Phones, tablets, computers, and TVs are in every room and the hands of every person in most homes now. This can present quite a challenge for parents trying to keep their kids active. However, setting up some simple backyard activities is a game-changer. These five fun backyard games to keep kids active without screens encourage movement, teamwork, and loads of laughter.
1. Hide and Seek Tag
Combine the two classic games of hide and seek with tag for an added element of excitement. One person is “it” and counts to 20 while everyone else hides. But there’s a catch—the seeker becomes a tagger once they find someone. Kids will be running and strategizing round after round to avoid being tagged.
2. Pool Noodle Races
Pool noodles are a ton of fun in the water, but they are a multi-functional prop that can also create fantastic obstacle courses for the backyard. Turn pool noodles into hurdles, tunnels, or markers and have kids dash through the setup for a high-energy race for kids of all ages. For tips, check out a step-by-step guide on how to make pool noodle obstacles for backyard games. This simple idea adds creativity and gets kids running, jumping, and even rolling!
3. Sack Races With a Twist
Basic sack races are a timeless game played by generations of kids. But you can put some modern twists on this game, keeping kids away from screens and entertained with laughs and excitement. Using old pillowcases, turn the sack race into a relay race by having the kids pass a baton midway before hopping back to the finish line. Adding silly rules, like hopping backward or balancing a beanbag on their heads while racing, ups the fun factor.
4. Backyard Bowling
Use the backyard as a bowling alley by setting up empty plastic bottles as pins. A lightweight soccer ball works perfectly as a makeshift bowling ball. Create some friendly competition by keeping score. The quick setup and breakdown of backyard bowling make it an easy remedy for summertime boredom.
5. Freeze Dance Challenge
Freeze dance is a favorite game with its easy rules, inclusion of music, and the chance to strike silly poses. Set up a portable speaker outside and play some upbeat tunes, randomly stopping the music and freezing everyone in place. You know the rules; whoever moves is out for that round! The unpredictability of this game keeps kids on their toes and releases a ton of energy, which is a win-win for both kids and parents.
Outdoor games like these keep kids entertained and support better concentration, team-building skills, and overall happiness. Adding five fun backyard games to keep kids active without screens into the routine sparks creativity and fosters a healthier lifestyle—not to mention making memorable family moments in the fresh air!