ARENA

1. PRISONER OF WAR
Children are divided into teams.
They each select one child from each team to be the prisoner of the other team and
the two prisoners are placed in jail. This can be a designated area or a chalk box if
playing outside.
The teams each line up and the object of the game is to free the prisoner from the
other team.
The teams must get to the prison by going to the other team’s side to free the prisoner.
If tagged, that child then becomes a prisoner too and must go to jail.
If a child makes it to jail, however, he or she is safe as long as he is inside the prison.
The rescuer can only rescue one person at a time and can choose the right time to
“break for it.”

2. SNAKES AND WORMS

(You can call this game anything you want. An idea is to use brown and green yarn
and call it snakes and worms…)
• Cut two colors of yarn, each about 20 feet long. (If you have a large group
playing at the same time–you may need 3 colors of yarn and cut the pieces
longer)
• Next cut the long length into many pieces.
• Hide the pieces of yarn outside.
• When time to play, carefully explain rules and regulations to children.
Form two teams with one or two kids on each side as captains.
They will tie each yarn piece that is brought to them, to the next yarn piece.
The team with the longest finished yarn string wins!
Idea: This game would also be good for a party–and adapted to the inside.
3. HANGMAN
Played in pairs or groups at the same time they receive a word and the team has to
come up with the word (use chalk for pavement)
Words: awkward, dwarves, oxygen, Today, positive, mathematics, independent, exist,
lungs, remarkable, ourselves, mission, silly, university, wealth, zoo, science,
discovery, advice.

4. KEEP AWAY
Like monkey in the middle they form a circle; one of them passes the ball and the
players on the left and right have to say the correct word; who says the word first
stays in the game and the other one is out.
FEELINGS, WAYS OF TRANSPORT, FOOD, SCHOOL OBJECTS,
SUMMER, FAMILY, CLOTHES

5. PLAY BALLOON BADMINTON (G1)

Another great idea is to make paddles simply taping tongue depressor sticks to the
back of paper plates. Use the paper plate ‘paddles’ to keep a blown up ballon up in
the air–This game can be played in a gym or outdoors— played individually or in a
group! It’s also a great way to repurpose paper plates and balloons!

6. FIND YOUR FRIEND

This is a great cooperation game. For this kids outdoor game (it could also be played
in a gym) make sure the land is flat and there are no trip hazards.
Blindfold all children, set them a distance apart from each other, spin them gently/
slowly around, and then turn them loose.
They must find their friends, link arms, and then find the rest of their friends.
They will have a good time shuffling around and bumping into each other!
(Be sure an adult is present at all times).

7. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

(Can be played outside or inside gym area)
This game is for 5 or more players and should be played outside or in an open area.
• To play, select four objects to be bases and give each base a name:
• “Don’t like it,” “Love it,” “It’s OK,” “Never tried it.”
• Make signs for each base to make it easy to remember which is which!
• Pick someone to be “IT.” “IT” stands in the middle and the players stand on
any base they want. “IT” calls out the name of a food.
• Players then have to run to the base that describes how they feel about that
food. “IT” tries to tag a player before he or she reaches the base. The player
who is tagged then becomes the new “It “.

8. RUNNING BASES … ALSO CALLED ‘PICKLE’

(A great game for building baseball skills)
Need a 2 Bases, at least 3 players and rubber ball or tennis ball…
There are several versions for playing this game. This one is the most basic.
1. Set up two bases on a play area about 20 to 50 feet apart.(The distance depends on
the skill level of the players)
2. Two players are ‘fielders’. They each stand at a base and toss the ball to each other.
All other players are ‘runners’. If there is more than one runner–they divide and go to
the bases.
3.The object is for the runner(s) to move from base to base without being tagged as
the fielders toss the ball back and forth. If a runner is touching a base, he or she is
safe. If they make it to the next base without being tagged out they score a run. If
they are tagged it’s an out.
4. A runner cannot hug a base. He/she must run at least every second time the ball is
thrown. The fielder does not have to stay on the base to catch the ball. They may go
after each runner.
5. The goal of the game is to touch the bases as many times as you can without being
tagged out. The runner must keep track of how many times they touch the base before
a fielder tags them out. When that runner gets out, they rotate positions so that the
fielders can be the runner. After everyone has ran, they compare scores.(bases
touched).

9. Oversized Memory Game (G1)

The oversized memory game is just like the traditional version, only bigger. Plus, you
get to come up with what pics to put on them.
Take at least 10 sheets of poster board, draw matching numbers, pictures or symbols
on each half, and cut them down the middle. Place them outside, face down and take
turns guessing and matching them up.
We love the giant-sized version of this classic memory game. It’s a great way to add
an element of exercise to something that builds brain-power.

10. Yard Twister

Lilly from Listotic has a huge list of outdoor game ideas on her site. One of our
favorites is this Yard Twister that she found from Instructables member Steve
Moseley.
It’s simple yet fun to play. Plus you get all tangled up with your family.

Twister is a classic.
Make your Twister as small or large as you want. Just spray-paint the circles
directly onto the grass, and you can keep playing until the next time to mow. (Be sure
to get permission before you paint!)
We think this would be a great game for a birthday party or summer playdate, as well
as being a super family activity. Just make the board big enough to accommodate all
of your kids’ friends.

11. Hula Hoop Game

Ever felt like a human pretzel? This get-active hula hoop game from Spoonful will
make your kids bend, twist and turn and also challenge their brain-power.

The hula hoop game is an active, thinking challenge.

Slide a hula hoop on someone’s arm. Then hold hands in a circle. Now move that
hoop around the circle.
This game requires logic and teamwork. And all you need is a hula hoop!

CHALK IDEAS:
-have a child lay on cement. Outline the body shape in an action pose;
-Outline shoes. Who has the largest or smallest foot?
-Outline height. Who’s the tallest? (they draw their classmate).