games

  • BEACH, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    40 Beach Games for Kids

    Are you headed to the beach this summer? Maybe you’re taking that long-awaited vacation, or you live along the shore and are eager to enjoy the sunshine and refreshing water close to home. Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to keep the kids busy so that you can enjoy your time as well! While the beach alone is a great playground for kids, having an arsenal of beach games prepared will help you get the most out of your day! Today, Lissy Perna of Get Outside Cape Cod, is here sharing her family’s favorite 40 beach games for kids. I hope your family loves playing them as much as we do!

    40 beach games for kids of all ages

    Fun beach games and activities for kids

    There’s no denying the sheer magic of a day at the beach. The sand beneath your toes, the salty breeze tousling your hair, and the boundless horizon stretching before you – these are the ingredients for a perfect family getaway. And what better way to infuse even more joy into your seaside beach vacation than with a medley of exciting beach games that will have your kids giggling, splashing, and creating memories to last a lifetime?

    In this sun-soaked realm of endless possibilities, we’ve curated a treasure trove of awesome beach games that promise to transform ordinary sand into a canvas of laughter and adventure. Whether your little ones are aspiring sandcastle architects, curious beachcombers, or budding athletes ready to conquer the shoreline, we’ve got a game for every beach-loving heart.

    So, grab your sunscreen, pack your buckets, and let’s dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds and the only rule is to have an absolute blast under the sun! Take your next beach trip up a level with these fun games and activities.

    40+ beach games for kids

    1. Building sandcastles
    2. Beach scavenger hunt
    3. Play catch
    4. Journey to the center of the Earth
    5. Ladder golf
    6. Beach bowling
    7. Make a mermaid
    8. Sand angels
    9. Seashell hunt
    10. Fly a kite
    11. River at the beach
    12. Beach clean up
    13. Cross net
    14. Boogie boarding
    15. I Spy
    16. Towel tug of war
    17. Buried treasure
    18. Mandalas
    19. Surfer dudes
    20. Musical towels
    21. Ice cream shop
    22. Creature hunt
    23. Water balloon fight
    24. Beach books
    25. Kan Jam
    26. Paint shells
    27. Hula hoop games
    28. Skipping stones
    29. Cornhole
    30. Pebble tower
    31. Simon says
    32. Cloud gazing
    33. Crabbing
    34. Blow bubbles
    35. Obstacle course
    36. Limbo
    37. Sand tic-tac-toe
    38. Relay races
    39. Spikeball
    40. Uno Splash

    1. Building sandcastles

    What is a more quintessential beach game than building sand castles? Kids of all ages (including adults) love getting creative and building sandcastles. You can use beach buckets to form castles or get creative with your tools! My boys have used Tupperware from home, plastic cups, or even filling empty shells with damp sand to create castles. Another favorite way to make sandcastles is to use the “drip method” by using very watery sand; drip a mound of sand until it resembles an abstract castle. Decorate your castles with shells, seaweed, or driftwood!

    For amazing tips from sandcastle-building experts, check out this post on Sandcastle Building with Kids. 

    2. Beach scavenger hunt

    Plan and print out a scavenger hunt for the beach. This is a fun and easy game for younger kids and all family members. We’ve included a free beach scavenger hunt in our Scavenger Hunt Bundle! If you’re familiar with sea life, you can create a nature-themed one yourself using common marine life in your area. Another beach treasure hunt could include a list of items commonly found at the beach, such as boats, beach umbrellas, lifeguard towers, or other similar items. Kids will have a blast checking things off their lists while exploring their surroundings. What other nature-themed items could be included in a beach scavenger hunt?

    3. Play catch

    Catch is a fun game for the whole family that can be played anywhere, with just about anything. This activity is a simple game, but it appeals to all ages! Whether you bring a football, a tennis ball, or even a baseball and your gloves, it will keep the kids busy and entertained for hours! My kids like challenging themselves to see how many passes they can make without dropping the ball. Here is a fun beach set that we recently purchased and my kids love! Throw it in your beach bag and break it out whenever the kids are ready for some action!

    4. Journey to the center of the Earth

    This is a fun game for kids of all ages. The object of the game is to see who can dig the deepest hole! That’s it! Grab your shovels and get to work! Guaranteed to be fun, entertaining, and wear those kids out! Just be sure to fill the hole in before you leave so no one accidentally falls in! 

    5. Ladder golf

    If you haven’t heard of ladder toss before, maybe you’ve been living in that giant hole you just dug! Ladder toss (or ladder golf) requires that each player toss a set of two rubber balls attached by a string (called a bolo) across 15 feet to land around one of the three rungs on the ladder. The first player (or team) to reach exactly 21 points wins. The tricky parts are not going over 21 points and expertly aiming for each rung since they each have different point values: The top is worth 3 points, the middle is worth 2 and the bottom is worth 1.

    6. Beach bowling

    This is a simple game that can be played a few different ways. One way would be to have the players dig a set of small holes and roll a ball into one of them. Award points according to the difficulty of getting to a hole, and be sure to use a lightweight ball to increase the level of difficulty. Or, if you fill and set up plastic water bottles and roll a ball to see how many pins you can knock over (like traditional bowling). 

    7. Make a beach mermaid

    Create your mermaid sculpture in the sand by carving out her tail and long beachy locks with your hands. You can even bury someone up to their arms in sand and create the mermaid effect on their bottom half. Add shells for decoration, seaweed hair, rocks for eyes, or any other creative additions you can think of! The kids will let their imagination flow, and you will be impressed with how different everyone’s mermaids look! Bonus points if you give your mermaid a beach-themed name! 

    8. Sand angels

    Making sand angels is one of the easiest and most fun activities for kids. All you have to do to make sand angels is simply lay flat on their backs and flap their arms to make angel wings. If you want to take it to the next level, decorate your angel’s wings with shells. 

    9. Seashell hunt

    For this fun beach game, challenge the kids to search the beach and collect as many different shells as possible. You can also make it a competition by challenging the kids to get the biggest shell or the maximum number of shells. Once you’ve collected shells, you can identify them and learn about them through a shell ID app. 

    10. Fly a kite

    Is the weather forecast predicting a breezy day at the beach? Then you’re in luck because a bit of wind makes a perfect day for flying a kite! Kiting is a healthy and active outdoor activity for kids that is usually very low-cost and budget-friendly. Spending time outside means that kids get a healthy dose of Vitamin D from sunlight. Flying a kite also provides exercise for your child’s body as they chase. It’s wonderful for hand-eye coordination, kinesthetic awareness, and gross motor skills. Kite flying also helps strengthen the eyes, as they focus far and near, observing and controlling the kite’s flight. 

    For more information on the best way to fly a kite, the best kites for kids, and more, check out our full post on Kite Flying with Kids. 

