Fun outdoor games for children to play this summer

Playing outside and spending time together in the countryside is a great way to make memories and have fun. There are loads of ways to get inspired to head outdoors – which is why we’re taking point from Hampshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge this summer.

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to read six books throughout the summer holidays. This year’s theme (Ready, Set, Read!) is all about getting in the team spirit, having fun, and keeping active for 60 minutes a day. While the Reading Agency’s mascots enjoy basketball, football, skateboarding and more, there are so many other activities to try outside in Hampshire’s countryside.

To help get you inspired and get moving, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite outdoor games to give a go.

Dashing

Capture the Flag

Split your family and friends into two groups and race to steal the competition’s flag. The aim of the game is to bring the other team’s flag back to your home base without getting tagged and sent to the holding area. It’s a competitive team game that can be played with groups of all sizes.

Bike riding

Strap your helmet on, take to your bike and start pedalling. Cycling is a great activity to get little legs moving and exploring the countryside. Find a family friendly cycle route and let them feel the wind in their hair. You might also like dragon dodgeball, kwik cricket, or stuck-in-the-mud.

Ducking

Hide and seek

Duck behind bushes, logs and trees in this classic game that’s perfect for outdoor spaces. The seeker covers their eyes and counts down to zero, while the other players hide. The game finishes when all the players have been found. Don’t forget to shout ‘ready or not, here I come!’

Parachute

Embrace a schooltime activity and crack out the parachute on a sunny day. Perfect for children of all ages and abilities, there are so many games that can be played with a parachute. Encourage your children to teach their friends and family their favourites or get involved with a classic like to me, to you or cat and mouse.

You might also like other non-parachute games like heads down, thumbs up or duck, duck, goose.

Jumping

Puddle jumping

We all know the British summer doesn’t come with a guarantee of sunshine. But instead of staying indoors, make the most of summer showers with some puddle jumping. See who can jump the farthest, make the biggest or smallest splash, or count the ripples you make with a single step. Wellies and waterproofs are essential for this one.

Assault course

Test your limits and compete against your friends on an assault course. Queen Elizabeth Country Park has two to choose from – a mini course and a larger action-packed option. Just pick the perfect course for your child and enjoy your next outdoor adventure. Playing outdoors isn’t just for children! Grown-ups can get involved on the larger course.

You might also like hopscotch, leapfrog or skipping games.

Dancing

Waggle dancing game

Did you know that honey bees will do a little dance to let others know they’ve found a flower with a lot of nectar and pollen? Let our pollinating friends inspire you with the waggle dance game. One player is secretly told the location of a hidden flower and has to communicate non-verbally (by waggle dancing) where the flower is to the other players. The first person to find the hidden flower becomes the next waggle dancing bee.

Musical chairs

Easily played in even the smallest of outdoor spaces, musical chairs is a staple of children’s parties for a reason. Put on a playlist and let the kids show off their best dance moves.

You might also like musical statues or musical bumps.

Now you’re all set to spend time playing in Hampshire’s countryside this summer. You can find wild places to explore all over Hampshire on our countryside site finder.

Don’t forget to sign your child up for the Summer Reading Challenge if you haven’t already. It runs until Saturday 16 September so the fun’s just getting started. You can also let us know your favourite outdoor games and activities on Facebook and Instagram.