A wise man once said, “It is a great talent to know how to play” and it is safe to say that truer words were never spoken. Going outdoors and playing for as long as you want is probably one of the only feelings that one always yearns for in their life.
If you are looking to relive the good old days, follow this blog till the end as we bring you some of the best games that can be played indoors and outdoors. Some of them have different variations and one can come up with more variations while playing with friends or family.
Fun Outdoor Games for Kids and Adults
The games mentioned below can come off as a recreational activity for many, while for others, it may be a way to laugh a little more than usual.
Parachute
Plenty of you may have come across parachute as a word but not many of you must have played the same during your childhood days. Safe to say that the game is somewhat similar as players hold a parachute from all the edges during the course of this game. In most cases, if someone is in charge, it makes the whole experience so much better. This outdoor game is for kids and families alike.
There are countless variations of this game and the more players there are, the better it gets for everyone who is playing. Some just put objects such as beanbags on top of the parachute to make it spin or jump by ruffling the parachute.
Others try variations, where a kid will simply sit on the parachute, and others, make him spin by ruffling the parachute, provided that the floor is smooth and the child is lightweight. If you are excited about this game, gather around 10 or more friends and buy a play parachute to get started with the fun.
Hide and Seek
If your childhood memories do not include hiding behind dirty cars and underneath deserted stairs, you probably have missed out on a lot of good things. Does not matter whether you have played it with your parents, siblings, or friends for that matter, hide and seek will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone, unless of course you were scared of the dark.
The game is pretty simple and does not have a lot of rules, making it quite entertaining for the kids. At times, kids count up to ten, other times, twenty or maybe fifty. Some kids play it as a race where they will be safe once they enter a certain zone, while others play until all of the players are found.
In simpler terms, the idea behind the game is to find the other players after giving them some time to hide within a certain area. A minimum of three players should be present to play this game and no additional equipment is required for playing.
Kick the Can
For those of you who did not go out and play, number 1 on our list comes off as a combination of tag and hide and seek. There are two teams or players in the game and a can is placed in the middle of the playing zone. One player covers their eyes and counts to a certain number while the other player runs and hides. If the player is able to find the ones who were hiding, they have to stand in the holding place for captured players. In case a player is able to kick the can before they get caught, all of the other players are released.
As soon as all of the players are in the holding place, the game is over. Not much equipment is needed apart from a metal can.
Four Square
Who hasn’t played four square? A simple game where a small area is divided into four different parts, each being numbered from 1 to 4. The lowest-ranked player is four and the highest-ranked is placed in one.
The goal in the game is to make the ball bounce in the court of the other player at least once before they catch the ball. Everybody has played a different variation of this game and it is safe to say that all of them are as fun as one expects them to be. The best thing is that if you are ranked the highest, you get to choose the rules of the game and if anyone violates any of the rules that were set by player number 1, they move lower down the rankings.
In some cases, the players also get eliminated and a new player comes into the four square. This comes off as the perfect outdoor game for kids since one only needs a playing ground, a ball, and a minimum of four players.
Hopscotch
Hey man, you got some chalk left, let’s play. Not a single individual can say that they are not aware of this game or if they have not played this at least once in their lifetime. The craze for this game was real. Kids used to handpick rocks for the game.
The idea of the game is to throw the rock in the perfect square once, (8 squares being there in total) and then hop over on a single foot while completing the whole circuit in accordance with the rules of the game.
Here is how it goes.
Stop on square 2 while balancing yourself on one foot to pick up the rock piece from square 1 and jump over the same to start. As soon as you miss your shot and the rock is not in the correct square, your turn is over.
The game can include as many players as the individual wants to include, but only one person can play at a time. What makes it even more fun is that it can also be played indoors even though the whole idea of the game is for kids to have fun while playing outside.
Minimal equipment is required for this game and players can suffice with a rock and a pattern on the floor if there is nothing else available.
Double Dutch and Jump-Rope
One of the best ways to pass time. Jump rope is a professional sporting activity although plenty of people in their spare time or if they want to work out for a bit. With time, some even get good at the same, improving speed and jump while playing tricks with the rope.
It may not sound like it, but it is actually up there in the list of some of the best outdoor games. Along with ropes, the idea of jumping with a couple of friends came into the picture. Apart from doing a simple exercise, it turns into something much more exciting and competitive.
