outdoor activities for physical education

8 Great Outdoor PE Games for Kids

By MK Editor, May 23, 2021

This post is brought to you by CROSSNET, a four-way volleyball net that was designed with the physical education teacher in mind. With just a click of a button and detachment of poles you can easily set up your net to be a variety of heights. This provides gym teachers and volleyball coaches with easy flexibility allowing them to use CROSSNET with both their younger and older students.

There are so many classic outdoor Physical Education games (soccer, kickball, flag football…) that are great for getting kids moving while encouraging teamwork and strategy along with strength and endurance. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep it classic every time the bell rings. Here are eight of the best outdoor PE games, using balls, beanbags, flags, hula hoops or no equipment at all, for keeping things fresh and fun on days when it’s time to head outside and team sports just won’t cut it.

1. Freeze Tag

Great for any age group, freeze tag is just like regular tag, except when a student is tagged, they must freeze with their feet planted widely apart; then they can be unfrozen only when another student crawls through their legs. Teachers can support group cooperation by encouraging students to unfreeze as many of their classmates as possible, and even award points to students who do the unfreezing.

2. Crazy Hoops

While this game works great as an indoor gym activity, it can be even more fun outdoors, where there is plenty of room plus more potential for obstacles and twists. In Crazy Hoops, students build teamwork and strategy skills along with math skills as they work together to grab colored beanbags from a central location and bring them back to drop into their team’s hula hoop. The teacher assigns point values to each color of bean bag: five points for beanbags that match the team’s hula hoop color, ten points for other colors, and one point for white, for example.

If your students are working on fractions or negative numbers, you can incorporate those skills as well (purple beanbags are worth -10 points, for example, or each purple beanbag divides the team’s total points by two).

There are also numerous ways to add twists to this game: You can allow students to use a turn to grab a beanbag from an opponent’s hula hoop and drop it back into the main pile, or instead of locating the main pile in a central spot, divide the beanbags by color and locate the piles in several different areas that students will have to run, climb or crawl to reach.

3. Capture the Flag

This game is great fun when played the traditional way, with two teams, each with its own territory, and one flag per team to guard or steal. Capture the Flag gets even more fun, however, when you switch things up.

Try selecting one spy per team, secretly and at random, who gets one chance to steal the flag belonging to their supposed team and bring it back to their actual team.

Or, for a fast-paced twist, use balls instead of flags and incorporate rules about throwing the “flag” to teammates in order get it back to the home base as quickly as possible. If you have a large PE class, try playing a chaos version of the game by dividing the field or court into multiple sections and having the same number of teams and flags compete for the win.

4. Frisbee Golf

Have students throw soft foam flying discs into buckets, baskets, cardboard boxes and other goals positioned all around your outdoor playing space. This game can be played by taking turns in a big group or in teams, and you can incorporate extra rules, such as having students dance in place for five seconds if they don’t land the frisbee in the goal in three or fewer tries.

5. CROSSNET

This four-square version of volleyball is a super-fun take on the traditional game. Incredibly easy to set up, with adjustable height levels for any age group, it’s a blast for kids from elementary up through high school. CROSSNET targets throwing and catching skills and helps kids develop their hand-eye coordination, while tapping into their competitive natures. It doesn’t take up a lot of room, making it perfect for days when you’re setting up stations outdoors for students to cycle through.

You may also interested in the Best Indoor PE Games for Kids .

6. Hopscotch

This classic game offers great plyometric exercise and balance training along with silly fun. Multiple teams of three or four students each can play at once on multiple hopscotch grids, racking up cumulative team points and competing to win.

It’s easy to switch things up in hopscotch to keep everyone engaged. For example, instead of writing numbers in the squares, have students draw animals, like cats, dogs and frogs, or write down the names of exercises, like jumping-jacks, squats and high-knees, in the squares. When students toss a marker onto a square, they have to make the corresponding animal sound or perform repetitions of the specified exercise before they can begin hopping.

