25 Best Outdoor Nature Games for Kids 2024

Playing outdoor nature games offers numerous benefits for kids:

• Exercise and Fitness: Keeps kids active, building strong muscles, bones, and coordination.
• Explore Nature: Teaches kids to observe and connect with the natural world around them.
• Reduce Stress and Improve Mood: Time spent in nature has a calming effect, lowering stress and boosting happiness.

Here are 25 fun outdoor nature games for kids in 2024:

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Active Games

1. Capture the Flag
2. Three-Legged Race
3. Tag
4. Stuck in the Mud
5. Follow the Leader

Exploration Games

6. Nature Scavenger Hunt
7. Hug-a-Tree
8. Species See
9. Tree Sense
10. Nature Journaling

Nighttime Games

11. Torchlight Hide n' Seek
12. Glow Stick Hunt
13. Glow in the Dark Bowling
14. Glow in the Dark Ring Toss
15. Sardines

Creative Games

16. Leaf Pile Jumping
17. Nature Obstacle Course
18. Gofindit (Outdoor Treasure Hunt)
19. Hide and Seek
20. Start Digging

Sensory Games

21. Nature I-Spy
22. Listen Up!
23. Water Balloon Toss
24. Nature Bingo
25. Glow in the Dark Ring Toss

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

What is it?

A nature scavenger hunt is a fun outdoor game where kids search for and collect various natural items like leaves, flowers, pinecones, or rocks. The goal is to find items on a provided list or based on clues.

What you need:

• Printed lists or clue cards (optional)
• Bags or containers for collecting items
• Pens or pencils (if using printed lists)

Who can play?

Nature scavenger hunts are great for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to teens. They can play individually or in small groups, making it perfect for families, camps, or school field trips.

How to play:

1. Choose an outdoor area like a park, nature trail, or your backyard.
2. Create a list of items to find or prepare clue cards related to natural elements. You can also use pre-made printable lists.
3. Explain the rules and boundaries to the players, emphasizing respecting nature and not damaging the environment.
4. Give each player or group a list/clues and a bag or container for collecting items.
5. Set a time limit or a meeting point for when the hunt ends.
6. After the hunt, gather everyone and have them share their findings, discussing the various items and their significance in nature.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Themed Hunts	Create hunts based on specific categories like colors, textures, shapes, or types of plants/animals.
Photo Hunt	Instead of collecting items, players take photos of the items on the list.
Sensory Hunt	Find items that appeal to different senses like smell, texture, or sound.
Nature Bingo	Use bingo cards with images or descriptions of natural elements. Mark off items as you find them.
Nighttime Hunt	Conduct the hunt after dark, using flashlights or glow sticks for added excitement.

2. Leaf Pile Jumping

What is it?

Leaf pile jumping is a fun outdoor game where kids jump and play in big piles of fallen leaves. It's a classic autumn activity that lets kids enjoy the season.

What you need:

• Fallen leaves (the more, the better!)
• A rake (optional, to gather leaves)
• An open outdoor space like a backyard or park

Who can play?

Leaf pile jumping is great for kids of all ages, from toddlers to preteens. It can be played alone or with friends and family.

How to play:

1. Find a spot with lots of fallen leaves.
2. Use a rake (or your hands) to make a big, fluffy pile of leaves.
3. Let the kids jump into the pile, burying themselves in the leaves.
4. They can roll around, toss leaves in the air, and enjoy the crunchy sounds and earthy smells.
5. Rebuild the pile and jump in again as many times as you want!

Variations:

Variation	Description
Leaf Maze	Make a maze or obstacle course with leaf piles for kids to navigate through.
Leaf Art	Have kids arrange leaves in patterns or shapes on the ground.
Leaf Races	Set up a race track with leaf piles as obstacles to run or crawl through.
Nighttime Leaf Jumping	Use glow sticks or flashlights for leaf jumping after dark.
Leaf Treasure Hunt	Hide small toys or treats in the leaf pile for kids to find as they jump and play.

3. Nature Bingo

What is it?

Nature Bingo is a fun outdoor game that combines bingo with exploring nature. The goal is to spot different plants, animals, or natural objects and mark them off on a bingo card.

What you need:

• Printed Nature Bingo cards (with pictures or names of nature items)
• Pencils or markers for marking the cards
• Optional: Laminated cards and dry-erase markers for reuse

Who can play?

Nature Bingo is great for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to preteens. It can be played alone or in groups, making it perfect for families, camps, or school trips.