Double dutch is pretty impressive as it is and it just adds to the whole idea of playing games outside when you just have a skipping rope and some time for yourself. Simply go out with a rope and get started.
Jump-Rope (Chinese Version)
As we move down the lines of our list, in comes a game that needs a mere three people. The game can also be played with a couple of players and some really good-quality chairs. Not only outdoors, but the game can also be played indoors, assuming that the floor isn’t lava. The major difference between the regular version and this one is that, in this version, you jump a lot, but while following a pattern.
Two players stretch the rope out by putting their feet inside the rope so that the third player can jump between the two. It is mandatory for the third player to face one of the two players who are stretching the rope while jumping in a pattern.
A variety of patterns are available for use but keep in mind that all the players have to use the same pattern while playing the game. It begins with the ropes being at the ankle level. As soon as the game moves along, the ropes are moved to the calves. Further, the ropes are moved to the knees and then ultimately to the thighs.
It is up to the players in case they want to take it any higher but usually, it doesn’t go above that. As soon as a player misses, their turn is over. A minimum of three players, some rubber bands tied in a circle, and a couple of chairs. That is all you need to play this bizarre yet brilliant version of jump rope.
Jacks
No, we are not talking about the jack of all trades or the Jack in Titanic. Irrespective of outdoors or indoors, all one needs is a flat surface to play this game. The jacks are simply spread on the surface by the player in a way that may make it seem as if the player was throwing stones in a careless fashion.
After this, the ball is bounced once and then caught before it can bounce another time. During this, players try to get as many jacks in their pocket as possible before the ball drops a second time. Every player has to pick up the jacks in an orderly fashion and it goes like this, “onesies, twosies and three, and so on.
Some even think of it as a retro game since many kids these days do not know about it. It can be played with any number of players, all you need is a rubber ball and a set of jacks.
Capture the Flag
This comes as the perfect game for kids or people in large groups. Generally, a group gets split into two teams, with each team having a flag or a marker in their respective bases. The major objective of the game is to take the flag of the other team and make it safely back to your own territory. Players can get tagged in foreign territory and once that happens, they have to go to the jail of the other team.
The players in jail can only be freed by other players from their team if they run past the enemy territory and tag the player. Keep in mind that only one player can be freed per jailbreak. In some cases, the team members in the jail hold hands to form a chain structure as that makes it easier for other players to tag them and free them from the jail. This is one of the most entertaining outdoor games and resembles steal the sticks, which is pretty similar but instead of markers and flags, it includes a lot of sticks.
The game is to be played with a large group of players and is one of the best outdoor games where kids and adults can play without any equipment.
Traffic Cop
Ever been to the streets of your lane? In case you have, the traffic cop may bring back a lot of memories for you. The game is usually played in an empty lane or on a street where there is not much traffic. Although it takes tons of props to play the game, it is worth the wait and all the effort.
One of the best takeaways of this game is that not only is it a great idea for outdoor games for teenagers, it also helps them learn about road safety and when one should cross the road. All one needs is anything that has wheels and a couple of friends along with a street that is not so busy.
Marbles
This game is by far one of the best things that any kid can come across. We often used to play this game when we were kids. There is only a general rule of the game and that is, whoever knocks the marble of the other player with the common marble wins.
The game is played within a circle made from chalk on the sidewalk or if you have sand near you. Similar to other fun outdoor games, this one also comes with countless variations and one can even create new ones according to their convenience.
Some might complain that the kids might get hurt, but what is the whole point of having a childhood if you don’t have any bruises to show for it when you grow up. Pick some small and large marbles, chalk, and a place and play your heart out.
Red light, Greenlight
If you have plenty of space, this can be an indoor option, if not, move out and play anyway. Many may know about this game from the reference of Squid game, a show where the initial game was a red light, green light. The only difference is that nobody will put a bullet in your skull if you lose while playing with your friends.
The player who acts as the traffic light can move around as quickly as they want to and say red light and if anyone is found moving, they have to move back to the starting position. Whosoever gets to tag the traffic light first gets to be the traffic line in the next game. This can be a great addition to a party where kids are looking for games to play outside. No equipment is needed, just gather around and enjoy.