Another twist is partner hopscotch, in which two students hopping along two grids drawn close together must hold hands as they strive to hop with balance and accuracy.

7. Topple Ball

Divide students into teams of four, and set up one cone per team with a tennis or Wiffle ball balanced on top. Have students take turns rolling other balls toward the cones, trying to topple them over. When the ball on top falls, the student who toppled it must try to chase it down and grab it within five seconds to win a point for their team. They also must set up the cone and ball on top for the next teammate to take their turn.

8. Beanbag Relay

Students develop teamwork along with speed and agility in a beanbag relay, which can be held on an outdoor track or blacktop, in an open field, or in nearly any other outdoor space. Set out cones or other markers, divide students into teams, and give each team three beanbags. Teams line up at the starting point with their beanbags, and the first runner from each team runs with one beanbag to drop it at the first marker. Then they race back to grab a second beanbag and run it to the second marker, and finish up by repeating with the third beanbag and marker. When they return to the starting point, they tag the second runner’s hand so the second runner can retrieve all the beanbags in reverse — racing to the first marker, grabbing the beanbag and running it back to the starting line, racing back to the second marker for the second beanbag, and so on.

Bonus: Fartlek Runs

Marathon Kids is all about running, but not necessarily about speed. We believe in getting kids moving by motivating them to cover cumulative distances over time, but we don’t really care about how fast they go — unless they or their coaches want to work on developing their speed. If you have students in track or who are simply interested in improving their running speed and endurance, Fartlek runs are a great way to kick things up a notch.

No, Fartlek training isn’t a PE game, per se — and yes, you’ll have to allow your students extra giggle time to adjust to the silly-sounding name (“fartlek” is a Swedish word that means “speed play”). But soon they’ll recognize the serious fun that Fartlek runs can be. Whereas regular interval training has runners recover between higher-intensity intervals by walking or even stopping altogether, Fartlek training has athletes continue running at a steady pace between bursts of speed, which helps condition both the body and the mind to build speed and endurance. Best of all, the natural challenge and variations inherent in Fartlek training can keep students motivated and engaged.

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10 Super Fun Outdoor PE Games For Kids

Categories Education/School

Are your students tired of spending their days indoors? When the weather gets warmer, it’s nice to get your class outside so they can really stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Of course, there are the classic games that you can get your kids involved with, these being running, soccer, tennis, etc. But sometimes, you want something a little more interesting.

Outdoor activities not only promote physical fitness but also help kids develop essential social and collaborative skills.

In this article, we’re going to look at ten super fun outdoor PE games that will get kids moving, laughing, and engaged in healthy competition. Whether you’re a parent looking for some weekend fun or a PE teacher planning an exciting lesson, these games will surely become a hit with kids of all ages.

Let’s kick off our list with a classic favorite – tag. This timeless game never goes out of style, and kids love it. All you have to do is gather your children together in an open area and pick a child to be “it”. This mission is to tag other players, who then become “it”. The game continues until everyone has been tagged.

Something that we love about tag is how many different versions of tag there are, depending on how complicated or physically demanding you want the game to be. Freeze Tag: Once you’ve been tagged, you stand still until someone performs a pre-agreed action to free you

Link Tag: Like freeze tag, but you can’t be freed. Once tagged, you have to link arms with the closest other tagged person around until the whole group is part of the link.

2. Find The Destination

Gather your kids into groups. If you have a playground with different landmarks, like a basketball court, water fountain, bike rack, etc., then you can play “Find The Destination” for a fun and engaging scavenger hunt that will get them moving quickly and challenge their puzzle-solving skills.

Give your kids an initial clue that leads them to one location; once there, they will find a clue for the next location. Eventually, they will reach the final destination and finish the game. The first team to get to the final destination wins!

Top Tip: This game doesn’t have to be complicated; you just need to come up with some simple clues and set them in each location before the game starts.

3. Capture The Flag

“Capture The Flag” is a team-based outdoor PE game that combines strategy, teamwork, and physical fitness. Divide the kids into two teams, each with its flag placed at the team’s “home base.”