How to play:

1. Give each player or team a bingo card.
2. Explore the outdoor area, like a park, backyard, or nature trail.
3. When a player sees an item on their card, they mark it off.
4. The first player or team to complete a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) calls out "Bingo!" and wins the round.
5. Optional: Keep playing until someone marks off all squares for an extra challenge.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Picture Bingo	Use cards with pictures instead of words for younger kids.
Scavenger Hunt Bingo	Players can collect and show the items they find.
Team Bingo	Divide players into teams to work together on one card.
Nature Trail Bingo	Play while hiking, marking off items as you see them.
Seasonal Bingo	Use cards with items specific to a season, like fall leaves or spring flowers.

4. Capture the Flag

What is it?

Capture the Flag is a fun outdoor game where two teams try to take the other team's "flag" and bring it back to their side. The goal is to sneak into the other team's area, grab their flag without getting caught, and return it to your team's side.

What you need:

• Two flags or markers (like bandanas or shirts) in different colors
• A large open area split into two team areas

Who can play?

Capture the Flag works well for kids of all ages, from young children to teens. It's best with larger groups divided into two equal teams, with at least 5-10 players per team.

How to play:

1. Split players into two teams and give each team a flag and an area.
2. Teams hide their flags in their area, making sure the other team can't easily see them.
3. When the game starts, players try to cross into the other team's area, find their flag, and take it without getting tagged or caught.
4. If a player from the other team tags or catches you in their area, you go to a "jail" area.
5. To get out of jail, a teammate must sneak in and tag you, allowing you both to safely return to your area.
6. The first team to take the other team's flag and bring it back to their area wins.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Jail Break	At certain times, all jailed players are freed and can return to their area.
Multiple Flags	Instead of one flag per team, have multiple flags or objects to capture, with different point values.
Moles	Secretly assign one or more players from each team to sabotage their own team's efforts.
Obstacles	Add obstacles, barriers, or safe zones within the playing area to make it more challenging and strategic.
Time Limit	Set a time limit, and if no team captures the flag, the team with the most players remaining in their area wins.

5. Hug-a-Tree

What is it?

Hug-a-Tree is a fun outdoor game where kids get to explore nature using their senses. One child is blindfolded and guided to a tree. They hug and feel the tree, smell it, and listen to the sounds around it. After a few minutes, the child is led back to the starting point and tries to find the same tree without the blindfold.

What you need:

• Blindfold
• Trees or a wooded area

Who can play?

Hug-a-Tree is great for kids of all ages, from little ones to pre-teens. It can be played in small groups of 2-4 kids or larger groups divided into pairs.

How to play:

1. Split the kids into pairs. One child is the "tree-hugger" and the other is the "leader."
2. Blindfold the tree-hugger.
3. The leader guides the tree-hugger to a nearby tree.
4. The tree-hugger hugs and explores the tree using their senses of touch, smell, and hearing.
5. After a few minutes, the leader guides the tree-hugger back to the starting point.
6. The tree-hugger removes the blindfold and tries to find and identify the tree they hugged.
7. Switch roles and repeat the game with the other child as the tree-hugger.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Tree Hug Challenge	See how many kids it takes to hug a large tree trunk by forming a circle around the tree, with each child hugging the tree and holding hands with the next person.
Nature Scavenger Hunt	After hugging the tree, give the tree-hugger a list of natural items or features to find and identify near the tree, like a specific leaf shape, a bird's nest, or a particular type of bark.
Tree Identification	Before the game, teach the kids about different tree species in the area and their unique characteristics, like leaf shapes, bark textures, and tree heights. Challenge the tree-huggers to identify the type of tree they hugged.
Blindfolded Nature Walk	Instead of hugging a single tree, guide the blindfolded child on a short nature walk, allowing them to explore different textures, sounds, and smells along the way. At the end, have them describe their sensory experiences.

6. Nature Photography

What is it?

Nature photography lets kids take pictures of plants, animals, and scenery outdoors. The goal is to capture unique and artistic photos of nature.

What you need:

• Camera (digital camera, smartphone, or tablet with a camera)
• Optional: Tripod, lenses, or other photography gear

Who can play?

Nature photography is great for kids of all ages, from young kids to teens. They can do it alone or in small groups.

How to play:

1. Explore the Area: Have kids wander and look for interesting things in nature to photograph, like flowers, bugs, trees, rocks, or patterns.

2. Try Different Angles: Encourage kids to experiment with different angles and perspectives when taking photos. For example, they can get low to the ground for a bug's-eye view or zoom in on small details.

3. Use Natural Light: Teach kids about using natural light in photography. Have them try different lighting conditions, like early morning or late afternoon, to create warm, beautiful images.

4. Composition Tips: Introduce basic composition techniques, like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing, to help kids take visually appealing photos.

