10 Fun Outdoor Games for 5-Year-Olds to Play with Friends

10 Fun Outdoor Games for 5-Year-Olds to Play with Friends

As parents, we want our kids to stay active and make new friends. The best way to accomplish these goals is through fun outdoor games! Not all games are created equal, though, so we’ve compiled a list of 10 Fun Outdoor Games for 5-Year-Olds to Play with Friends.

1. Red Light, Green Light

This classic game is perfect for developing endurance and balance. One player is the traffic light and the others stand a distance away, waiting to hear their command. When the traffic light yells “Green light!” everyone runs towards them, but when they yell “Red light!” everyone must stop. The first person to reach the traffic light becomes the next one to give commands.

2. Duck, Duck, Goose

This classic game is a great way to develop cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination. Players sit in a circle, with one person designated as the “goose.” They walk around the circle, tapping each person on the head, saying “duck.” But when they tag someone and say “goose,” that person has to chase them around the circle. If the goose makes it back to the free space before being tagged, the player stays goose.

3. Hula Hoop Hopscotch

This game is a fun twist on hopscotch, using hula hoops instead of squares. Players jump from hoop to hoop, trying to reach the end without touching the ground. This game develops coordination and balance.

4. Kick the Can

This game is a fun combination of tag and hide-and-seek. One person is “it,” while everyone else hides. The person who is “it” must find and tag everyone while they try to kick a can or other object before getting caught. If they kick the can successfully, all the hiders are free.

5. Simon Says

This game is another classic that is perfect for building cognitive skills and listening. The game leader gives commands, starting with “Simon says,” and the players follow them. However, any command without the “Simon says” phrase should not be obeyed. Players who follow those commands are out.

6. Tag

This game is a timeless favorite and a great way to develop coordination and endurance. One player is designated as “it,” while the other players try to run away from them. If the “it” player touches another player, that player becomes “it.” Players can also designate “safety zones” where they can’t be tagged.

7. Treasure Hunt

This game is a great way to teach children problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Players are given clues that lead them to the next clue until they find the treasure. The treasure can be anything from candy to a small toy.

8. Red Rover

This game is perfect for developing cognitive skills, communication, and strategy. Two teams stand facing each other, holding hands. One player screams, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send [child’s name] right over!” The designated child runs and tries to break through the other team’s chain. If they succeed, they get to take one other player back to their team. If they don’t, they join the opposing team.

9. Freeze Dance

This game is perfect for developing listening skills and coordination. Players dance to music, but when the music stops, they must freeze in position. The last person moving is out.

10. Backyard Bowling

This game is perfect for developing coordination and teamwork. Players take turns rolling a ball at a set of pins, trying to knock down as many as possible. The player with the most knocked-down pins wins.

In conclusion, these 10 Fun Outdoor Games for 5-Year-Olds to Play with Friends are guaranteed to keep your child active and engaged while developing valuable skills. Whether playing with siblings or friends, these games are sure to create lasting memories.