest of these classic kids outdoor games, as tradition has it that Roman soldiers played it in ancient Britain. Medieval hopscotch courts could be a hundred feet long, but a lot of fun can be had with a course a tenth of that.

12. Capture the Flag

Photo © Photoking / Dreamstime

Although it's probably been played for a century, Capture the Flag is still a favorite at camp and family reunions. For an updated version, play it with Nerf guns.

[KickButtMama]

Lol I remember some of these!

I think it's a shame we can't kick the kids out in the morning and call them back in for dinner...lol...not really. I even live in the same neighborhood I did when I was the kids ages and it is a totally different, more hostile place. I wish the kids could spend more time outside in the summer but the air quality gets bad and my eldest has asthma. But we are hoping to plan a camping trip for September so these should come in handy! Thanks!!

[irvinehiker]

 Great outdoor games....the best part is most don't cost anything and they're lots of fun.  Thanks for posting!

[KickButtMama]

I miss 4 square, I used to play it all summer as a kid!

[kirbymom]

 I remember some of these too!  hahaha 

Quoting KickButtMama:

Lol I remember some of these!

I think it's a shame we can't kick the kids out in the morning and call them back in for dinner...lol...not really. I even live in the same neighborhood I did when I was the kids ages and it is a totally different, more hostile place. I wish the kids could spend more time outside in the summer but the air quality gets bad and my eldest has asthma. But we are hoping to plan a camping trip for September so these should come in handy! Thanks!!

 

[kirbymom]

 I know, isn't that awesome?  lol

Quoting irvinehiker:

 Great outdoor games....the best part is most don't cost anything and they're lots of fun.  Thanks for posting!

 

[kirbymom]

 Ha! I remember Red Light, Green Light myself. It was my favorite when little.

Quoting KickButtMama:

I miss 4 square, I used to play it all summer as a kid!

 

[usmom3]

 I remember playing hide & seek in the woods with my siblings & friends.

[mem82]

I loved both!

Quoting kirbymom:

 Ha! I remember Red Light, Green Light myself. It was my favorite when little.

Quoting KickButtMama:

I miss 4 square, I used to play it all summer as a kid!

 

[kirbymom]

 I loved that game too.  :)

Quoting usmom3:

 I remember playing hide & seek in the woods with my siblings & friends.

 

[swim-mom72]

Flashlight tag is a favorite around here, but we call it "spotlight." And my boys use to love kickball! Me too! We should get a game going at the park this week...thanks for the ideas : )