5. Review and Share: After the photo session, gather together and have kids share their favorite photos. Discuss what they enjoyed and learned.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Photo Scavenger Hunt	Create a list of nature items for kids to find and photograph.
Nature Photo Challenge	Set a theme or challenge, like capturing a specific color, texture, or pattern in nature.
Nature Photo Journal	Have kids create a journal to document their outdoor experiences and photos.
Photo Editing	Teach kids basic photo editing, like cropping, adjusting exposure, or adding filters.
Photo Contests	Participate in local or online nature photography contests for kids to showcase their work.

7. Outdoor Nature Journaling

What is it?

Nature journaling lets kids record their outdoor experiences through writing, drawing, and other creative activities. The goal is to help kids connect with nature and develop observation skills.

What you need:

• Journal or notebook (blank pages work best)
• Pencils, pens, and coloring materials (colored pencils, watercolors, etc.)
• Optional: Field guides, magnifying glass, binoculars, camera

Who can play?

Nature journaling is great for kids of all ages. It can be done alone or in small groups.

How to play:

1. Find a Spot: Choose a comfortable outdoor location, like a park, garden, or hiking trail.

2. Observe and Record: Encourage kids to use their senses to observe their surroundings. They can write descriptions, make sketches, collect samples (e.g., leaves, flowers), or take photos to document their findings.

3. Explore and Reflect: Prompt kids to explore, ask questions, and reflect on their observations and experiences. They can write poems, stories, or personal thoughts in their journals.

4. Share and Discuss: After journaling, gather kids to share their entries, discuss discoveries, and exchange insights.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Themed Journaling	Focus each session on a specific theme, like birds, insects, or plant life.
Guided Prompts	Provide writing prompts or drawing challenges to inspire creativity.
Nature Journaling Hikes	Combine journaling with hiking, stopping to record observations along the trail.
Collaborative Journaling	Have kids contribute to a shared journal, adding their perspectives.
Digital Journaling	Allow kids to use tablets or apps for recording observations and experiences.

8. Water Balloon Toss

What is it?

The water balloon toss is a fun outdoor game where players throw and catch water balloons without popping them. The goal is for teammates to toss a water balloon back and forth while moving farther apart. The last team with an unbroken balloon wins.

What you need:

• Water balloons (enough for all teams)
• Buckets or containers to hold filled balloons
• Water source to fill the balloons

Who can play?

The water balloon toss is great for kids aged 5 and up, as well as adults. Teams are made up of two players each.

How to play:

1. Divide players into teams of two, facing each other about 3 feet apart.
2. Give each team a water balloon.
3. On the signal, one player from each team tosses the balloon to their partner, who must catch it without popping it.
4. If a team's balloon breaks, they are out until the next round.
5. After each successful catch, the remaining teams take a step back, increasing the throwing distance.
6. Continue playing until only one team remains with an unbroken balloon.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Basket Catch	Players hold a plastic bucket with holes, and their partner tries to toss the balloon into the bucket.
Blindfolded Toss	One player from each team is blindfolded, and their partner guides them verbally to catch the balloon.
Relay Toss	Teams form lines, and players take turns tossing the balloon down the line. If the balloon reaches the end intact, the team scores a point.
Time Limit	Set a time limit for each round, and teams must complete as many successful tosses as possible within that time.

9. Three-Legged Race

What is it?

The three-legged race is a fun outdoor game where pairs of players race while having one leg tied together. The goal is to reach the finish line first while coordinating movements with your partner.

What you need:

• Bandanas, ropes, or cloth strips to tie partners' legs
• Cones or markers for the start and finish lines

Who can play?

The three-legged race is great for kids aged 6 and up, as well as adults. Players form teams of two.

How to play:

1. Divide players into pairs and have them stand side-by-side.
2. Tie each pair's adjacent legs together at the ankle using a bandana, rope, or cloth strip.
3. Mark the starting and finish lines at a suitable distance apart (e.g., 50-100 feet).
4. On the signal, pairs must coordinate their movements and race to the finish line while keeping their tied legs together.
5. The first pair to cross the finish line without untying their legs wins.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Obstacle Course	Set up obstacles like cones, hula hoops, or hurdles for pairs to navigate through during the race.
Blindfolded	Blindfold one partner, and have the other guide them verbally through the race.
Relay Race	Divide players into teams, and have pairs take turns racing one at a time in a relay format.
Backwards Race	Require pairs to race while moving backward for an added challenge.

10. Nature Obstacle Course

What is it?

A nature obstacle course is an outdoor activity where kids move through different challenges using natural elements like fallen logs, rocks, and streams. The goal is to navigate the course while building agility, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

What you need:

• Natural items like logs, rocks, tree stumps, and branches
• Ropes, cones, or markers to mark the course
• Optional: Hula hoops, pool noodles, or household items for extra obstacles

Who can play?

