As adults, we all remember carefree summer days when we played with our siblings and friends into the wee hours of the evening. However, times have changed. In our digital age, most children spend several hours a day indoors watching TV, playing video games, and using smartphones.

Experts recommend that kids should spend a minimum of three hours a day playing outside. Research shows that active, unstructured outdoor play helps children learn how to follow rules, develop leadership and teamwork skills, solve problems, and learn good sportsmanship.

One of the best ways to get your kids outside is by introducing them to games you used to play as a child. You can also try exciting new games you’ve never played before. If you need ideas, check out the best playground games to try with your kids below.

Physical Games

Here are four fun physical games to try with your kids.

1. Spud

Also referred to as “call ball” and “ball tag,” this throwback is a great outdoor game for elementary schoolers.

What You Need:

• Inflatable playground ball

How to Play:

1. Assign each player a number.
2. One player stands with the ball, and the others form a circle around them.
3. The player with the ball throws it into the air and shouts a number.
4. The player with that number must run to catch the ball, while all the other players run away.
5. When the player with that number catches the ball, they yell “SPUD!” Everyone else must stop running.
6. The player with the ball can take three large steps in any direction. They’ll then throw the ball in any direction to hit a nearby player.
7. If the player is hit, they have an “S.” If the ball misses, the throwing player has an “S.”
8. Continue until one player has “SPUD.” They’re the winner!

2. Capture the Flag

A childhood favorite from summer camp and family camping trips, you’ll love playing capture the flag with your kids. This is a great outdoor game for elementary schoolers.

What You Need:

• Two large hula hoops
• Two flags (towels and T-shirts work, too!)

How to Play:

1. Divide evenly into two teams and split your backyard or park into two areas.
2. Each team will have time to hide their flag and set up a “jail” (the hula hoop) somewhere in their territory.
3. The players then try to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their team’s territory.
4. If a player crosses into the opposite team’s territory and is tagged by a member of the opposite team, they go to “jail.”
5. A player can only be released from jail and continue to play if they’re tagged by a member of their own team.

3. Kick the Can

This fun game combines hide-and-seek, tag, and capture the flag. It’s one of the best playground games for kids of all ages.

What You Need:

• Metal can (soda can, coffee can, etc.)
• Designated “jail” location

How to Play:

1. Place the can in the middle of the playing area.
2. Select one player to be “it.”
3. Like hide-and-seek, the player who’s “it” covers their eyes and counts while the other players hide.
4. When the player who’s “it” finds a hidden player, they must call them out by name. Then, they both race towards the can.
5. If the hidden player kicks the can first, they can run and hide again. But if the player who’s “it” tags them first, the hidden player must go to jail. (We think a Swing Kingdom playset is the perfect “jail” location!).
6. From there, any player in hiding can come out and try to kick the can. If the player who’s “it” tags another player, the tagged player must go to “jail.” But if one of the hidden players kicks the can, all of the players are free and can hide again.
7. A round ends when all players are in “jail” with nobody left to free them.

4. Ghost in the Graveyard

This exciting game is best played at dusk and is essentially the opposite of hide-and-seek. It’s an ideal outdoor game for preschoolers and elementary schoolers.

What You Need:

• Designated “base” location

How to Play:

1. One player is designated the “ghost” and is the only player who hides.
2. All of the other players must close their eyes while the ghost hides. At that point, they search for the ghost together.
3. When a player finds the ghost, they must yell, “ghost in the graveyard!”
4. All players must run to the designated base while the ghost tries to tag them.
5. If a player is tagged, they are the new ghost. If everyone reaches the base before being tagged, the original ghost must hide again.

Educational Games

Here are four fun educational games to try with your kids.

1. Hopscotch

Hopscotch is a great outdoor game for preschoolers. As each child takes their turn, have them say the number they landed on before they hop to the next square. You can also have kids add the previous two numbers they landed on before moving forward.

2. Tic-Toc Clock

Tic-Toc Clock is an educational game that can be installed right on your child’s Swing Kingdom playset! The big hand and little hand both move, so learning to tell time becomes an exciting game and makes learning fun. Tic-Toc Clock is an ideal outdoor game for elementary schoolers since they’re learning to tell time in school.

3. Tic-Tac-Toe

Playing tic-tac-toe helps kids build logic, reasoning, and strategy skills. This classic game attaches to your Swing Kingdom playset, so children will build their intellect while reaping the benefits of being outside. While they’re too young to understand tic-tac-toe, this is a great outdoor game for toddlers because they’ll enjoy turning the X’s and O’s.

4. Alphabet & Number Games

Kids will love practicing their letters and numbers on this fun Swing Kingdom accessory! They can show you the letters and numbers they do know, and you can help them practice ones they don’t. This is one of the best outdoor games for preschoolers and elementary schoolers.

To learn more about the benefits of outdoor play for children, check out this informative Swing Kingdom blog!