    11. River at the beach

    Provide your kids with beach shovels and buckets and have them dig a river on the beach! Kids will love digging narrow trenches on the sand close to the water to create a river that will hold water and float objects to the sea. Use the buckets full of water to make a flowing stream through the trenches and float a small boat (or ball or piece of driftwood) down the river. Get creative and make it curvy, or add a sand dam to hold the water back and release it all at once.

    12. Clean up the beach

    Wait! Before you ignore this suggestion, consider the fantastic example you will set for your children by participating in an activity that shows them how to take care of our oceans. Fostering a love of nature and caring for our planet is so important; why not make it fun by doing a beach cleanup? Your kids will be proud of themselves, and mother earth will thank you. Remember to bring hand sanitizer, gloves, and your trash bags. You’ll have a great time, inspire other beachgoers to do the same, and make your beach day feel great! 

    13. Cross net

    Cross net is when beach volleyball meets four square. This game is a ton of fun for older kids and adults. It’s set up for 4+ players; the first to reach 11 points is the winner. While this set is definitely a bit bigger to lug around than some of the others, it’s still relatively easy to assemble and carry, so you can take it with you as long as you have a little extra space. 

    14. Boogie boarding

    Surfing on the waves or floating in the tide pools is a great way to spend the day at the beach. Boogie boards are great for all ages and are generally inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to carry to and from the beach. We even use our boards as makeshift seats when having our picnic lunch. I recommended the boogie boards with the Velcro wrist strap so the board doesn’t float away into the open ocean. This strap is also helpful for giving each other rides on the boogie boards in the shallow water.

    Check out our full post for more information on Boogie Boarding with Kids. 

    15. I spy

    An “I Spy” game can be played anywhere, but somehow it can be the most fun at the beach! With younger children, we like to play the color version of this game (“I spy, with my little eye, something orange!”), and for older kids, the letter version is also fun (“I spy, with my little eye, something that starts with the letter L”). The first person to guess correctly gets to pick the next object. There are SO many things to find at the beach, from seagulls to crabs, lifeguards, beach toys, and maybe even an ice cream truck. 

    16. Towel tug of war

    Kids love playing tug of war. At the beach, you can stir up their competitive side with mention of this challenge. You’ll need at least two players to get this game started, but it’s more fun with four or more people. Start things off by putting a marker on the sand — a stick, line in the sand, or pool noodle can be ideal. Now both teams try their hardest to pull the towel hard enough to pull the other team across the line. The best of 3 out of 5 rounds wins!

    17. Buried treasure

    Round up your little pirates and have them spend some time searching for buried treasure. You can use play or real coins and bury these in the sand, or even go the extra mile and find a makeshift treasure chest that you can fill with goodies. Give the kids shovels and let them dig to find the treasure. To make the game feel more authentic, create a treasure map with clues and hand one out to each participant.

    18. Make a mandala

    With all the bits and bobs you can find at the beach, why not create ephemeral art with them? Collect rocks, shells, feathers, seaweed, driftwood, and even pieces of molted crab shells into your beach bucket. All these beach finds would be great additions to a mandala. Use what you find to create a circle or art, in any way that floats your boat! But quick, take a photo of your mandala before the tide washes it away. You can ask your kids to create their mandalas or work on a large one together; either way, you will produce a great memory by creating this piece of art!

    For more information, check out our full post on Making Nature Mandalas with Kids. 

    19. Surfer dudes

    Surfer Dudes are an award-winning surf toy that’s so much fun for kids to play with at the beach. All you need to do is toss the Surfer Dudes into the waves and watch them go! The little surfer dude surfs the waves and (like boomerang magic) comes right back to you on shore! No batteries or wind-up is required – uses the energy of the surf. 

    20. Musical towels

    Remember the age-old game of musical chairs? Well, this one is very similar! Spread out your beach towels in a circle, and play some music. Have the kids circle the towels, and when the music stops, everyone has to jump onto a towel. Whoever is left without a spot to sit is OUT! Make it fun for the ejected player by allowing them to control the music on the next round. If you don’t have enough kids in your own family to play this game, consider inviting other beachgoers to participate! Making friends at the beach makes these beach games even more fun!

    You can also play this game with beach chairs, if you have enough. 

    21. Ice cream shop

    My kids LOVE playing imagination games, and “restaurant/ice cream shop” at right up there at the top. We love this set of ice cream shop beach toys, which the kids use to inspire hours of imaginary ice cream shop play. They love creating the shop counter out of sand, finding shells to use as money, serving customers, and pretending to run the ice cream shop. 

    22. Creature hunt

    This activity is my favorite game on the beach, even as an adult. Exploring tide pools or walking along the rocky edge of the shore, you will undoubtedly find small sea creatures who call the beach home. You may find starfish, hermit crabs, sea worms, or even small fish! Make it a game by challenging your children to identify what they find, see who can find the most hermit crabs, etc. Remember to release animals you catch or just look instead of capturing them. However you play this game, you will undoubtedly find something fascinating!

    23. Water balloon fight

    There’s nothing better on a warm summer’s day than getting competitive with a water balloon fight! And this can definitely be taken with you to the beach! We recommend reusable and refillable water balloons, so there’s no mess to clean up or potential plastic harm to the environment. You could also use water balloons for other games, including water balloon baseball!  

    24. Beach books

    Another favorite beach activity for me is reading, but I know that is only sometimes a child’s favorite thing to do at the beach. Create a cozy nook for your kids to read a book; it might be more appealing. We like to bring a pop-up tent and our favorite beach blanket to make a cozy rest area, and this would be the perfect spot to read a book. Bonus points if the books are beach-themed! For babies or toddlers, consider bringing the waterproof style books that you can use in the tub; this way, they won’t be damaged by the water and can be easily cleaned up if they get sandy. 

    25. Kan Jam

    Kan Jam is a great game to take to the beach! Played similarly to cornhole or horseshoes, the object of this frisbee game is to toss the disc toward the goal (a can with a hole in the side) and, with the help of your partner, Jam it in the Kan! First to 21 points WINS. This is a lightweight and durable disc golf set that travels well and is easy to set up so you can play in seconds.

    26. Paint shells or beach rocks

    Painting can be a great activity anywhere, but it’s super fun at the beach! Most of the time, we use acrylic paint so it will stay on the rocks and not wash away. However, when we take this activity to the beach, I recommend using non-toxic watercolor paint! This way, there won’t be a mess, and you won’t harm sea life with toxic paint. The watercolor will not stay on the rocks, but the painting process is entertaining enough!