Kids aged 6 and above can play individually or in small groups.

How to play:

1. Find a suitable outdoor area like a forest, park, or wooded space for the obstacle course.
2. Look for natural features that can be used as obstacles, such as fallen logs for balancing, rocks for climbing, and streams for crossing.
3. Plan the course layout and mark the start and finish points.
4. Set up the obstacles along the course, ensuring they are safe and stable.
5. Kids must navigate through the obstacles, following the course from start to finish.
6. Encourage teamwork, helping each other, and respecting nature.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Timed Challenge	Set a time limit and see who can complete the course the fastest.
Team Relay	Divide kids into teams and have them complete the course in a relay format.
Blindfolded Obstacle	Blindfold kids and have a partner guide them through the course using verbal instructions.
Nature Scavenger Hunt	Kids must collect or identify specific natural items along the course.
Obstacle Creation	Allow kids to design and create their own obstacles using natural materials.

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11. Gofindit - the Outdoor Nature Treasure Hunt

What is it?

Gofindit is a fun treasure hunt game where kids follow clues to find a hidden prize. The goal is to solve riddles and explore nature to reach the final treasure.

What you need:

• Clue cards or riddles (make your own or find printable ones online)
• A small prize or "treasure" to hide at the end
• Pencils or pens (optional)

Who can play?

Gofindit is great for kids aged 6 and up. They can play alone or in small groups of 2-4.

How to play:

1. Choose an outdoor area with trees, rocks, logs, or a garden.
2. Prepare clue cards or riddles that lead to different spots in the area.
3. Hide the clues in specific places, making them visible but not too obvious.
4. Give the first clue to the players and let them start the hunt.
5. As they solve each clue, they'll find the next one hidden in a new location.
6. The final clue leads to the hidden "treasure" or prize.
7. Encourage teamwork and respect for nature during the hunt.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Themed Hunt	Create clues based on a theme like animals, plants, or outdoor safety.
Team Hunt	Divide players into teams and have them work together.
Scavenger Hunt	Instead of clues, provide a list of nature items to find and collect.
Night Hunt	Conduct the hunt after dark using flashlights or glow sticks.
Educational Hunt	Include facts about nature, wildlife, or conservation in the clues.

12. Hide and Seek

What is it?

Hide and seek is a classic outdoor game where one player tries to find the others who are hiding. The goal is for the "seeker" to tag all the hidden players within a set area.

What you need:

• None (you can use flashlights or glow sticks for variations)

Who can play?

Kids aged 3 and up can play hide and seek. It works for small groups of 2-4 players or larger groups.

How to play:

1. Choose a safe outdoor area like a backyard, park, or nature trail for the game.
2. Pick one player to be the "seeker." The seeker covers their eyes and counts to a number (like 20 or 30) while the others hide.
3. After counting, the seeker calls out "Ready or not, here I come!" and starts looking for the hidden players.
4. When the seeker finds a hidden player, they tag them. Tagged players can join the seeker or wait for the next round.
5. The last player found becomes the new seeker.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Sardines	All players except one hide together in the same spot. The remaining player is the seeker and must find the group.
Flashlight Tag	Play at night using flashlights. The seeker tries to shine their light on hidden players to tag them.
Nature Camouflage	Players use leaves, sticks, or mud to camouflage themselves while hiding.
Team Hide and Seek	Divide into two teams. One team hides while the other team seeks. The team that finds all hidden players first wins.
Reverse Hide and Seek	One player hides while the others try to find them. The first to spot the hider becomes the new hider.

13. Tag

What is Tag?

Tag is a simple outdoor game where one player chases the others, trying to touch or "tag" them. The goal is to avoid being the last player tagged.

Who Can Play?

• Tag is great for kids of all ages, from young children to teens.
• It works best with 4 or more players, but larger groups make it more exciting.

How to Play

1. Choose one or more players to be the initial "chasers" or "it."
2. Set the boundaries for the playing area.
3. The chasers try to tag or touch the other players with their hand.
4. Players run and dodge to avoid being tagged within the boundaries.
5. If a player gets tagged, they become the new chaser(s) for the next round.
6. Continue playing with new chasers until everyone has had a turn or time runs out.

Variations

Variation	Description
Freeze Tag	Tagged players freeze until freed by another player crawling between their legs.
Blob Tag	Tagged players join hands with the chaser(s), creating a growing "blob" that chases others.
Animal Tag	Players mimic animal movements while being chased.
Color Tag	Chasers call out colors, and players with that color clothing must run from being tagged.
Toilet Tag	Players form "toilets" by squatting, and tagged players must sit on an open toilet before rejoining.
Zombie Tag	Tagged players become "zombies" who join the chaser(s) in tagging others.