The objective is to capture the opposing team’s flag and bring it back to your team’s base without being tagged by opponents. If a player is a tagger, they have to go to the opponent’s “jail” until a teammate rescues them. This game not only encourages running and physical activity but also teamwork and strategy as players plan their attacks and defenses.

Top Tip: Encourage your kids to spend some time planning before the game starts.

4. Captain’s Orders

This next game is a fun and engaging outdoor game that incorporates physical activity with creative thinking. Designate one child as the “captain” who gives orders to the rest of the group. The captain can call out various commands such as “jump like a kangaroo,” “waddle like a penguin,” or “spin like a top.”

The other children must follow the captain’s orders and execute the actions. The twist is that the captain can try to trick the others by not saying “Captain’s Orders” before giving a command, and anyone who follows that command is out. The last child remaining becomes the new captain.

Top Tip: For added fun, bring a captain’s hat for the captain to wear.

5. Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are an excellent way to get kids moving while nurturing their problem-solving skills. Create a list of items or clues for the kids to find in a designated outdoor area.

Divide the children into teams or let them work individually, arms with their lists or clues. The first one or team to find all the items or complete all the clues wins. You can customize the scavenger hunts to match the theme of the outdoor space, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Top Tip: You don’t have to prepare anything; just make the items on the list things that are available in your location, like a stick or a flower, etc.

6. Crazy Hoops

Combine basketball with a twist of fun in “crazy hoops.” Set up hoops at various heights and angles around the outdoor area. Assign different point values to each hoop based on the level of difficulty. Kids take turns shooting a basketball into the hoops, aiming to score as many points as possible. You can make it even more entertaining by challenging them to make trick shots or use unconventional shooting methods. Crazy Hoops not only enhances basketball skills but also promotes healthy competition and physical activity.

Top Tip: Switch up the sizes of the hoops for added difficulty.

7. Fartlek Runs

“Fartlek Runs” is a fantastic way to introduce kids to interval training while keeping it fun. This game involves alternating between periods of high-intensity running and slower jogging or walking. Create a course with markers or cones and assign different activities or challenges to each marker. For example, at one marker, kids might have to do jumping jacks, and at another, they could perform a silly dance.

Between these activity markers, they should run at a brisk pace. Fartlek Runs not only improves cardiovascular fitness but also adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to outdoor PE classes.

Top Tip: You can scale the intensity of the activities depending on the age and ability of your students.

Relay races are a classic outdoor PR game that fosters teamwork and friendly competition. Divide the kids into teams and set up a relay course with defined start and finish lines. Each team member takes turns running a designated distance, often passing a baton to the next runner. The team that completes the relay race first wins. You can make relay races even more entertaining by incorporating various challenges or obstacles along the course. Relay races promote teamwork, communication, and physical fitness.

Top Tip: To add some variety, use bean bags or hula hoops as your batons.

9. Frisbee Golf

Also known as “disc golf,” frisbee golf is a fantastically fun outdoor game that combines the precision of golf with the excitement of Frisbee throwing. Create a “course” with a series of target areas or baskets, each marked with the number of throws it takes to reach the target. Kids take turns trying to complete the course in as few throws as possible. Frisbee golf not only enhances hand-eye coordination but also encourages kids to enjoy the great outdoors while engaging in low-impact physical activity.

Top Tip: Use your environment, for example, if there are hills or trees, to create more of a challenge for your golf.

10. Bowling

Bring the fun of bowling to the great outdoors with a game of “outdoor bowling.” Set up pins (or any suitable objects) at one end of the grassy area and mark a throwing line for the kids. Each child takes a turn trying to knock down the pins by rolling a ball (a soccer ball, basketball, or even a beach ball will do) from the throwing line.

Assign point values to the pins based on their position or size. This game not only improves throwing accuracy but also provides a unique twist on a familiar activity.