    27. Hula hoop games

    There are so many fun ways to play with hula hoops at the beach. You can definitely use a hula hoop in the traditional way around your waist, but that’s just the beginning. You can organize a friendly hula hoop contest to see who can keep the hoop spinning the longest. Try different tricks and techniques to keep things exciting. Use the hula hoop as the limbo bar. Have participants take turns bending backward and trying to pass under the hula hoop without touching it. Set up targets in the sand and challenge each other to toss the hula hoop and land it around the target. Assign different point values to each target for added competition. Create a ring toss game using the hula hoop as the target. Toss smaller rings or pool noodles to try and ring the hula hoop. Play a game of Twister by laying the hula hoop on the sand and designating different colored spots. Hold the hula hoop horizontally and swing it like a jump rope. Challenge each other to jump through the rotating hoop without touching it.

    28. Skipping stones

    Skipping stones is a fantastic beach game for children and adults alike. Ask your children to hunt for the best stones, the ones that are flat and smooth, and show them how to toss them parallel to the water to create the best skipping effect. With older children, make it a challenge to see who can get the highest number of skips! Another idea is to collect stones ahead of time from your yard, the park, etc., and bring them to the beach to have a skipping competition! 

    For more information on this fun beach activity, check out our full post on Skipping Stones with Kids. 

    29. Cornhole

    Cornhole has become a trendy lawn game in recent years; why not take it to the beach, too? Make sure that if you’re bringing it to the beach, the materials it is constructed with can withstand water and outdoor elements! We like this version that’s collapsible and folds up small (because you’re already packing a LOT to go to the beach with kids). Cornhole is one of those fun family beach games that you can play again and again. The first team to earn 21 points wins! You can even host a cornhole tournament on the beach if you have enough people!

    30. Pebble tower

    One thing you’ll probably find an abundance of at most beaches is rocks. You can practice your balance and test your steady hand by trying to stack the rocks to create cairns or pebble towers. See who can construct the tallest tower! But remember, you must disassemble your towers before you leave the beach, so make sure to snap a photo of your creations and then put the rocks back where you found them. 

    31. Simon says

    Play a game of Simon Says with beach-themed commands, like “Simon says jump like a dolphin” or “Simon says make a sand angel.” “Simon says jump over the pretend waves.” or “Simon says balance on one leg like a flamingo.” Remember to keep the commands light-hearted and creative to make the game more enjoyable. The beach-themed Simon Says game adds an interactive and imaginative element to your beach day, promoting active play and laughter among kids of all ages.

    32. Cloud gazing

    If you need a break from these fantastic beach games and activities, consider this lazy activity that requires you to lie down! Lie on your back in your beach chair or towel, and gaze into the sky to see what cloud shapes you can find! This activity works best on semi-cloudy days, but wear eye protection regardless of the weather. You never know what you might find, a dragon, a bunny wearing a top hat, or even a pirate ship!

    33. Crabbing

    This specific activity might only work for some beaches, but it works very well if there is a rocky jetty along the beach you are visiting. You will need a piece of string, a clothespin, and some deli meat to create a crab fishing line. Tie the string to the end of the clothespin, and clip a small piece of deli meat in the clothespin. Lower the fishing line into the crevices in the jetty and see who bites! We have caught green, lady, and even an occasional blue crab this way. We do not keep the crabs we catch but release them after checking them out. They are surprisingly exciting creatures!

    34. Blow bubbles

    What kid doesn’t like blowing bubbles? This activity can be a great beach game for kids if the wind isn’t too strong! Remember that the bubbles will float down the beach, so keep your neighbors in mind! My favorite thing about blowing bubbles on the beach is that the mess is not a problem. Jump in the water to wash off the bubble solution if there is a spill. My kids like to make it challenging to see who can blow a giant bubble. 

    For more bubbletastic fun, bubble accessories, and DIY bubble solution, be sure to check out our full post on Bubbles with Kids.

    35. Obstacle course

    So now that you’ve lugged all your beach toys, boogie boards, and towels onto the beach, why not create a game using all the pieces at once? Challenge your kids to create their obstacle course! Jump over shovels, fill a pail with sand, roll over your beach blanket, and crawl under the beach tent. This activity is engaging and can spark their creative side!

    36. Beach limbo

    Grab a stick and challenge kids to limbo! Take turns letting the kid go under the stick (walking forwards and bending backwards) as the height gradually decreases. The last person to make it under without falling over wins! 

    37. Tic-tac-toe

    Draw a tic-tac-toe board in the sand and challenge your kids to a classic game! Tic-Tac-Toe is one of those games that’s easy enough for preschoolers, yet is still competitive enough to entertain older kids and adults.  You can use sticks to draw the board in the sand and then use seashells or rocks as game pieces. Just wipe the board clean and start over when someone wins. 

    38. Beach relay races

    Beach relay races will add some laughter and friendly competition to your day at the beach. Create your teams or set up individual challenges. Have the kids race each other to the finish line forward, backward, sideways, and doing crabwalks. If you have enough people, set up a water bucket relay where you pass a plastic cup of water and fill a bucket at the end (the team that spills the least and goes the fastest wins). 

    39. Spikeball

    There’s a reason Spikeball is one of the fastest-growing games you think of when you think of beach games. It’s like beach volleyball, except that you bounce the ball on a mini trampoline rather than over a net. Also, you don’t have to worry about staying on your side of the court! It’s easy to set up anywhere and can be transported in a light drawstring bag.

    40. Uno Splash

    For the beach, we also love UNO Spash, which is all the same rules as traditional UNO, only in a waterproof package. Now you don’t have to worry about ruining your cards with sand or water damage. It comes on a convenient clip that is great for keeping track of all of the cards and hooking them to your beach bag. 

    Best beach games and activities for kids

    I hope some of these ideas for beach games and activities will help you and your kids have a wonderful time at the beach. Having an arsenal of the best games and activities ready is a fun way to ensure everyone has a good time. But the best part about a day at the beach with your family and friends is the priceless time you will spend together and the memories you’re creating!

    Are you ready for a day of beach games with your kids?

    About the author

    Lissy lives near the ocean on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with her husband, 2 rambunctious boys (aged 4 & 7), and an ever-growing number of pets. She grew up walking nature trails and finding joy in the beauty of nature. She now shares that love for local adventures with her community through her blog, “Get Outside Cape Cod.” Lissy knows that everyone can benefit from spending more time outdoors and wants to inspire and support families to do just that!

    You can find more from Lissy in the following online locations:
    Instagram: @getoutsidecapecod
    Website: Get Outside Cape Cod
    Facebook: @getoutsidecapecod
    RWMC Posts: Lissy Perna

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    30+ Outdoor Party Games for Kids

    More than ever, kids need time to play outside. And while we’re huge fans of free play for kids, sometimes we need something a bit more structured and will still get kids to play together and have fun. Today, Tine Voeten, a Belgian mom of two, is here sharing her family’s favorite outdoor party games, crafts, and activities. So, whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a BBQ, a family reunion, or just having some kids over for a playdate, keep them outside and entertained with these 30+ outdoor party games for kids. 

