5 easy backyard games your kids will actually want to play
If your kids are anything like mine, summer can quickly turn into “I’m bored” on repeat — usually five minutes after snacks. Sometimes the best way to reset everybody’s mood is the old-school way: send them outside.
Think hide-and-seek, but backwards. One person hides while everybody else searches. When someone finds the hider, they quietly squeeze into the hiding spot too until there’s one person left still searching. That last person becomes the next hider.
A classic for a reason. One person stands at one end of the yard calling out “green light” for everyone to run and “red light” for everyone to freeze. If somebody gets caught moving, they go back to the starting line. First one to reach the caller wins.
This one always feels extra fun around dusk. Pick a “safe base” and one person to be the ghost. Everyone counts while the ghost hides, then the search begins. Once somebody spots the ghost, they yell “Ghost in the graveyard!” and everybody takes off running back to base before getting tagged.
Simple. Chaotic. Guaranteed to burn energy. Whoever is “it” tags players to freeze them in place. Other players can unfreeze teammates by tagging them. Best played with lots of kids and plenty of room to run.
One player acts as “Mother” and stands across the yard from the other players. Kids take turns asking things like, “Mother, may I take three giant steps?” or “two baby steps?” If Mother says yes, they move. First player to reach Mother wins. Little kids especially love this one.
editor's pick
Join the Trussville Moms Insider List
Get the latest local events, family fun, community news, mom tips, and exclusive offers from businesses right here in our area — delivered straight to your inbox. Because nobody should find out about the fun stuff after it’s already over.