Top Tip : Mix your pins up with smaller, lighter pins and larger, heavier pins for more of a challenge.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating these ten super fun outdoor PE games into your child’s routine or PE class can make physical activity enjoyable and memorable. They offer a delightful way for kids to burn off energy, build physical fitness, and develop essential social and cognitive skills. So, whether you’re planning a family day in the park or an outdoor PE lesson, remember that these games are all about having fun while staying active.

Get out there, get moving, and watch as your kids grow stronger, more confident, and healthier, all while creating unforgettable memories.

You may also like these fun games for 8-year-olds .

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63 Outdoor Learning Activities Kids will Love

As a parent, and teacher, I try to get my children outside as much as possible. I am always looking for new outdoor learning activities. I was once told that (almost) any activity you can do inside a classroom, you can do outside.

There is a lot of truth to this and with the right materials, you can easily take learning outside. Although I used many of these activities as outdoor classroom ideas for kindergarten, children of all ages can enjoy the activities and ideas.

Whether you are an educator looking for outdoor education activities, or a parent or caregiver simply looking for outdoor activities for kids you will find lots of ideas in this collection.

I have gathered a collection of 63 outdoor learning activities. I hope they inspire you to try an activity outside!

The activities are sorted by subject area for quick reference. Some of the activities are simply ideas of how to bring learning outside. Other activities are specifically centered around nature and wilderness.

All of the activities can be done outside and involve learning! I hope you find some ideas that inspire you!

For a printable outdoor activity, a link to a printable outdoor scavenger hunt escape room is included. Simply print and play!

Outdoor Classroom Ideas by Subject

*Click the link below the picture for full activity description.*

This simple alphabet activity can be done just about anywhere, at any time. It is a great way for kids to practice letter formation and have fun in nature.

With this activity, kids will have fun recognizing their letters and then spraying the letters with water.

For children practicing sight words, have some fun finding, and splashing the sight word with a bucket of water.

Can you find two words/pictures that rhyme? This giant memory game is sure to be a favorite with kids!

This Sight Word Scrub is a great, hands-on, way to learn and practice sight words.

This Beginning Sound, Melt and Break is perfect on a hot day!

Create a nature journal with children to record some of their outdoor experiences.

Sometimes a simple, cozy reading nook is all kids need. Bring their love of reading outside.

You only need a few simple materials, and lots of sunshine, for these kid created works of art!

Get kids moving with a scooter board and some chalk.

Focus outdoor learning with a collection of hands-on activities all in a printable booklet. From STEM building challenges to art projects, kids will love working their way through the booklet and activities.

There are so many outdoor learning activities you can do with these vocabulary vases.

Did you know you can make paint using natural materials? You can with this nature paint activity.

Kids use the nature surrounding them to create these pieces of art. A small amount of clay, paint and lots of creativity is all you need.

Winter Outdoor Education

During the winter months, you can mix the snow into your outdoor education program. It is a wonderful sensory experience for kids to paint in the snow. It’s beautiful too!

Mix a bit of science and art with this exploding paint bombs activity.

How cute are these? This is a perfect outdoor education activity because kids use items they find in nature to create art.

Kids will love getting their hands messy with this outdoor sensory activity.

If your kids like drawing and creating using sidewalk chalk, they will love this liquid sidewalk chalk. It is easy to make and the color is bright and beautiful!

Kids love collecting rocks. Put those rocks to good use with this nature art outdoor learning activity. It mixes a bit of art and math into an activity you can use over and over again.

Keep creating and drawing outside with this homemade sidewalk chalk activity. Our favourite was the rainbow block of chalk!

STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) Challenges

This is one of my all time favorite outdoor education activities. With only a few materials children are challenged to build a tent or structure. It is hours of fun!

Teach kids about gravity in a fun, outdoor activity as they watch their superheroes fly!

Add some extra learning during a hike. Learn about compasses and direction.

This activity incorporates a bit of science and math into a human body activity that kids will love.

This solar oven would be great when camping at home! The activity includes lots of science and fun.

Outdoor Learning Activities

Create something for a marble to roll down into a bowl. Kids get their hands on the materials and solve the challenge.