    Outdoor Party Games for Kids
     

    Outdoor party games for kids

    Summer holidays are the time for our family reunions, picnics at the park, and gatherings with friends. Not only were we invited to all those amazing BBQs and summer parties, but every year, we have nine birthdays to celebrate during the summer months. With all those events, we are always in need of fun game ideas to keep the kids occupied and entertained! We’ve become pros at throwing outdoor parties and today we’re sharing our ideas for the best fun outdoor party games for kids. 

    No big budget parties!

    First, I would like to share a secret. We never spend big budgets on our birthday parties. The simpler, the better, which lets us get creative. Because we don’t like spending a fortune on entertainment, all of the following fun party games listed are easy to play and set up, with little to no prep. If you do need anything, the materials can be found somewhere in the house or purchased very inexpensively at your local dollar store. Bottles, carton boxes, wooden pieces, water guns, you name it! And if you don’t have exactly what you need, feel free to get creative and improvise! Don’t make it complicated! You’ve got this!

    Are you ready for an unforgettable kid’s party? Let’s get started!

    30+ favorite outdoor party game ideas for kids

    1. Bob for apples
    2. Water balloon fight
    3. Go fishing for treasure
    4. Water cup relay race
    5. Squirt gun cup race
    6. Tug of war
    7. Ring toss
    8. Hide & seek
    9. Obstacle course
    10. Relay race
    11. Egg-spoon races
    12. Sack race
    13. Balloon pop races
    14. Hula hoop ball race
    15. Skip ball race
    16. Cup pyramids
    17. Water bottle bowling
    18. Balloon stomp
    19. Hula hoop contest
    20. Keepy uppy
    21. Ice art
    22. Marshmallow bites
    23. Puzzle fun
    24. Cup stacking
    25. Giant bubble contest
    26. Squirt gun painting
    27. Drawing shadows
    28. Rock painting
    29. Superpower smash
    30. What time is it
    31. Flying carpet
    32. Scavenger hunt
    33. Treasure hunt
    34. Sensory trail
    35. Sandbox dig
    36. Twister 
    37. Micado
    38. Finding words

    Outdoor Party Games for Kids

    Outdoor water games for kids

    1. Bite the apple (bob for apples)

    This is our kids’ absolute number one favorite outdoor party game! It’s simple, it’s delicious, healthy, and it’s so much fun! The only thing you need is a wide bucket and apples for each kid. Just fill the bucket with water and let the kids try to catch one with their teeth. Just make sure all the contestants have teeth! Our six-year-old is missing two important ones. It didn’t go the way she wanted!

    2. Water balloon fight

    Water balloons are a staple at any outdoor kids party. And when it’s hot outside, a water balloon fight is a must on your party games list. Without a doubt, it will cool off the kids and cause them to squeal in delight! Or, do a water balloon toss. Line the kids up across from each other and let them toss the water balloon back and forth, getting farther away by taking a step backwards for each successful catch. The last team with an unpopped balloon wins. 

    Pro tip: Don’t love the trash and mess of traditional water balloons? Check out these reusable and refillable water balloons! 

    3. Go fishing for treasure

    In the summertime, most of us have a small kiddie pool in the garden or backyard, which you can use in a variety of ways. One fun thing to do is to make a DIY fishing pole (a stick, rope, and a hook will do the trick), drop some toys in the pool, and let the kids fish! If you don’t want to pretend to fish, you can look for treasure in the pool. Fill the kiddie pool with water and hide a small weighted ring (or other treasure) on the bottom of the pool. Then fill the pool with inflatable balls and toys (or water balloons) to make it difficult to see the bottom. Let the kids wade around the pool looking for the hidden treasure using only their feet.

    4. Pass the water relay

    Make lines with kids standing one behind the other. The first person holds the bottle and tries overhead to fill the cup of the one behind. Next, this second person will pass on the water overhead to the person behind them. If you do this on a sunny and hot summer day, the kids will thank you later on. Honestly, this is my favorite outdoor game to play and watch!

    5. Squirt gun cup race

    For this game, each team will have an equal number of squirt guns and will need to try to move a cup on a clothesline to the other side, just using water. To start, tie 2 lengths of clothesline up (both the same length) with a plastic cup on the line (cut a hole in the bottom for the line to go through). Each team lines up on one side and has to squirt the cup to the other side of the line. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    The classic outdoor party games

    6. Tug of War

    Every parent and most probably each and every family member is familiar with tug-of-war. Most of them probably played it themselves as a child. Tug-of-war is a simple game and the perfect game to organize during a backyard party with a lot of kids. All you need is a long (and, if possible, thick) rope, a handkerchief and another rope or line indicating the middle point. Just be careful not to set foot on enemy territory. And pull, pull, pull!

    7. Ring toss

    This classic party game should not be left out of your party! It’s a great way to reuse some of your old empty bottles before recycling them and give them a longer life. All you need to do is gather your empty bottles and let the kids try to toss a ring around them. If you want to get fancy, you can paint them in different colors and assign them point values by color. The child with the highest score wins. No bottles, no problem! You can make a variant with human bodies and hula hoops to toss!

    8. Hide and seek

    Hide and seek is a classic game that always gets all the kids engaged and having fun! It’s a classic party game that can be played almost anywhere! And kids love it! It’s a good game to play when the kids don’t really know each other well to warm up and get into the party spirit. 

    9. Obstacle course

    Build an outdoor obstacle course with simple things that everyone has in the house, such as brooms, buckets, rope, pillows, pool noodles, etc. If you have backyard playground equipment (swings and slides), add them to the course. Then divide the kids into teams and have them make their way through the obstacle course one at a time. When the kids can challenge each other in teams this is such a fun outdoor game!

    Outdoor Games for kids

    The fast classics – outdoor party game races

    10. Relay race

    Relay races are a fun way for kids to build team spirit and work together for a common goal. There are a million different variations of relay races, but in their most basic form, you have 2 teams that compete against each other, and one person is racing at a time. We like to play a simple “down and back” relay race, where one kid from each team lines up and has to run down the lawn, around a cone, and then back. When they get back, they tag the next runner on their team, who does the same thing. The team that finishes first, wins! 

    11. Egg-spoon races

    Another popular game to play at a kids’ birthday party is egg-spoon races! Young and older kids love this fun backyard game, which is easy to set up with items you already have at home. Have the kids run holding the egg on the spoon and then, when they reach the next runner, they’ll need to pass it off their spoon and onto the other player’s spoon. If you have little kids (or you just don’t want to deal with egg mess), you can boil the eggs to prevent it from breaking and leaking everywhere. But that’s also the fun part of this game, of course. If you don’t want to use eggs, another option is small balls, like golf balls or ping-Pong balls. The disadvantage is that when they start running, the balls might fall off. Nevertheless, this will be hilarious!