14. Stuck in the Mud

What is it?

Stuck in the Mud is a classic outdoor tag game. One player tries to tag and "stick" others to the ground. The goal is to avoid getting stuck while freeing stuck players.

Who can play?

This game is great for kids aged 5 and up. It works best with 4-6 players, but larger groups can join too.

How to play

1. Choose one player to be the initial tagger or "mudder."
2. The tagger tries to tag or touch other players with their hand.
3. When tagged, a player must stand with legs apart, stuck in that spot.
4. To get unstuck, a free player crawls between the stuck player's legs without getting tagged.
5. If all players get stuck, the last one stuck becomes the new tagger.
6. Continue playing with new taggers until everyone has had a turn or time runs out.

Variations

Variation	Description
Multi-Taggers	Have two or more initial taggers for added challenge.
Stuck Arms	Stuck players hold arms outstretched to be freed.
Time Limit	Stuck players can count to a set number before freeing themselves.
One-Time Free	A free player can only unstick each stuck player once per round.
Safe Zones	Designate areas on the field where players cannot be tagged.

15. Sardines

What is it?

Sardines is a fun twist on the classic hide-and-seek game. Instead of one seeker finding multiple hiders, one player hides while the rest search for them. As each seeker finds the hidden player, they quietly join them in the hiding spot until everyone is crammed together like sardines in a can.

Who can play?

Sardines is great for kids aged 6 and up. It works best with a larger group of 6-15 players, but can be played with as few as 3.

How to play

1. Set boundaries: Choose a safe playing area, indoors or outdoors, with plenty of good hiding spots.

2. Choose the first hider: Use a fair method like drawing straws or rock-paper-scissors to pick who hides first.

3. Hider hides: The hider has 30-60 seconds to find a hiding spot while others close their eyes and count.

4. Seekers search: After counting, seekers call out "Coming, ready or not!" and search for the hider individually.

5. Join the hider: When a seeker finds the hider, they quietly join them in the hiding spot without revealing the location.

6. Last seeker is the new hider: The game continues until the last seeker finds the group. That player becomes the new hider for the next round.

Variations

Variation	Description
Squished Sardines	If the hiding spot gets too crowded, players can spill out into nearby spaces but stay hidden.
Time Limit	Set a time limit for the hider to find a new spot each round, adding excitement as hiding spaces become limited.
Themed Hiding	Require hiders to choose hiding spots based on a theme, like "things that are green" or "places with numbers."

16. Glow Stick Hunt

What is it?

A glow stick hunt is a fun outdoor game where kids search for and collect glowing light sticks hidden in the dark. The goal is to find as many glow sticks as possible within a set area.

What you need:

• Glow sticks (different colors and sizes)
• Opaque bags or containers to store glow sticks before the game
• A dark outdoor space with hiding spots (backyard, park, etc.)

Who can play?

Glow stick hunts are great for kids aged 6 and up. They can be played with small groups of 4-6 players or larger groups of up to 20 players.

How to play:

1. Prepare the area: Choose a safe outdoor space with hiding spots like bushes, trees, or playground equipment. Set clear boundaries.

2. Activate glow sticks: Bend or snap the glow sticks to activate them. Place them in opaque bags or containers to hide their glow.

3. Hide the glow sticks: Scatter the activated glow sticks around the designated area, tucking them into various hiding spots. Mix up the colors and sizes.

4. Gather players: Explain the rules and divide players into teams if desired.

5. Start the hunt: When the signal is given, players begin searching for the hidden glow sticks.

6. Collect and count: Players collect the glow sticks they find and keep track of their count.

7. Declare the winner: After a set time or when all glow sticks are found, tally the scores and announce the winner(s) based on the number of glow sticks collected.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Glow Stick Relay Race	Divide players into teams. Team members take turns finding and retrieving glow sticks in a relay format.
Glow Stick Scavenger Hunt	Provide clues or riddles that lead players to specific hiding spots for glow sticks.
Glow Stick Obstacle Course	Use glow sticks to mark a path or as targets in a dark obstacle course.
Glow Stick Art	After the hunt, let players create temporary glow-in-the-dark artwork or designs with the collected glow sticks.

17. Torchlight Hide n' Seek

What is it?

Torchlight Hide n' Seek is a fun nighttime version of the classic hide and seek game. Players use flashlights or torches to find and catch each other in the dark.

Who can play?

This game is great for kids aged 8 and up, as well as adults. It works best with 3-20 players.