Kids create their own javelin and use it for a STEM activity! A easy way to get kids outside learning and moving.

More STEM and Hands-On

If your kids are interested in birds and their nests, this inquiry project is a perfect hands-on outdoor learning activity.

Kids love playing with ice especially if there are tiny treasures inside to dig out. Perfect for fall!

Kids create their own balloon rocket with this science experiment.

Outdoor learning activities do not have to require lots of preparation. Sometimes, just giving children materials and watching what they create results in amazing learning.

What if you simply gave children a collection of fabrics?

Outdoor learning is not limited to the warm months. Kids love being outside in all weather. This building activity can be done year round.

Teach kids about friction!

Create balloon rockets, then test and race them outside.

Small world play is a favorite with young children. This frog habitat is a great way for kids to learn about frogs.

Outdoor Learning Activities – Science

Can you do anything to make ice melt faster? Watching ice melt has never been this exciting!

Trap, inspect and learn about bugs right in your own backyard!

What lives in dirt? Kids discover all of the living things in the dirt.

Kids learn about photosynthesis in a way they can understand and see!

Kids explore their senses as they work through an outdoor scavenger hunt.

A simple sound hunt activity encourages kids to become aware of their surroundings.

Outdoor Learning Activity Printable

Help kids recognize various leaves and try out some fun experiments.

With this activity kids record what they find and explore with their senses.

Learn how to identify various clouds with this activity.

How many nests can you find? Mix math with science with this nature hunt.

Go rock pooling with children with this outdoor learning activity kids will love.

Where do all the animals go in winter? This fun outdoor scavenger hunt leads kids to find animals in their “natural” habitat.

Show kids how sunscreen protects their skin from the sun with this experiment.

Find and spray number activity!

Outdoor Learning Activities Math

Make a regular hike or walk through the forest even more engaging with a free printable scavenger hunt . There is lots of math mixed in as children are challenged to find twigs the length of their hand and stones smaller than their fingernail. The sheet is printable, and free!

A number scavenger hunt will get kids excited about numbers as they hunt to find the numbers in order.

This Outdoor Number Order Sort is a great, hands-on way to increase number recognition.

Test kids memory skills with this memory match game using various materials found in nature.

Get kids moving with this simple outdoor learning activity that incorporates a bit of math and physical education.

Keep kids moving with these field day activities to do outside.

Match and represent numbers using rocks in this hands-on outdoor learning activity.

Challenge children to search for all of the beautiful patterns in nature.

Being able to sort by seeing the differences in objects is an essential skill. Try out this outdoor education sorting activity.

Outdoor Learning Activities Sensory

If you are planning a camping trip, this printable escape room is a perfect activity to take with you. Simply print and play and to add to the excitement of the trip. Simply print ahead of time, and use materials you (likely) already have with you.

This is one of my favorite outdoor education activities! Let kids get a bit muddy as they “bake” with this sensory activity.

If you are looking for an active game, this is a great way to get kids moving outdoors.

Kids explore their senses with their feet with this bare foot sensory activity.

5 days filled with outdoor learning activities, such as “Campfire Day”.

Leaf Weaving works on fine motor skills for little hands.

Kids love playing with cookies cutters and play dough, but used outside with snow creates a whole new sensory activity.

Instead of throwing out paper, recycle and create this seed bomb.

Outdoor Learning Activities – Social Studies/History

Children learning about World War 1 will be engaged with this outdoor learning activity for WWI.

For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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Outdoor scavenger hunt escape room.

Escape rooms are very popular right now! Take the fun of an escape room outside to your own backyard with this printable backyard escape room. No special materials needed, simply print, set up in minutes and play!

Earth Day Printable Flip Book

Celebrate the earth with a collection of Earth themed activities. Ideal for classroom use or homeschool. Click image for more information.

Outdoor Learning Choice Board

Looking for a printable collection of outdoor learning activities that you can do at outside at home or school? Download the free choice board from Hands-On Teaching Ideas. Once you subscribe you will be able to print the choice board right away. You will also gain access to the Free Library, filled with resources.

