With summer vacations around the corner, are you worried that your kids will be glued to their Ipads or laptops the entire day? Well, then it’s the perfect time to start planning fun games for them to play at the playground. Outdoor play is an extremely crucial component in the physical, emotional and social development of children. It also enables them to enjoy the natural environment and learn to seek out fresh air and activity.
Let us look at five fun games you can play with your children at a playground.
1. Scavenger Hunt
If your kids are in the mood for some adventure, the scavenger hunt is a great game to play. The game involves the children exploring various nooks and corners of the playground and finds hidden items. It is an excellent way to promote social development skills in children as it requires constant communication with the team.
To play this game you need to first make a list of things that children need to find. Then form teams of two and give each team the list and a bag so that they can collect the items. Decide a place to meet in the playground after the collection of items. The team that will reach the destination with all the collectibles will win.
2. Badminton
Badminton is more of an intensive physical exercise disguised as a game. Not only is it fun and competitive but it will assist your kids in their physical development. It requires good coordination, anticipation and on-court agility. All of this will improve flexibility and develop muscles. What’s more, it is very convenient to set up a net in the park or make a partition in an open space to create two sides.
3. Hide and Seek
This one is a classic game that needs no introduction. Children love to play this game from their earliest days. What makes this simple game extremely beneficial for the kids is that they improve cognition. Searching for others will stimulate their imagination and creativity. It will also enhance their problem-solving skills since the game requires them to find places to hide and dodge their opponent.
4. Frisbee
Frisbee is another classic outdoor game that your kids will love to play. What makes this game special is that it teaches kids to be empathetic and cooperative with other kids. This is because the game is less competitive and considerably easy to play. While playing this game your kids will learn how to motivate and encourage their teammates. This is an important social skill that will stick with them throughout their life.
5. Football or Cricket
Conducting friendly football or cricket matches is a great way to inculcate and promote the qualities of good sportsmanship. Kids need to develop teamwork qualities at an early age because that is how your kids will be able to work during their adult years. Another great benefit is that they will significantly improve their endurance as well as hand, eye, and feet coordination.
So this weekend, why not encourage your kids to ring up their buddies and head to the nearest playground. To make it even more fun, you can invite your relatives, and friends to join in for a fun time together at the playground. With everyone’s complete involvement, your kids will naturally find the zest to spend more time outdoors playing rather than indoors.
