Are you fed up with your kids being inside all the time? Kids are so lazy these days, hogging the couch watching tv, or hiding in their room playing computer. The increase in the use and availability of technology these days has made it too easy for kids to get constantly sidetracked. They forget that simple enjoyable things are there to be experienced. While this has been a difficult year for most, with restrictions of some kind affecting everybody, it is still good to get outside and get some fresh air. It’s so nice to play with the kids, or organize something and watch from the sidelines as they all have a great time. Possibly bringing you back to memories of your childhood, games you used to play, and love.
Traffic Cop
Traffic Cop is a game that can be fun but also quite educational for the kids that are taking part. New variations of this game are now on sale with mats as the intersection and jackets included for the person who will play the traffic cop. The original version was usually played on a quiet street, with little chance of cars interrupting constantly. It could also be played in a big, paved area such as a car park or even a basketball court if there is one in your area. It is best played with a small group, possibly with up to 7 friends so not as to give the traffic cop too much to try to keep under control! Scooters, bikes, pedestrians are all needed in this game. The traffic cop is in charge of traffic directions to ensure the safety of the children and that there aren’t any accidents. A very simple game, getting everyone involved and hopefully a few laughs. Some lessons learned involve waiting to cross the street and general safety near the traffic that will hopefully stand kids well for the future.
Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is one of the old classics. Most people must have played, or at least heard of this game. Again, some variations in the method of play exist, such as the time given to people before the search commences. Generally, in the game, a person closes their eyes for a set time and then attempts to locate the other players. Outdoors, the choice of hiding places is increased, so this heightens the interest of the children. Only enthusiasm, and no equipment, is needed for this game!
Tug of War
Tug of War is one of the oldest games in the world. The concept is pretty straight forward. At least 2 people, or 2 teams of people, test each other’s strength by tugging against each other with a rope. There is a center point marked in the ground. A point is marked at equal measurements on both sides of the rope. The contestants start pulling and whichever team’s mark crosses the center point first loses.
Kick the Can
Kick the can is another highly popular game, a little similar to hide and seek. However, in this version, a metal can is required and used. It is usually placed in the center of the grounds the game is being played on. One, or more, people are chosen to close their eyes and begin their count to a set number. When the count is finished, off they go to locate the other players. If a player is tagged, they have to wait on the sidelines. If one of the untagged players achieves kicking the can, all the players on the sidelines come back into the game. The game ends when every player has been tagged and is on the sidelines.
Capture the Flag
Capture the flag is a game best played in a big area with lots of space. Between 2 and 4 teams of any size can play. The area should be made into equal size zones, depending on how many teams, with one flag per zone. The aim is for players to capture the flag(s) of the others and return to their zone without being tagged.
Health Benefits
Apart from being fun, playing outdoors has other advantages that will please both parents and children. One of the major ones is the availability of Vitamin D. This is a vitamin which a lot of kids are experiencing deficiencies of and is free, outdoors in its natural form, sunlight. No more need to spend a fortune in the pharmacy for supplements. This vitamin can help protect kids from future heart problems or problems with diabetes for example, so playing outdoors can contribute towards helping this.