    12. Sack races

    Gather all the pillow cases or potato sacks in the house for the most hilarious game ever! Sack races are so much fun (and harder than they look). Line 2 kids up to race against each other, with both of their feet in the bag. First one to hop down and cross the finish line wins!

    13. Balloon pop races

    Divide the kids up into two even groups and place them on one side of the yard. On the other end, set out 2 chairs. When you say “go,” the first kid races across the yard with their balloon to one of the chairs, places the balloon on the chair, and must pop the balloon by sitting on it. When they pop it, then they run back to their team and the next kid goes. The first group to get all the kids to pop their balloons on the chair and make it back to the start line wins.

    Outdoor Party Games for kids

    Outdoor kids’ ball games

    14. Hula hoop ball toss

    A hula hoop ball toss is a fun outdoor game for kids and is perfect for teams of two. To play, give each child a bucket of filled with balls (tennis balls, inflatable balls, or even water balloons). Set out a few hula hoops and assign each hoop a point value. Let the kids take turns tossing the balls or balloons into the center of the hula hoops to see who can earn the most points. The player with the highest score wins!

    15. Skipping ball race

    Do you have skipping balls available? Skip balls are a fun way to take a traditional race to the next level. Kids not only have to go forward, but they have to think around keeping the ball spinning and jumping over it! It can lead to a lot of hilarity! Divide up the kids into teams, create a circuit for the course, and let the race begin!

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    16. Cup pyramids (throw-over cups)

    Building the highest pyramid with colorful cups is so much fun! But throwing a ball and knocking all the cups down is even more fun! Let the kids take turn building a cup pyramid as high as they can. Then, they stand back and toss a ball at the cups to see how many they can knock down. The kids with the least cups standing wins. Throw-over cups is one of the popular backyard games, but of course it can also be played indoors.

    17. Water bottle ball

    No need to say it, but water games are really kids’ favorites in summertime! Every child gets a bottle filled with water and an equal number of balls. Could be tennis balls, but we used petanque balls (bocce balls). Then let the kids stand in a circle in the middle of the yard. It’s up to each child to protect his/her own bottle. It’s also their mission to rolls balls and try to knock over the bottle of the others. The child that in the end has the most water in his or her bottle wins the game.

    Outdoor party games for kids

    More outdoor party games for kids

    18. Balloon stomp

    To play balloon stomp, tie a long ribbon to the end of a blown-up balloon and tie the other end of the ribbon on a player’s ankle. Everyone has a balloon tied to their ankle. When you say “go,” all the kids try and stomp on the other kid’s balloons and pop them, while also trying to guard their balloon. When a kid’s balloon pops, that child is out. The winner is the last person with an unpopped balloon at the end of the game!

    19. Hula hoop contest

    Have a hula hoop contest with the kids by seeing who can keep a hula hoop up and going the longest! You can do this the traditional way (on their hips), or get creative and let the kids spin the hoops on their arms or legs. Turn on some music to make this extra fun! 

    20. Keepy uppy

    This probably is the easiest game ever and kids of all ages will love it. Blow up a balloon and throw it into the air. The object of the game is to take turns hitting the balloon to keep it up in the air. Don’t let it touch the ground! You can let the kids run and play, or assign them each a spot to cover, where they’re limited to move. It’s such a simple, but magical fun game! And when it gets cold outside, it is also one of those perfect indoor party games!

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Cool down games

    21. Ice art

    Beat the summer heat with this cool kids’ birthday party game. Before the party, freeze water in various containers of different shapes and sizes to create an assortment of ice blocks. Supply kids with washable paint and paint brushes and let them paint the frozen ice shapes with their brushes, fingers, or even toes. The ice will melt as they paint (and as it sits out), creating cool paint designs and changing the color and texture of the paint. This sensory activity is a great option for younger kids, but older ones will still enjoy getting a little messy.

    22. Marshmallow bites (or donuts on a string) 

    Hang up a clothesline and hang some fun food off of it for the kids to eat! We love hanging marshmallows and letting the littles ones take turns trying to catch the marshmallows in their mouth and eat them without using their hands. You can also do this with donuts! The best part of this game? The kids can eat all the food and snacks they can take off! This classic kids game always is a winner!

    23. Puzzle fun

    If you have some kids’ puzzles, bring them outside to play on a picnic table. Or, you can make your own DIY puzzle by printing out a drawing or picture and cutting it into small jigsaw pieces. Divide the children into two teams and let them each solve the puzzle as fast as possible. As a reward, the winning team gets to choose a prize or a piece of candy.  

    24. Cup stacking

    This fun game of skill will keep the kids focused and entertained for a while. With cartons or plastic cups, let the kids try to create and build the highest pyramid. It gets tricky when the cups keep on falling. Choose an area the wind can’t be the party pooper!

    25. Giant bubbles contests

    Bubbles are fun to play with at any time, but they can also be turned into an outdoor party game. When we bring out the gear for the giant bubbles, everyone’s faces light up! The grown-ups are the first players in line to ‘show’ how you can create the biggest bubble. And the kids can’t wait to try their turn. It’s just so much fun to do. One of our favorite ways to turn this into a game is to hold a contest on who creates the biggest giant bubble. Of course, everyone is a winner!

    Pro tip: We’ve got a full post on everything you need to know about bubbles, including a few great giant bubble recipes. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Creative and artsy outdoor party games

    26. Squirt gun painting

    This time the squirt guns aren’t to attack each other, but to paint! Yes, you read it right. Paiting with a squirt gun is such a fun way to let your kids get creative and have some fun. Before you get started you will need to take some time to prepare the area. Put plastic down on the ground, if you don’t want paint everwhere. Prepare the guns with acrylic paint mixed with water. For the best result don’t add too much water – you want it diluted enough to go through the gun, but not super runny so that the paint doesn’t stick to the canvas. Put out a big white canvas or sheet for your masterpiece (or you can prepare small canvas pieces for each child). This is also a fun party favor they can take home with them. Who knows, you might have new Picasso amongst the children!

    Pro tip: Check out our full post for more into on everything you need for squirt gun painting with kids. 

    27. Drawing shadows

    When the sun is lowering, it is fun to do another creative game: shadow drawing. This is a great game for evening parties or after dinner outdoor activities. All you need to do is take a piece of white paper and put it on the ground. Then, place any object in between the sun and the white paper to create a shadow on the paper. What kind of objects? A dinosaur, a giraffe, elephant, or any toy that stands straight and can be drawn. Let the kids use paint or markers to trace the outline of the object’s shadow and then decorate it with stickers, goggly eyes, drawings, paint, or anything else. Let them get creative.