More Kids Activities and Hands-On Teaching Ideas

Looking for more hands-on teaching ideas? Below are a collection of favorite and most popular activities, including science experiments, escape room puzzles and STEM challenges.

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The PE Specialist

Awesome Resources for Physical Education Teachers

PE Games: Cross The River

This week I’m coming to you with a CLASSIC game that I play every year with my kids.   Like most activities – I only play it once a year so kids love it when they walk in and see the game setup.   I usually save it for a time when students are coming back from a break and kids would benefit from some team building and cooperative activities.

Aside from the fact that it’s an awesome activity, I think my students love it so much because  I present the game in a gamified format  by creating different levels for each increasingly difficult or complex extension of the game (I do this with most activities, for more examples check out  Hula Hut Relays , Pass the Frog , or Fire and Ice .

Check out the video below for an example of me teaching the game to a 3rd grade class at my school:

If you don’t have time for the video check out the summary of the game below, or download the free lesson plan at the bottom of this post.

Cross The River

• I shoot for about 5-7 kids on each team, but you can modify and adjust for different situations.  The setup below is for one class, for double classes I would simply double the equipment.  To start the game, I give my K-2 students 1 more dot than the members of their team, with 3-5th they get the same number of dots as team members.

• No sliding or throwing the PE equipment
• If any part of your body touches the “water” your entire team must start over

Level 1: Get to the “Island”

• In this level students will learn how to get across the river with their team and attempt to make it to the island (gymnastics mats folded up)

Level 2: Cross the River

• In this level students will attempt to cross the ENTIRE river.  If they make it to the island, it acts as a “Checkpoint” where they can “Save their game”.  If they fall in after saving their game, they can start over at the island.

Level 3: You Lost a Rock

• In this level students once again, attempt to get their entire team to the island – However, you have some bad news for all the teams… The water has picked up and they’ve lost one of their rocks!  They must use creativity and brainstorm a way to get to the island with one less rock.  One hint I give kids on this level is “You need to think outside the Box!” 😉 , you can see an example in the instagram post below :

  View this post on Instagram   Kids: This is totally impossible…???? . Me (for the 3,00th time): Think outside the BOX and use all of your resources… . Kids: ???????????? USE the BOX!!!! . Me: ???????????????? . Details and lesson plan for this team building game “cross the river” are linked up on our resources page ???????? . #physicaleducation #physed #pegeeks #iteachpe #pe #peteacher #elempe #primarype #teamwork #teachersofinstagram A post shared by Ben Landers (@thepespecialist) on Jan 9, 2020 at 6:07am PST

Level 4: Cross the River Again

• Same as level 2, but with one less rock this time.  Checkpoint stays the same.

Level 5: Double Up

• In this level I combine my 4 teams into 2 teams and have them attempt to make it to the island and then combine all of their equipment to go all the way across the river together.

That’s the basic outline, but there are tons of variations and different ways to present the game (different equipment, blindfolds, add obstacles to the river, create mines with bowling pins, change the scenario or add more restrictions).

I really love watching the kids play and there are TONS of teachable moments that will happen throughout the game that you can explore with the kids after each level.

I also use this game as one of my Field Day stations each year.  The classroom teachers enjoy watching the kids use teamwork and attempt to be the first group to “cross the river”

If you want specifics and a more detailed list of ideas, strategies and variations – you can download my lesson plan for free below:

It’s so fun watching kids complete a challenge for the first time – check out the post below to see what I mean 🙂

  View this post on Instagram   Going into Friday like… . ???????? . #physicaleducation #physed #pegeeks #iteachpe #pe #peteacher #elempe #primarype A post shared by Ben Landers (@thepespecialist) on Jan 10, 2020 at 7:04am PST

Got some cool variations of the game not included in the lesson plan?  Leave them in the comments below.

Have fun and teach on.

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Reader Interactions

September 3, 2024 at 3:04 pm

What can be substituted if I do not have the aerobic steps?