What you need:

• Flashlights or torches (one for each player)
• A safe outdoor area with good hiding spots (backyard, park, etc.)
• Glow sticks or reflective gear (optional, for added visibility)

How to play:

1. Set boundaries: Decide on a clear playing area with safe, visible boundaries in the dark.
2. Choose the seeker: Pick one player to be the initial seeker.
3. Hide and seek: The seeker closes their eyes and counts down while others hide. After counting, the seeker calls out "Ready or not, here I come!" and starts searching with their flashlight.
4. Catch the hiders: When the seeker's flashlight beam spots a hider, that player is "caught" and must return to the starting point or a designated "caught" area.
5. New seeker: The first player caught becomes the new seeker for the next round.
6. Repeat: Keep playing multiple rounds, rotating the seeker role.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Glow Stick Markers	Hiders can use glow sticks or reflective gear to mark their hiding spots, making it harder for the seeker.
Team Play	Divide players into two teams, with one team hiding and the other seeking. Teams switch roles after each round.
Flashlight Tag	Instead of hiding, players run and try to avoid being caught by the seeker's flashlight beam.
Camouflage Mode	Hiders can use natural materials like leaves, dirt, or mud to camouflage themselves, making it harder for the seeker to spot them.

18. Glow in the Dark Bowling

What is it?

Glow in the Dark Bowling is a fun nighttime game where players knock down glowing bowling pins with a ball. It's like regular bowling, but with a cool glow-in-the-dark twist!

What you need:

• 6-10 empty plastic bottles (water bottles work well)
• Glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark spray paint
• A ball (soccer ball, playground ball, etc.)
• Water, sand, or rice (to weight the bottles)

Who can play?

This game is great for kids aged 6 and up, as well as adults. It can be played with a small group of 2-4 players or a larger group of up to 10-12 players.

How to play:

1. Make the Bowling Pins

• Remove any labels from the plastic bottles.
• For a brighter glow, spray the bottles with glow-in-the-dark paint or insert glow sticks into the bottles filled with water.
• Add sand, rice, or water to the bottles to make them heavier and sturdier.

2. Set Up the Bowling Alley

• Find a flat outdoor area with enough space to set up the pins and roll the ball.
• Arrange the bottles in a classic bowling pin formation (4 bottles in the back row, 3 in the middle, 2 in the next row, and 1 in the front).
• Mark a throwing line approximately 10-15 feet away from the pins.

3. Start Bowling

• Take turns rolling the ball from behind the throwing line, trying to knock down as many pins as possible.
• Keep score by counting the number of pins knocked down with each roll.
• Reset the pins after each player's turn.

4. Play Multiple Rounds

• Continue playing multiple rounds, rotating players, and keeping score.
• The player with the highest score at the end wins.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Glow-in-the-Dark Ball	Use a glow-in-the-dark ball or spray paint a regular ball with glow-in-the-dark paint.
Obstacle Course	Set up obstacles or barriers between the throwing line and the pins to make it more challenging.
Team Play	Divide players into teams and have them take turns rolling and keep a combined team score.
Themed Pins	Decorate the bottles with glow-in-the-dark stickers, drawings, or paint to create themed pins (e.g., animals, characters, shapes).

19. Glow in the Dark Ring Toss

What is it?

Glow in the Dark Ring Toss is a fun nighttime game where players toss glowing rings onto a glowing target. It's like the classic ring toss, but with a cool glow-in-the-dark twist!

What you need:

• Glow sticks (different colors)
• Empty plastic cups or bottles
• Tape or glue
• Open outdoor space

Who can play?

This game is great for kids aged 6 and up, as well as adults. It works well with 2-4 players or larger groups of up to 10-12 players.

How to play:

1. Make the Target

   • Take an empty plastic cup or bottle and poke a hole in the bottom.
   • Insert a glow stick into the hole and secure it with tape or glue.
   • Place the glowing target on the ground in an open outdoor area.

2. Make the Rings

   • Bend the glow sticks into circular shapes to create glowing rings.
   • Use different colored glow sticks for variety.

3. Set the Throwing Line

   • Determine a suitable distance from the target and mark a throwing line on the ground.
   • Adjust the distance based on the players' ages and skill levels.

4. Start Tossing

   • Take turns tossing the glowing rings, aiming to land them onto the glowing target.
   • Keep score by counting the number of successful tosses.

5. Play Multiple Rounds

   • Continue playing multiple rounds, rotating players, and keeping score.
   • The player with the highest score at the end wins.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Obstacle Course	Set up obstacles or barriers between the throwing line and the target to increase the challenge.
Team Play	Divide players into teams and have them take turns tossing and keep a combined team score.
Moving Target	Instead of a stationary target, have a player hold and move the glowing target around for added difficulty.
Glow-in-the-Dark Backdrop	Use a large sheet or backdrop with glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers to create a glowing environment for the game.