Mother, May I
In succession to red light, green light, mother may I can be called as a variation of the game mentioned above. The person in the front is asked, “Mother may I move forward?” from any of the players behind them and they respond with, “no you may not” or “yes, you may”.
The requests can vary such as baby steps, leaps, spinning steps, or anything that sounds possible. The person who tags the player playing mother first gets to be them in the following game. Just as it went with red light, green light, gather around and move forward with the game.
Simon Says
There aren’t many games that one can play anywhere and thankfully for you, Simon says is one of them. Simply shout, Simon says, followed by the action that you want the players to perform and everyone will have to do it. Anyone who says to do a certain action without saying “Simon says” first, is out.
The last man standing gets to be Simon for the next round. The best thing about this game is that it can be played literally anywhere, be it a car, a room, or even in an alley.
Tag
The ultimate showdown of athleticism. Tag is something that everyone is familiar with. One may have played it under a different name but there is no denying that they have played it at some point in their life.
The game is pretty simple. One player chases others and whoever gets tagged has to chase others. There is no way around this, although, at times, players come up with rules such as no tag backs which implies that the person who just got tagged cannot tag the person that tagged them in the first place.
There are no limitations of time and players play it up until they get tired or if they have to go back to class or home. So, the next time you see someone chasing someone in a park, feel free to join in.
Shadow Tag
Another instance on our list where a game has a variation that is named after the original gangster. As opposed to tag, in shadow tag, players tag the shadow by their feet instead of the body. The condition for playing it is that players should be out on a sunny day. The more the heat, the better it gets.
Freeze Tag
Similar to the normal version of tag, if you get tagged in this version, instead of chasing others, you will have to remain frozen wherever you are. In turn, another player who is not “it” can unfreeze the player by tagging him. It can either be played in a small group or a large group and no additional equipment is needed.
TV Tag
Freeze tag just came in with a twisted variation. This is where a person who is unfreezing the frozen player has to call out a TV show while they are doing it and the same TV show cannot be used throughout the course of the game. All the other rules and things remain the same as tag.
Marco Polo
We have another one for you, tag fans. Marco Polo, as many may think of it, is in fact associated with water. The person playing as “it” screams Marco and then all the other players have to shout “polo”. The other details remain the same as tag where the person who gets tagged has to play “it”.
Keep in mind to play in a pool that is not too deep as safety should be the primary concern while having fun. Apart from that, no additional requirements are there for playing the game. Dive in and enjoy the time.
Blind Man’s Bluff
If you are English, I bet you are smiling right now. One can call it another version of tag, but with a simple twist. The person who plays as “it” has to tag others with a blindfold, making it a difficult version. All you need is a safe space and a blindfold to get started with your entertainment or “childish charades” as some may call it.
Red Rover
Arguably one of the most exciting games to play outside.
Start by dividing players into two teams consisting of equal numbers of players. Further, tell the players to stand in a long line while holding hands and facing the other team. Make sure that the two teams stand at a distance of 20 feet from each other.
Both teams take turns screaming “red rover, red rover let’s come over.” In turn, a kid from the opposite runs towards the other team holding hands as fast as possible to break through. If the player succeeds, they get to take someone back from the team with them, if they don’t, they join hands with the opposite team.
The game goes on until only a single player is left on the other team and if they manage to break through the hands, the game goes on. No equipment of any sort is needed and a decent group of kids can play this game in an ample space with ease.
Heads Up, Seven Up
The game has been around for quite a while now, with traces going as far back as the early 1950s. This game is usually seen in elementary classes. It does not take much to play this game and one can play it while sitting on their desk.
The beginning sounds something like this when the first 7 kids go to the front and the teacher says, “heads down, thumbs up.” Everyone at their desk simply turns their heads down, extending an arm to stick their thumbs up. After this, the seven kids that were in the front go around the room and press down the thumb of one kid each.
Once this happens, the kids go to the back of the room and the teacher says, “heads up, seven up.” The players in the back raise their heads and the other 7 who had their thumbs up earlier will try to name the player who they think pressed their thumb down. If they name it correctly, they switch places with the one who pressed the thumb. And just like that, the game starts again. A classroom is the perfect place for kids to play this or adults for that matter.