    28. Rock painting

    Painting rocks is fun for kids of all ages (and adults). All you need to get started on this fun activity is some paint and a few rocks. Let each child paint a rock the way they want to. Just colors, fun stripes, a motivational saying, or turn your rock into a cute animal like a ladybug or bee. At the end of the party, they can take it home to show their own family, or you could keep them all and place them around your neighborhood, yard, local park, or on your favorite trail. 

    For more info on rock painting (and how you can use it to keep your kids moving down the trail when hiking), check out our full rock painting with kids post. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Superpower Games

    29. Superpower smash

    Who has the ultimate superpowers? Get ready to find out! If you have some boxing gloves in the house, put them to good use and test out your kids’ super powers and strength!  Let the kids put on the boxing gloves and use their superpowers to smash cookies, water balloons, cupcakes, or whatever you can think of! This is definitely not something that kids get the chance to do often, so it’ll blow their minds! Kids of all ages will gather their superpower to smash every single piece!

    30. Little witch, what time is it?

    You might have a different name for this game. In Belgium we call it Little Witch; What Time is It?” (In the US, this is often called, Mr. Wolf, What Time is It?) The first child is the witch (or wolf). He or she is standing on one side of the yard, with his or her back towards the other kids, who are all standing at a certain distance from the witch. Use a thick rope as a starting line. Then the kids all together ask the witch: “Little witch, what time is it?” The witch will give an answer and all the kids have to take that number of steps forward. For example, if the witch says: “5 o’clock”, all the kids take 5 steps forward. The kids repeat until the moment the witch thinks the others are right behind her. Then she answers: “dinnertime!!” and she turns around and tries to catch the others. The kids who get caught first becomes witch and the game starts over.  

    31. Flying carpet

    Similar to keepy uppy, this fun outdoor game is all about keeping the ball off the ground. Start by taking a blanket and have the kids hold onto it all around. Place a ball on the blanket. Now it’s up to the kids to keep it in the air with the blanket as long as possible. Let the magic begin!

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Outdoor hunting games for kids

    32. Scavenger hunt

    I don’t know a single kid (of any age) that doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt! Depending on age of the kids at your party, you go from a very simple scavenger hunt game to something more challenging. For little kids, we love giving them a list of specific items to find. They can’t read, so it helps to have pictures of the item that they’re looking for. For older kids, you can make the clues much harder (turn them into riddles) or have them be more abstract (e.g. find something spiky).  

    Pro tip: If you want a whole bunch of fun little 1-page printable scavnger hunts for all kinds of locations, check out our printable scavenger hunt adventure pack. 

    33. Treasure hunt

    Another fun kids game to play outside with a group of kids is a hidden treasure hunt. Hide a treasure somewhere in your backyard. With the help of a treasure map or written clues, the kids will get closer to the treasure. It will motivate kids to work together as a team to solve the mystery and find the treasure. I like making these trasure hunts a series of clues, each one leads them to the next clue, and the final clue leads them to the prize. 

    34. Barefoot/sensory trail

    Next up is the very popular barefoot sensory trail! For this, you’ll need to do a little work setting everything up before the kids arrive. Start by getting out all your big plastic pots, bins, bowls, and tubs. Fill each one of them with different things such as rice, water, flour, mud, water beads, slime, sand, etc. Put some grass or stones in between. When it’s time, have the kids go barefoot an walk through the sensory trail, stepping into each bin along the way. Kind of exciting for the littles ones. To make it interesting for older kids, blindfold them and help them step from bin to bin, guessing what’s in each one. 

    35. Sandbox dig

    Younger kids will love playing in the sandbox at the party, if you have access to one. Before the party, hide little items and treasures in the sand for the kids to find. Treasure ideas include things like plastic dinosaurs, unicorns, gemstones, coins, fairies, superheroes, army soldiers, or construction trucks. You could even give each kid a sand bucket and shovel for the dig. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Outdoor board games for kids

    36. Twister

    Indoors or outdoors, Twister is a fantastic game to play at a party! This fun activity also keeps the rest of the kids entertained. You don’t have Twister? There are different ways of making your own DIY version of Twister. Take a large cardboard box, cut circles and paint it red, yellow, green and blue.

    37. Micado (pick up sticks)

    A great game you can also bring along to every trip with kids is Micado (pick-up sticks). This is a game of patience and logic that requires players to remove the sticks from the pile. It’s a great game to play when you need to slow the kids down a bit and get the to calm their bodies. 

    38. Finding words

    Scrabble is a great game for older school aged kids and can be lots of fun! Again, I would advise you to check with family and friends if you don’t have the game Scrabble, as someone probably does and you can borrow it.  You don’t have to play Scrabble the traditional way, on the board. Instead, divide the kids into two teams and distribute an equal number of letters to each side. Let them try to find as many words as possible using their letter tiles. You will soon notice how creative kids can be! Another fun way to play, would be to create your own giant scrabble game. Cut out large squares of cardboard and write a letter on each. Use the giant letters to form words and play on the ground, building on the words. 

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Party prepping time

    So, now you have 30+ of the best outdoor party games for kids! You’re prepared with all kinds of great ideas and ways to keep the kids happy, active and entertained. However, don’t try to cram too many games into one party. Just a few will do, which give the kids plenty of time to play independently or keep the game going if they’re not ready to move on! They may even start with the game and then get creative and take it in a whole new direction on their own. Let them go! 

    In order to prepare for your outdoor kids’ party, here are a few things you’ll want to do before:

    • Make a list of games you would like to do and add them to a (flexible) timeframe
    • Add two ‘extra’ party games to the list (just in case one of the other games is  flop or the kids finish super early)
    • Prepare a list of items you’ll need (material you already have and what needs to be on your shopping list)
    • If you need to make/DIY any items, make sure they are ready the day before the party
    • Start prepping your backyard well on time. You don’t have a own backyard? Go to the local park.
    • Last but not least, DON’T STRESS OUT!! It’s ok when things don’t work out the way you expected them to be. Most of the time, the kids will not even notice.

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    Peace of mind when party planning 

    I hope these 30+ outdoor kids party games have inspired you to host an unforgettable party for your little one, with a bit less stress! No matter which games you play, the kids are guaranteed to have fun. Make sure everything is prepped and ready ahead of time and don’t get discouraged if kids say they “don’t want to play a game.” Once they see how much fun these games can be, they’ll love them! 

    Don’t also forget to have fun and enjoy the party! If mommy or daddy are relaxed, the kids will be too! As Jim Elliot once said: “Wherever you are, be all there!”

    the ultimate outdoor party games for kids

    What is your favorite outdoor kids’ party game? 

