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Thank you CLIF Kid for sponsoring this post. Be sure to check out the new CLIF Kid Zbar Filled and encourage your kids to get outside and play!
“Play with your brother – that’s basically the reason we had him.” – goes the saying… and, no, I didn’t make that up ;). Boredom is the killer of joy among my kids – I avoid filling their days with activities because they need to learn how to occupy themselves. But I find that they – and therefore, we – are so much happier and content when they’re busy playing.
They’re still too young for me to lock outside for the summer (I’m kidding!) so I encourage Quinn and Cooper to play together inside, outside, at home, and on-the-go. They’re also still a bit too young to play actual games, like soccer or baseball, or ride their bikes solo, so we have to get creative when playing because I don’t want to referee every minute of every day. Here are a few of our favorite “games” to play on-the-go, no equipment needed.
6 Games Kids Can Play ANYWHERE
- Balance Contest – just what it sounds like: who can stand on one foot the longest? Variations: who can hop the longest on one foot? And who can stand on one foot with one eye closed?
- Jumping Beans – who can jump the highest? Don’t worry, they’re supervised while catching air.
- Quiet Game – a total classic and golden game for parents everywhere.
- I Spy – Cooper is still REALLY bad at this game but it’s still hilarious to play.
- Scavenger Hunt – this one is really easy for outside play and buys you at least 20 minutes of occupied time. Ask kids to do things like: find 3 green leaves, or bring me 2 brown rocks, or pick up 5 sticks bigger than your hand – you get the idea.
- Dance Party – best for the outdoors ;). This is easy – I just play whatever song is on their list of the moment via my phone – lately it’s been the SING soundtrack, Moana or Handsclap by Fitz & The Tantrums.
One of our favorite play-fueling snacks are CLIF Kid Zbars – the kids love them because they taste amazing (I’ve been known to swipe the Apple Almond Butter bars from the kids) and they’re soft and chewy. I love them because they are actually nutritious, organic and non-GMO, and not loaded with junk like high fructose corn syrup. Win/win! CLIF is a great brand that encourages outdoor play for kids – trying to keep them “going, growing, and exploring” which is my goal, too.
Am I missing any great games for little kids to play on-the-go or outside?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Jenjo Games says
Got to know some really interesting games after reading your blog. I am pretty sure kids will definitely enjoy them while playing. All parents from their daily routine should spend some quality time with their young ones enjoying these fun activities. Thanks for sharing this awesome list of games with us.