Now that spring has finally arrived, my kids have been eager to get outdoors and play with their friends. Just being outside in the fresh air and spending time together is fun, but it seems the kids gravitate to the same things, like sidewalk chalk or playing Frisbee.
Although these activities are great, the kids don’t seem to know all the classic games we used to play when I was young, like Spud and Red Light Green Light. Games like these filled many a sunny day throughout my childhood. These games also provide exercise, teach sportsmanship and bring on lots of laughs.
To celebrate spring and outdoor fun, I’ve found some of those oldie-but-goodie outdoor games that kids can enjoy with their friends. So put down those video games, slather on the sunscreen and organic bug spray, and go outside and play!
Spud
Spud was a favorite game when I was growing up. All you need is a small group of friends (at least three) and a ball. The person with the ball is “it” and the other players all get numbers. The child who’s “it” tosses the ball high into the air and calls out a number while he and the other players run as far as possible. The player whose number was called must catch the ball and then yell “Spud!” Everyone must freeze while the person with the ball tries to tag one of the players with the ball. If he’s successful, that person gets a letter (S, P, U, and then D) and becomes “it”. If he misses, he becomes “it”. Play until the word “spud” is spelled. We would play with game many, many times in a row!
Red Light Green Light
This is another great game for a small group of friends. One person is the traffic light, and the other players stand a far distance away. The person who’s the traffic light calls out “red light!” and all the players freeze. Then she turns around and yells “green light!” At that point the other players try to get as close to the traffic light as possible. The traffic light turns back around to face the players and calls “red light,” and everyone must freeze. If the traffic light catches anyone moving on red, that person must return to start. Whoever ends up tagging the traffic light wins and takes over that position. Fun and furtive!
Mother, May I
This one is set up like Red Light Green Light, with one person at one end as Mother and the rest at the other end of the playing area. Players take turns saying, “Mother, may I take (any number) of steps forward?” Mother says either “yes, you may” or “no, you may not.” Those steps can be baby steps, giant steps … even hops! Whoever reaches mother first and tags her out wins the game and takes over the role. However, if someone forgets to ask, they are chastised for forgetting their manners and sent back to start.
Tag and Variations
Most everyone knows how to play tag, since the rules are pretty simple. One person is chosen to be “it” and chases and tries to tag the other players. Whoever is tagged then becomes “it.” This game can go on and on until players are tired out.
For variety, there can be a designated “base” which is a safety zone where players can’t be tagged. However, players must leave it once reaching it. Also, you can play shadow tag, in which players’ shadows are tagged with the feet of person who’s “it”. Of course, you need a sunny day for this version!
In freeze tag, whoever gets tagged must freeze in place. Another player must tag that player in order to unfreeze him/her. For a more complicated version, try TV tag, which requires the player doing the unfreezing to call out the name of a TV show. Once named, that TV show can’t be used again. Children can literally play these games until they drop!
Playing outdoor games together has many benefits. I’m thrilled my kids are expressing such an interest in playing outside. Not only are they getting outdoors and being active, they are also clear of the construction mess from addition to our home. Additionally, games like these provide exercise, they also encourage intellectual development and strengthen social skills. This is especially important now that kids seem to vanish into their own little world of handheld video games and tablets. Plus, these games are just plain fun. I think I’ll spend this afternoon teaching and playing some of them with my daughter. Hey, moms need to play too!
| Savannah Marie is a mom and a writer. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading anything she can get her hands on and learning to balance work and home life.
<em><strong>Click here to read more of Savannah’s articles!</strong></em> |