    About the author

    Tine is a natural-born adventurer from Belgium. She met her husband, soulmate, and the father of her two girls while working and living in the Dominican Republic. Nine years ago they moved back to Europe and are still exploring European grounds. Her happy place is wherever her kids are, but she spices up life by discovering unknown places, planning new adventures, and going outdoors as much as possible. Having kids added a big value to her life, because seeing life through the eyes of her little ones lifted it to a completely different dimension. Their family goal is to travel the world, living a location-independent lifestyle. The family is now working on a couple of projects to make this dream happen! In the meantime, they keep on exploring and Tine keeps on writing and inspiring other families to explore just like them. 

    You can find more from Tine online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @kidsdelmundo
    RWMC posts: Tine Voeten
    Website: http://www.kidsdelmundo.com

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER

    30+ Fun Trampoline Games and Activities for Kids

    Finding ways to keep children occupied during the long days of summer can be a challenge! There is so much daylight and only so many activities you can come up with when your children need some outdoor play encouragement. But, if you have a trampoline (or know someone who does) your options for outdoor family fun are almost endless! Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 2 (almost 3) recently discovered the endless joys of trampoline play and shares 30+ trampoline games and activities kids (and adults) will love to play!

    Trampoline games for kids

    Trampoline newbies

    Our family got our first trampoline this summer.  I was a little nervous about it but I soon realized there is SO much fun be had and so many new trampoline games to play.  My boys have already spent many hours on the trampoline this summer.  Now that we have it I can’t imagine our yard or a summer evening without it. The trampolines of today, with their padded spring covers and fall-proof nets, are so much safer than the trampolines I grew up on. It’s a lot more fun for us parents knowing the kiddos are safe.

    Trampoline safety tips

    Even though trampolines are designed to be safer than they used to be doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t take some precautions. Here are a few trampoline safety tips for kids. Go over these rules with your little ones before they play and remind them of the importance of being safe on the trampoline.

    • Adult supervision on a trampoline is always required.
    • Always use a safety net around your trampoline.
    • No gymnastic exercises or stunts, such as somersaults or flips.
    • Never allow children to bounce off the trampoline.
    • To prevent young children from getting on without supervision, do not leave a ladder or chair near the trampoline.
    • Make sure your trampoline is on a clear, flat area free from potential hazards, such as fences, hedges, trees, washing lines or other equipment.
    • Always carefully review the safety materials included with your trampoline.

    Benefits of trampoline play

    Jumping and playing on the trampoline have so many physical benefits and healthy benefits for kids.

    • Jumping up and down and running around with the resistance of the mat and springs is great exercise and helps to increase circulation and cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate.
    • The uneven and constantly moving surface of the mat helps to increase balance and coordination and improve core strength.
    • Little bones are built under the pressure of and stress of contracting muscles. With all the jumping and balancing needed to play on the trampoline, it is great for helping bones grow and increasing bone density.
    • The most important physical and mental benefit is all the fun and laughs to be had!!

    Child doing a flip on a trampolinePhoto credit @heather_lee_wilson

    Trampoline fun

    While my boys are perfectly content just jumping and chasing each other for hours on the trampoline, it is also fun to see their imagination and creativity when it comes to playing trampoline games and making up new challenges. The best part of watching them is seeing their imagination come to life when they create new games or new ways to play classic games. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family’s favorite games on the trampoline. Some of these are classic games and some are new to us.

    The fun doesn’t stop on the trampoline, nor does it have to be just for kids. There are a lot of fun games that kids can plan and the parents can join in on from outside the trampoline. Or, if you really want to make your kids’ day, get on there and play with them! I hope you and the whole family have fun enjoying all these trampoline games and activities. 

    Trampoline ball games 

    1. Monkey in the middle

     2+ players on the edges of the trampoline throw a ball over the “monkey” in the middle of the trampoline while the “monkey” tries to jump and catch the ball in the air. If the “monkey” catches the ball, whoever threw it becomes the new “monkey.”

    2. Lava balls

    Get as many balls as you can, all different sizes, and put them on the trampoline. The kids will run around trying to avoid the balls touching them. If a ball touches you, you have to get off the trampoline until only one player is left. This also works with a bunch of water balloons! I’ve also heard this trampoline game called “poison ball.” My kids think this is one of the best trampoline games there is!

    3. Bombs away!

    2+ players on the trampoline and one player outside the trampoline enclosure. The player on the outside will have some soft balls and yell “bombs away” while throwing the “bombs” inside the net and trying to hit those on the trampoline surface. If you get hit, you’re out! This is also called “cherry bomb” when the ball is thrown by one of the players on the trampoline, as opposed to one of the outside players.

    4. Mid-air catch

    A player on the outside of the trampoline throws a tennis ball to the first player in the center of the trampoline. The catcher jumps on the trampoline and tries to meet and catch the ball in mid-air. This is a great game to practice timing and coordination!

    5. Dodge ball

    Playing dodge ball on a trampoline is a fun way to spice up this classic game and is a great game for older kids. On the trampoline, it’s more fun with higher jumps! Use chalk or painters tape to mark off the centerline. Divide the players up into two teams and have them throw soft balls at the other team. If you get hit by a ball (below the neck), you’re out. But if you catch or dodge the ball, you stay in. First team to lose all their players loses.

    6. Keepy-uppy

    This is a simple game to see how long you can keep a soft ball up in the air while jumping on a trampoline. Mix it up and try to keep the ball in the air with your feet, head or elbows. You could also use a pool noodle to keep the ball in flight. Balloons and beach balls make good balls to use for this game.

    7. Hot potato

    One person stands on the outside of the trampoline and either sings a song or counts out-loud while the jumpers bounce around the trampoline passing a ball back and forth, from one person to the next person, in a circle. When the person on the ground stops singing or counting, the last person to touch the hot potato is out.  This can be played with anything – a water balloon, ball, bean bags or even a stuffed animal!

    Boy shooting ball on trampoline

    Water games on the trampoline

    8. Water balloon dodge

    Fill up a bunch of water balloons and load them up on the trampoline. The name of the game is for the players to bounce them and start throwing! It’s so much fun to dodge the balloons when you can jump high, or throw them mid-jump.

    9. Sprinkler jump

    Running through the sprinkler during a hot summer day is a must, but putting that sprinkler underneath the trampoline just makes things that much more fun! Check out your local sports store or online for sprinklers made specifically for the trampoline.

    Child on trampoline being sprayed with sprinkler Image credit: @jentheis

    Balance games on the trampoline

    10. Single leg stand

    How long can you stand on one leg? It seems like an easy game, but on a trampoline, it’s much harder to stand on one leg. Get a timer and each take turns. To take this game up a notch, have others bounce around the stander to see how long they can last.

