Explore these outdoor games for kids that are not just fun. They also promote physical activity during summer vacation.
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Summer vacation brings a mix of excitement and challenge for parents. With schools closed and daily routines on pause, one big question arises: How do you keep your kids entertained without resorting to screens? Endless free hours can quickly turn into hours spent on video games, YouTube, or TV. But there is a simple and effective solution. Get your kids moving with fun outdoor games. Activities like badminton, trampolining, skipping, or ring toss are not just fun, they keep kids active, healthy, and focused. These games improve strength, coordination, and even social skills. In this guide, we have curated the best-rated outdoor games for kids that can turn summer into a season of movement, laughter, and learning.
10 top-rated outdoor games for kids
With the growing rise of the Internet and online games, kids these days don’t get the joy of playing outdoor games. But if you want to make this summer vacation more fun and healthy for your kid, check out these 10 outdoor games:
1. Badminton: A fun way to build stamina and focus
Badminton is one of the best outdoor games for kids to improve hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and endurance. It is a light cardio workout that is easy to learn and great for bonding with friends or family.
Recommended gear:
If your child is a beginner, try Yonex badminton racket. Its lightweight graphite frame and isometric design offer easy handling and power. The free full racket cover adds convenience, making it a great sporty companion for active play.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminium
- Grip size: 4 1/4 inches
2. Pickleball: A fast-growing game that builds agility and teamwork
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is a fast-paced, engaging game that boosts agility, balance, and focus, and is easy enough for younger kids to enjoy. Moreover, it also encourages teamwork and strategy, making it a social and skill-building sport.
Recommended gear:
Try Vinsguir pickleball set as it energises kids with a fun, cool design alongwith promoting fitness through one of the trending outdoor games for kids. This lightweight graphite paddles with honeycomb cores provide power and control, making them perfect for beginners learning hand-eye coordination and agility.
Specifications:
- Material: Graphite
- Grip size: 4 inches
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3. Skipping Rope: Classic cardio for endurance and bone strength
Skipping ropes offer a simple but highly effective workout for kids. It improves cardiovascular health, bone density, and rhythm. Skipping regularly can help improve coordination, stamina, and even mental sharpness while keeping kids energetic and fit.
Recommended gear:
Get your kids jumping into fitness with the Lifelong Adjustable Skipping Rope, which is designed for all heights and perfect for various outdoor games for kids. Its lightweight, durable PVC and ergonomic, non-slip handles make cardio fun and accessible.
Specifications:
- Material: Polyvinyl chloride pvc
- Special feature: Lightweight
4. Hopscotch: Enhances balance, motor skills and memory
A nostalgic and simple game that promotes coordination, number recognition, and social skills. It is great for group play. Hopscotch challenges kids to jump, balance, and memorize number patterns, all of which enhance cognitive development and spatial awareness.
Recommended gear:
Bring classic fun and fitness together with the Kids Mandi Jumbo Hopscotch Mat, sized big for energetic kids to enjoy outdoor games for kids. Made of durable, stain-resistant cloth, its colourful and educational design supports learning through play, which makes it a perfect active game for summer.
Specifications:
- Material: Foam
- Special feature: Durable
5. Roller skating: Builds leg strength and confidence
Roller skating helps kids develop motor skills, balance, and lower body strength. Plus, it is a lot of fun and keeps them moving. Skating also builds confidence and teaches kids how to control their movements with precision and coordination.
Recommended gear:
These adjustable roller skates from Jaspo are a thrilling way for kids to stay fit and confident, with one of the coolest outdoor games for kids this summer. The comfortable fit with toe stoppers and durable design supports balance, leg strength, and coordination.
Specifications:
- Sole material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
- Wheel material: Polyurethane
6. Tennis: Improves reaction time and discipline
Tennis is excellent for developing quick reflexes, mental focus, and upper-body strength. It also helps manage emotions and improve strategic thinking skills.
Recommended gear:
Introduce kids to tennis, one of the classic and rewarding outdoor games for kids, with this lightweight, sturdy Cosco racquet designed for beginners. Its aluminum frame withstands active use, encouraging kids to build fitness, social skills, and confidence.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminium
- Size: 21 inch
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7. Swimming: Full-body fitness and fun
Swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout. It improves lung capacity, muscle tone, and water safety skills. Swimming also enhances coordination and can be a great way for kids to beat the summer heat while staying active.
Recommended gear:
This premium EVA foam kickboard from Boldfit is a must-have for kids learning to swim. Its ergonomic grip handles and triple buoyant structure boost leg strength, endurance, and swimming technique.
Specifications:
- Material: Foam
- Grip: Six ergonomic grip handle
8. Trampoline jumping: Boosts cardio and muscle strength
Trampolining helps build leg muscles, improves coordination, and is great for cardiovascular health. It offers all these benefits while being super fun. Moreover, this outdoor game for kids also promotes lymphatic circulation and supports balance and posture development in kids.
Recommended gear:
Try LET’S PLAY 48-Inch Trampoline Jumping Trainer, which bring endless summer fun. A fantastic addition to outdoor games for kids, it features metal springs and a high-resilience jumping mat.
Specifications:
- Material: Aluminum alloy, galvanized steel, steel spring, PVC, PE cover pad
- Shape: Round
9. Basketball: Builds coordination and teamwork
Basketball encourages teamwork, coordination, and upper-body strength. Kids love the thrill of shooting hoops. It improves spatial awareness, endurance, and teaches the importance of collaboration and perseverance.
Recommended gear:
This Amisha Gift Gallery Big Basketball Set with Adjustable Stand invites kids to shoot hoops, one of the most popular outdoor games for kids, to stay active all summer long. Perfect for indoor and outdoor play, it improves hand-eye coordination, agility, and endurance.
Specifications:
- Special feature: Adjustable height
- Material: Plastic
Stay fit with the best pickleball rackets: 5 picks to boost your cardio and core strength
10. Yoga: Promotes calmness, flexibility, and core strength
Yoga teaches balance, mindfulness, and flexibility. It is a great way to start healthy habits early. Moreover, it also improves posture, strengthens the core, and can help reduce anxiety and improve concentration in growing kids.
Recommended gear:
Use this Fitness Mantra Pro Kids Panda Design Yoga Mat to enhance your kids’ practice. It features a cushioned, non-slip surface for safe practice of yoga. Moreover, it is lightweight and portable, which helps children stay active, calm, and healthy.
Specifications:
- Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
- Post-care instruction: Hand-wash only
Why are outdoor games vital for children’s well-being?
- Outdoor games for kids are so much more than merely keeping them happy, they are vital to their physical and mental growth.
- It helps in the development of skills such as coordination, endurance, balance, and agility.
- Outdoor games for kids also foster social interaction. It allow them to work together, and build confidence.
- Exercise outdoors enhances general well-being, promotes healthy development, and minimises stress.
- These well-chosen games are ideal for keeping your children fit, energised, and happy during their summer break.
(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)
Related FAQs
What skills do kids develop through outdoor sports?
Outdoor sports build stamina, agility, balance, teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and focus. They are essential for overall growth and active lifestyles.
How can I choose the best outdoor games for my child?
Opt for games that match your child’s age, interests, and skill level. It promotes safety, fun, and physical activity for effective development.
Are outdoor games safe during summer vacations?
Yes, with proper supervision, hydration, and safety gear, outdoor games provide a healthy, enjoyable way to stay active and beat summer boredom.
How often should kids play outdoor games for health benefits?
Kids should at least play for 30-60 minutes. It can boost fitness, mood, and social skills, which makes outdoor games a vital part of kids’ routines.
