Playgrounds offer fantastic environments for children to engage in physical activity, develop social skills, and have fun. However, several games may prove too challenging for particularly young kids or too boring for older kids.
If you’re a parent, teacher, caretaker, or another type of guardian looking after a group of children, here are four fun playground games for kids of all ages. Most of these games are low in stakes and physical challenge but high in fun.
Hot Potato
Hot potato is a classic game that promotes quick thinking and agility. To play, gather the children in a circle and use a ball or any small object as the “potato.” Begin playing music and have the kids gently toss the potato to another player as soon as possible.
When the music stops, the child holding the potato is out. The game continues until only one player remains. A common house rule is you can’t pass the potato back to the player who passed it to you so that everybody gets a chance to throw and catch.
Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is a timeless and fun playground game for kids of all ages. One child is “it” and counts to a predetermined number while the other children hide. Once the seeker finishes counting, they must find all the hidden players.
Depending on the age of your players, simply finding a player is good enough. But if you have slightly older kids, you can add a bit more physicality to the game by allowing the hider a chance to run to a safe zone after being discovered.
Gaga Ball
Gaga ball is gaining popularity as a dynamic and inclusive playground game. You can easily set up a portable gaga pit in a park and get large groups of kids to play together. The objective is to hit the ball with an open palm to try and strike other players below the knees. If a player is hit, they are out of the pit. The last kid standing wins.
Obstacle Course
Creating an obstacle course is a fantastic way to combine physical exercise and creativity. What’s best about this type of game is that you can tailor the difficulty to match the physical needs or age appropriateness of your group.
You can use playground equipment, cones, ropes, and other objects to set up a series of challenges for the kids to complete. These challenges can range from simple hopscotch to more intense rope climbs. Obstacle courses improve general motor skills and allow children to test their limits in a controlled environment.
Are you excited to bring these classic playground games to life? At Discount Playground Supply, we provide a wide range of playground equipment and supplies to help transform any space into a vibrant play area. From climbing structures to gaga ball pits, we’ve got everything you need to keep the fun going. Visit our website today to explore our selection and see what we have to offer!