    11. Bird dog

    Bird dog is a yoga pose where you are on your hands and knees you lift one arm and try to lift the opposite leg without falling. On the trampoline, this is even more challenging, but it makes for some good laughs when you fall over. This is also a great core workout!

    12. Twister

    Grab some sidewalk chalk, painters tape or go ahead and pull out that twister mat and tape it onto the trampoline and spin the wheel! Twister is hard on steady ground, but it’s extra hard on the trampoline. It becomes exponentially harder when everyone’s laughs are rocking the trampoline mat.

    Two boys jumping on a trampoline

    Single-player trampoline games 

    13. Bubble pop

    Have your child blow bubbles, or a parent can blow bubbles from outside of the trampoline, then the child’s goal is to pop all of the bubbles before they get away!

    14. Hopscotch

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, make the classic hopscotch on the trampoline. Then your child can enjoy the game on a much more bouncier surface.

    Child sitting alone by trampoline Photo credit @their_wild_little_lives

    Multiplayer challenges for the trampoline

    15. Telephone

    This classic game starts with the first person jumping and doing a pose and then the next child does the first pose and adds their own after it. The next player does the first two poses then adds on again. The game goes on and on until you can’t remember all of the poses.

    16. Crack the egg

    This classic trampoline game is one of the most popular games for kids of all ages. It begins with one child sitting on the trampoline, bringing their knees to their chest, and then wrapping their arms around their legs. This child is the “egg.” The egg tries to hold their arms and legs together tightly while the other kids jump around them trying to break their arms free. Whoever can hold their egg pose the longest without cracking wins.

    17. Marco polo

    This game is not just for the pool, it’s just as much fun on the trampoline. One child closes their eyes and yells out “marco” while trying to find and tag the other players.  The other players with their eyes open, yell “polo” while trying to avoid being tagged. If you need some fun games for the pool too we have you covered there too!

    18. 4 corners

    Using sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape, draw a big cross in the middle of the trampoline. The edges of the cross go from one side of the trampoline to the other. One player sits in the middle of the cross and counts to 10, while the other players pick a corner. When the sitting player gets done counting they will point to one corner making sure to keep their eyes closed. Everyone in that corner has to get off the trampoline, and the game continues until there’s only one person left.

    19. Bum wars

    Bum wars is one of those classic trampoline games I remember playing as a kid. As all the players bounce on the trampoline, one person calls out “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a bum war!” and all the players must land in a seated position on their bum, immediately take one bounce and get right back to their feet. If anyone bounces on their feet or on their bottoms more than once, that person is out. As a variation, players can add additional moves like “1, 2, 3, 4. I declare a knee war,” upon which everyone lands on their knees before bouncing back to their feet. 

    20. Rock paper scissors

    The classic game can also be played on the trampoline between 2 players. To play rock-paper-scissors, start with the players chanting “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot.”On “shoot,” each person jumps on the trampoline and lands in one of the positions: (1) curled up for a rock, (2) stretched out for paper, or (3) in a sitting position for scissors. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock.

    21. Sword fights

    Cut a pool noodle into thirds and wrap one end with silver duct tape to make a light saber handle. Use your pool noodles to have an epic sword fight or light sable battle on the trampoline!

    Dancing trampoline games

    22. Dance battle

    This game is great fun for your musical and dancy kids! Turn up some upbeat music and give each child 15 seconds to jump, dance, and flip to the beat of the music. The best dance wins!! Or have the kids come up with a dance or routine together and have them perform it for the rest of the family.

    23. Strike a pose

    Taking turns ask the kids to jump as high as they can to the beat of the song, and do a funny or cool pose while mid-air.  There’s no end to the fun trampoline tricks your kids will come up with. There’s also usually no winner to this game. It can go on for a long time and it’s always funny to see what kids will come up with.

    Small child running toward trampoline with children jumpingPhoto credit @entophos

    Sports on the trampoline 

    Playing  classic sports like baseball and basketball on the trampoline not only makes them more fun, but it can help improve skills for when kids go back to playing those games in school, or competitively. Trying to pass a volleyball back and forth on uneven surfaces can help increase coordination. Trying to hit a baseball in the air can help improve timing and teach kids how to better keep their eye on the ball when playing on the real baseball diamond. Here are some fun ways to shake up these classic games, but can also really improve skills and boost confidence.

    24. Volleyball

    Pass a volleyball back-and-forth while on the trampoline. Toss the volleyball up and try to jump and spike it over the side of the trampoline net (if you have one). This would be a good game to play if you have some players who are not jumping (outside the net of the trampoline) and want to participate too.

    25. Basketball

    Set up a basketball hoop inside the trampoline net and practice jumping and shooting the ball into the hoop.

    26. Baseball

    Have a parent or another kid toss the ball from outside of the trampoline. Have a hitter on the trampoline jump and try to hit the ball mid-air over the trampoline net.

    27. Football

    Jump and catch, then jump and throw the football.

    28. Soccer

    Practice dribbling footwork around the edge of the trampoline. It’s a lot harder to control the soccer ball on such a bouncy surface, but practicing this way can really improve ball control once back on the field. 

    29. Karate/Taekwondo

    Take all your punches and kicks to the next level with jumps before and after. Just make sure we’re doing air punches not punching each other!

    Best trampoline games for little kids

    30. Ring-around-the-rosy

    This classic sing-along game is tons of fun on the trampoline, especially for younger children. All the little kids hold hands and spin in a circle singing the chant, “Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.” Then, they all fall down and laugh hysterically.

    31. Freeze bounce

    Everyone bounces around the trampoline at the same time and then a designated referee will yell “freeze!!” Everyone has to stop bouncing and the last person to have their feet hit the trampoline or the last person to stop moving loses.

    32. Simon says

    One player (or a parent) play the role of “Simon” and issues orders to the rest of the players on the trampoline, prefaced with the words “Simon Says.” These can be things such as jump as high as you can, touch your toes, sit down, etc. Every now and then, Simon should give an order that doesn’t start with the magic words (“Simon Says”) to see if someone will perform. If they do, they’re out!

    Two boys pressing their faces against trampoline netting

    Get creative with your trampoline games

    The most important thing when it comes to trampoline games is to have fun! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make up new games and new rules as you go. Children are often incredibly inventive, so make sure to play along to their games, even if the rules don’t make much sense. Trampolines are a great way to be physically active and to get outside this summer without going too far from home. We hope you and your kids enjoy these fun trampoline activities this summer.

    If you take photos of your kids on the trampoline, tag us on Instagram! Use the hashtag #runwildmychild for a chance to be featured on our account.

    What are your kids’ favorite trampoline games?

    About the author

    Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott