Children today belong to a unique generation in which playing outside isn’t a given. With technology and life conveniences, many kids are more used to playing on tablets or spending time indoors. 

This is missed opportunity since playing outdoors makes children physically healthy, promotes cognitive and social development, enhances their mood, and helps them sleep better at night. 

If you have a preschooler, there are plenty of incredible outdoor games they can play. These games for preschoolers are excellent for outdoor time. 

Musical Chairs

This is a timeless game that is great for a group of kids of any size. You start the game with at least one less chair than you have children. Then, arrange the chairs in a circle. 

A game host plays a song, at which point everyone in the group must walk around the circle of chairs. When the host stops the music, everyone must find a chair and sit in it. 

The odd person out without a chair to sit in is eliminated from the game. After each elimination, a chair is removed. The game repeats until the last person to find a chair to sit in without being eliminated is declared the winner. 

This level of play stimulates a child’s brain, helps them get exercise and teaches cooperation and participation. 

Red Light, Green Light

With Red Light, Green Light, one player is the light, while the others are the “cars.” Everyone except for the player acting as the light will line up a good distance away. 

The player acting as the light turns their back and announces, “red light” or “green light.” Everyone in line must stop with “red light” is announced and can go when “green light” is announced. 

If a player is caught moving during “red light”, they must go back and start over. The object is for everyone to eventually cross the finish line where the light conductor is standing. Once everyone has crossed, a new light conductor is chosen, and the game starts all over again. 

It’s one of the best games outside that you can play whenever you have wide open space. 

Duck, Duck, Goose

This is another classic in the world of kid’s games. 

With Duck, Duck, Goose, everyone circles up. One player is declared “it.” The player that is “it” walks around the circle saying “Duck” as they tap each player on the head, until, at their discretion, declaring one player “Goose” as they tap them on the head. 

The person that is “it” must then run around the circle while the Goose chases them. The point is for the Goose to catch and tag them before they reach the Goose’s spot and sit in it. 

If the player that is “it” gets caught, they must sit in the middle of the circle until another player gets caught. If the Goose can’t catch them, they then become “it.” 

The Best Games for Preschoolers to Play Outdoors

These games for preschoolers are great when you want your kids to get some fun in the sunshine and fresh air. Children that play will learn cooperation, listening, following the rules, and so much more. 

Grow With Us Learning Academy is happy to provide your child with the early education that they need to shape a bright future. Their days will be filled with lots of games for toddlers and plenty of learning opportunities. 

We have locations in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Pensacola, and Navarre and would be glad to count your child next among our bright young scholars. 

For information about our curriculum, enrollment, and registration, contact us on our site or give us a call at (850)586-7898.