20. Species See

What is it?

Species See is a fun outdoor game where kids try to spot and name different plants and animals in nature. The goal is to find and correctly identify as many species as possible.

Who can play?

• Kids aged 6 and up
• Can be played alone or in small groups of 2-4 players
• For larger groups, divide into teams

What you need:

• Guides or books to help identify species
• Notebook and pen/pencil for recording finds
• Camera or binoculars (optional)

How to play:

1. Make a list: Create a list of common plants and animals found in your local area using guides or online resources. Include easy and harder species.

2. Explore outdoors: Go to a park, nature trail, or other outdoor area. Look carefully for species on your list.

3. Identify and record: When you spot a species from the list, try to identify it using the guides. Write down the name and any notes in your notebook.

4. Take photos/sketches (optional): Take pictures or draw sketches of the species you find to help remember details.

5. Share finds: After exploring, gather together and share the different species you found. Discuss interesting facts.

6. Keep score (optional): For a fun challenge, give points for each correctly identified species. The player or team with the most points wins.

Variations:

Variation	Description
Themed Lists	Make lists focused on specific groups like birds, insects, or flowers.
Scavenger Hunt	Give clues or descriptions instead of a list for players to find and identify species.
Nature Journaling	Have players document finds through writing, sketches, and notes in a nature journal.
Habitat Exploration	Divide the area into different habitats (forest, meadow, pond) and identify species in each.
Photo Challenges	Set challenges like capturing species in their natural behavior or environment.

21. Nature I-Spy

What is it?

Nature I-Spy is a simple outdoor game where kids look for and identify objects in nature. The goal is to keep kids engaged while exploring the outdoors.

Who can play?

Age Range	Group Size
4 and up	Alone or in small groups of 2-4 players
	For larger groups, divide into teams

What you need

• No materials required, just your eyes!
• Optional: Notebook and pencil to record finds

How to play

1. Choose the "It" player: This player will spot something in nature and give clues.

2. Give clues: The "It" player gives clues about the object, like its color, shape, size, or location. For example, "I spy something green and round on the tree."

3. Guess the object: Other players look around and try to guess what the "It" player is describing.

4. Confirm and switch roles: When a player guesses correctly, they become the new "It" player and give clues for the next round.

5. Continue playing: Keep taking turns being "It" and giving clues about nature objects you spot.

Variations

• Themed Rounds: Focus clues on specific categories like plants, animals, colors, shapes, or textures.
• Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of nature items for players to find and identify.
• I Spy Bingo: Create bingo cards with pictures of nature objects, and players mark off items as they spot them.
• Photo I-Spy: Allow players to take photos of the objects they spy.
• Nature Journaling: Have players document their finds through writing, sketches, and notes.

22. Follow the Leader

What is it?

Follow the Leader is a fun outdoor game where one player leads, and the others copy their actions. The goal is for the followers to mimic the leader's movements exactly.

Who Can Play?

Age	Group Size
4 and up	3 or more players

Follow the Leader works well for kids of various ages, making it great for family outings, camps, or playdates. It's best played with at least three players - one leader and two or more followers.

How to Play

1. Choose the Leader: Pick one player to be the leader for the first round.

2. Form a Line: The other players line up behind the leader in a single-file line.

3. Leader Leads: The leader starts walking, skipping, hopping, or doing any other actions they want.

4. Followers Follow: The followers must copy the leader's movements exactly. Anyone who doesn't follow correctly is out for that round.

5. Switch Roles: After a set time or when only one follower remains, the round ends. The last follower becomes the new leader.

6. Repeat: Keep playing new rounds, letting different players take turns as the leader.

Variations

• Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course for the leader to navigate through, with followers mimicking their movements.
• Themed Movements: Have the leader incorporate specific movements like animal actions or sports moves.
• Blindfolded Leader: Blindfold the leader, and have followers guide them verbally while still copying their movements.
• Follow the Sound: Instead of visual cues, the leader makes sounds (clapping, whistling, stomping) that followers must replicate.
• Nature Trail: Play while hiking, letting the leader incorporate natural elements into their movements.

23. Listen Up!

What is it?

"Listen Up!" is a simple game that helps kids focus on the sounds around them in nature. The goal is to sit quietly, close their eyes, and listen carefully to all the different sounds they can hear outdoors.

Who can play?

Age	Group Size
4+	2 or more

"Listen Up!" is great for kids aged 4 and up. It can be played with just two people or in larger groups.

