Summer holidays are here! While kids are thrilled with the break from school, the change in routine can often lead to a big drop in how much they move. Without their usual PE lessons, yard time, or after-school sports, many children end up spending more time sitting still than running around.
And research backs this up. A recent study from the University of Western Ontario found that children’s physical activity can drop by over 50% during school breaks1. That’s a big worry, considering the HSE recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day for children2. That daily dose of movement helps support everything from bone strength and muscle development to better moods and deeper sleep3.
The good news? Summer is the perfect time to get kids moving more. With longer, brighter days and (hopefully!) better weather, it’s easier than ever to get outside and stay active. Whether it’s in the garden, at the park, or on the beach, there are so many simple, fun games you can play to help your child hit that 60-minute goal.
Here are 6 easy outdoor games for kids that require little to no equipment and are sure to get your kids off the couch and into action.
Just like regular tag, but with a twist. The person who’s "it" must tag another player’s shadow with their foot. It adds a funny challenge as shadows stretch and shift throughout the day. It’s a non-contact, silly, and super active way to keep kids moving without even noticing.
Top Tip: Try playing during late afternoon when shadows are longer and easier to catch!
Give your child a list of items to search for outside, like something round, something colourful, a stick shaped like a Y, or something that smells nice. You could even have your child put their art skills to the test and design their own checklist to tick off throughout the scavenger hunt. This fun activity encourages walking, bending, climbing, exploring, and builds strong observation skills.
Top Tip: Use a camera or phone for a photo scavenger hunt version
Set a start and finish line. Each race must be completed moving like a chosen animal - think bunny hops, crab walks, or frog jumps. This is a great way to work different muscle groups and children always love getting creative with their own animal moves.
Top Tip: As well as racing, you could also turn this into a fun guessing game where you have to guess what animal everyone is.
This absolute classic is bound to get everyone up and moving! Play some music and let everyone dance around. When the music stops, they freeze and can’t move until the music starts again. If you’re only playing with a small group, instead of knocking people out, you can have them do forfeits instead like do 10 star jumps or hold a 15 second plank. You can also do lots of different versions of this game like musical chairs or musical bums to change things up!
Top Tip: Have kids create their own playlist with their favourite songs to keep them engaged.
Set up targets on the ground using buckets or drawing chalk circles. Kids throw beanbags, rolled up socks or small balls to try and hit the target. This game helps build aim, hand-eye coordination and concentration.
Top Tip: Turn it into a family tournament by setting up different “levels” of difficulty and moving the targets farther away. You could even get kids to compete against adults for bonus points!
Create a short course and find something to use as your baton like a small toy or a stick. Kids can race each other or the clock by running, skipping, or hopping their way through the course. This is great for not only helping build up endurance, but it also help kids understand team play and learn self-motivation.
Top Tip: Add silly challenges between stations, like singing a song or balancing a book on your head.
When school ends, so does a lot of children’s built in movement. That means it’s up to parents and caregivers to create new ways for children to be active every day.
Regular movement improves:
And best of all? When movement is fun, kids don’t even realise they’re exercising. Whether it’s a five minute game in the morning or a full afternoon of relay races, every bit of activity counts toward that all important 60 minutes.
The long summer stretch is a perfect opportunity to help children build lifelong movement habits. With these six easy, outdoor games, you can make physical activity simple, screen free and full of fun. They don’t require expensive equipment or fancy plans, just a little time, a safe space and a willingness to play.
Want even more ways to get your kids moving? Check out our YouTube channel for free, at home activity videos created by our expert coaches, or book into one of our Summer Camps for a week packed with fun, fitness, and friendships.