Spud
This is one of the most popular outdoor games for adults. At the start, everyone is allocated a number and they crowd around the player who plays as “it”. After this, the player “it” launches the ball in the air and calls out the number of any one of the players. That player has to catch the ball or at least chase after it in case it is bouncing around. As soon as the player gets a hold of it, they shout “spud” and all of the players have to freeze wherever they are standing.
The player with the ball in hand then tries to hit any one of the standing players and if they succeed, the player that gets hit is given a new alphabet and has to play as “it” in the next round. If not, then the player who threw the ball will have to play as “it” in the next round.
You only need a playground and a ball along with kids to enjoy this game. It can also be a fun addition to outdoor party games.
The game can be played both indoors and outdoors as well. Players have to sit or stand in a circle while holding hands together in front of them. Any one of the players gets up and runs in a circle around the group with the button.
While going around the circle, they put the button in the pocket of one of the players and continue to pretend that they are still circling around the group. After this, the group asks simultaneously, “button button who’s got the button?” and after that one by one, every player tries to guess who has the button.
The person who guesses it correctly gets to be the button guy in the next round. Make sure to not play with toddlers or kids who are not old enough as chances are that they might choke on the button unintentionally.
There is also a different version where a player stands in the middle of the circle and the button gets passed around. Players who are not passing the button pretend that they are doing it. Once the passing stops, the player has to guess which player has the button. The game can be best played preferably in a larger group and all you need is a button.
Cat’s Cradle
One of the lesser-known games that get featured on this game. Much is to be said about this game but the major highlight of this is that the game is portable no matter if you are alone or with friends. While alone, you can come up with different shapes and when you are playing with someone else, you can try to transfer the shapes and come up with new ones.
If you want to learn, there are plenty of books that you can learn from. You can either come up with your own strings or you can buy the book with which the string comes for free. You only need a long string (about 36 inches long) and that is all you need to get going.
Hand Clap Games
Clap games are pretty across all parts of the globe. It is all about the songs and the pattern involved when it comes to hand clap games. Usually, things start getting complicated as players move forward. A plethora of rhymes is available on the internet that can be used to learn the pattern.
The number of players can potentially go up to four, initially starting from two and as the pattern becomes complicated and the rhymes become more rapid, you can add players along the line.
Crack the Whip
Generally, this game is played on ice with the skating shoes on, in winters. Even though the game is pretty safer when compared to others, it is not much fun when it is played on grass. Similar to plenty of other games, the players hold hands while being in a line.
The person at the end of the line skates or runs around fast while constantly changing directions. The end side of the line moves a lot harder when compared to the players that are in the front. The more the players, the longer it becomes for them to hold on to that tail.
In case the players at the end fall off, they can try to get back in from the front side which is closer.
Musical Chairs
Who does not know about this? Chairs are arranged to face outward and the total number of chairs is one less than the players playing. An additional player takes care of when to start and stop the track. As soon as the music starts, players start moving around the chairs in an orderly fashion.
Once the music stops, players have to sit on the nearest chair as soon as possible. Whosoever does not get the seat gets eliminated. The Player who manages to sit on the final seat is the winner.
Apart from chairs, one can also organize the game outdoors with different sorts of furniture. All it takes is some furniture and a portable music player to set the tone for this game.
Telephone
If you are in dire need of laughter, this is it. The game itself is nothing more than a series of silly events. All of the players start by sitting in a circle and one person thinks of a phrase and tells it to the other person. Just like that, the cycle repeats itself and when the sentence reaches the last person, they have to say what the sentence was out loud.
The fun part is that the sentences get changed since errors tend to happen intentionally from every player. This is the perfect game if you want to share a laugh with your college mates.
Freeze Dance
As we move closer to the end, another game that is associated with music comes in. When the music starts, everyone starts swaying and once the music stops, everyone freezes in the exact same position and place where they were dancing.
Anyone who gets caught or is seen moving gets eliminated and the last person to stand wins. A music player and the craze to have a good time is all one needs.
There you have it. These are some of the best possible games for kids and adults alike, that can be played indoors and some outdoors too.
We hope that this blog has solved all the queries that you had in mind and that you are leaving the page with better ideas in mind.
Up until next time! Play and Pray.
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