How to play

1. Find a spot outdoors, like a backyard, park, or hiking trail.
2. Have everyone sit or lie down quietly and close their eyes.
3. Set a timer for 1-2 minutes (adjust based on age).
4. During this time, kids must stay silent and focus on listening to the sounds around them.
5. When the timer goes off, have each child share the different sounds they heard.
6. Encourage them to describe the sounds in detail and discuss what might have made those sounds (e.g., birds, wind, traffic).
7. Repeat the activity, taking turns listening and sharing observations.

Variations

Variation	Description
Nature Sounds Bingo	Create bingo cards with different nature sounds. Kids mark off the ones they hear.
Blindfolded Listening	Blindfold the kids to help them focus on their sense of hearing.
Sound Mapping	Kids draw a map and mark the locations of the sounds they hear.
Sound Scavenger Hunt	Provide a list of specific sounds to listen for and check off as they're heard.
Quiet Observation	Extend the listening time and have kids observe and discuss any movements or sights they notice while listening.

24. Start Digging

What is it?

"Start Digging" is a fun outdoor game where kids dig in the dirt to find hidden treasures and learn about the world beneath our feet.

Who can play?

Age	Group Size
4+	Any

This game is great for kids aged 4 and up. It can be played alone or with any group size.

What you need

• A spot to dig (garden bed, sandbox, or marked area in the yard)
• Small shovels, trowels, and rakes
• Magnifying glasses or bug viewers (optional)
• Containers or trays for collecting finds

How to play

1. Prepare the digging area by loosening the soil or adding sand.
2. Give each child digging tools and a container.
3. Let them start digging carefully, looking for signs of life or interesting objects.
4. When they find something, have them observe it closely and discuss it with others.
5. Use magnifying glasses or bug viewers to examine the finds up close.
6. Remind kids to handle any living creatures gently and return them to their habitat.
7. Rotate the digging area or create multiple spots to keep the game engaging.

Variations

Variation	Description
Buried Treasure Hunt	Hide small toys, rocks, or other objects for kids to find while digging.
Worm Observation	Set up a worm farm or terrarium to observe worms up close.
Mud Kitchen	Add an area where kids can mix, mold, and create with the dirt they dig up.
Nature Art	Use findings like leaves, sticks, and rocks to create nature-inspired art or sculptures.
Seed Planting	Plant seeds or seedlings in the prepared soil for a gardening lesson.

25. Tree Sense

What is it?

Tree Sense is a fun outdoor game that helps kids learn to identify different tree species. The goal is to observe trees closely and spot their unique features like bark, leaves, branches, and overall shape.

Who can play?

Age	Group Size
5+	Any

Tree Sense is great for kids aged 5 and up. It can be played alone or with any group size.

What you need

• Trees in your local area or park
• Tree identification guides or apps (optional)
• Notebook and pencil

How to play

1. Choose a few common tree species with distinct features.
2. Observe the trees closely, looking at bark texture, leaf shape and color, branching patterns, and overall growth.
3. Use your senses (sight, touch, smell) to gather clues about each tree.
4. Write down your observations and guesses in a notebook.
5. Use a field guide or app to confirm the tree species.
6. Move on to a new tree, repeating the process.
7. As you improve, try identifying more challenging tree species.

Variations

• Blindfold Challenge: Identify trees by touching bark, smelling leaves, or feeling branches while blindfolded.
• Tree Trivia: Learn fun facts about each tree species.
• Nature Journaling: Create detailed sketches and descriptions of each tree.
• Leaf Rubbings: Use crayons or pencils to make leaf rubbings, capturing leaf patterns and textures.
• Tree Bingo: Play bingo with cards showing local tree images or descriptions.

Playing Outside is Fun and Healthy

Getting outdoors and playing nature games offers many benefits for kids. These games help children:

• Stay Active: Outdoor play keeps kids moving, building strong muscles and bones. It improves coordination and fitness.

• Learn About Nature: Nature games teach kids to observe and explore the world around them.

• Feel Calm and Happy: Time spent in nature reduces stress and boosts kids' moods.

Physical Health Gains

Benefit	Description
Exercise	Outdoor games involve running, jumping, and vigorous movement for exercise.
Fresh Air	Playing outside exposes kids to fresh air and natural sunlight for vitamin D.
Healthy Weight	Being active helps children maintain a healthy weight.

Mental and Emotional Gains

Benefit	Description
Reduced Stress	Nature has a calming effect, lowering stress and anxiety levels.
Creativity Boost	Exploring nature sparks creativity and problem-solving skills.
Social Skills	Nature games encourage teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution.

Environmental Awareness

• Playing in nature helps kids appreciate the environment.
• Nature games inspire curiosity about plants, animals, and natural processes.
• Hands-on outdoor experiences teach responsibility for the planet.

Get your kids outside and let them play, discover, and have fun in nature! They'll gain countless benefits for their overall well-being.