September 3, 2024 at 5:22 pm

Hey Kristen,

I’ve used and see teachers use a gymnastics or yoga mat, balances beams, or benches.

Basically, anything that you can stand on.

Hope this helps!

August 13, 2024 at 9:36 pm

Just wondering why the membership is only a year? It seems like a lot if you have to keep purchasing this each year.

August 14, 2024 at 6:55 am

Great question Patricia!

We are constantly adding new resources, e-courses, lesson plans, and videos.

We also have a membership forum where you can gather ideas from other PE teachers.

May 21, 2024 at 12:58 pm

I love your games! I am a special ed teacher. I typically work with children in Early Intervention and preschool special ed. I am now working in an after school program with children in Grades K-8. Most are 2nd/3rd and 5th grade. We have a small group. The kids get to use the “gym” area. It’s called a Dojang as this is a martial arts center that teaches tae kwon do. Typically the middle schoolers and elementary kids have separate times in the Dojang. Then, there is a group time. How would you modify this for the older kids? Also, what other games would you recommend? They are so bored at times with the same games like gaga.

Thank you so much!

May 22, 2024 at 6:52 am

Thanks for reaching out!

Do you have any equipment? If so, you can do activities as stations. Check out the link below for ideas on stations:

https://www.thepespecialist.com/stationteaching/

If there is no equipment, you may want to organize the activities for fun games. Check out the link below to fun games and activities we like to do in PE class:

Physical Education Games and Activities

February 4, 2023 at 2:19 am

The object of the activity is to get all members of the group safely across the river. this a great game.

February 6, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Glad you’re enjoying the activity Rebecca!

May 18, 2021 at 1:50 pm

I just had my students play Cross the River. I needed a break from our Field Day fun prep and some inclement weather so I went on the website looking for something new. I have played a similar game that I call “Rescue Island” with my 3-5th graders that uses a scooter board (boat) substituted for the step (log) to the spots and the island played across the width of the gym. Anyway, Ben I sure appreciate your ideas and resources! I will definitely be adding this to my cooperative games unit. Teach on!

May 18, 2021 at 4:18 pm

Sounds like such a cool game Nathan! Thanks for sharing!

April 8, 2021 at 10:57 am

Hi! this is great fun with the kids, tried yesterday 🙂 but i am having trouble downloading the lesson plan. Not sure if it’s on my end or yours! 🙂 Loryn

April 8, 2021 at 3:25 pm

Sorry about the issue!

Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.

As a another option you can also find some of our products on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist

Just search “Cross the River”

March 14, 2021 at 8:03 pm

Exactly what I’ve been looking for! Can’t download the lesson plans though:/

March 15, 2021 at 3:45 pm

April 1, 2020 at 1:28 pm

It was a good game for the children to learn how to work together

April 2, 2020 at 12:16 pm

CTR is one of our favorites!

October 14, 2019 at 2:25 pm

Do you play until one team finishes the level or until 5 minutes are up or do you give all the students 5 minutes to finish and teams that finish first sit and watch?

October 16, 2019 at 4:52 pm

I stop the music about 20 seconds after the first team finishes and have all the teams reset – we talk about strategies and refinements and then play the next level. DO what works for you though!

October 3, 2019 at 9:39 am

I’m not able to download the lesson plan above. Is there another way to retrieve it?

October 7, 2019 at 6:14 pm

March 11, 2019 at 3:09 pm

I love the idea of this game but I am unable to download the lesson plan…

March 12, 2019 at 3:06 pm

Hey Rochelle, sorry about the issue, but it’s working on our end.

As a another option you can also find this product on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist

January 9, 2019 at 8:23 am

Thank you! Fun reminder of some renditions of this classic!

January 6, 2019 at 10:13 pm

This sounds like a super fun game to kick off second semester! We do not have any Aerobic Steps. Trying to think of an alternative? I am going to rummage through our equipment room tomorrow.

January 9, 2019 at 5:21 pm

Anything works – yoga mats, scrap pieces of wood, pieces of cardboard…

January 6, 2019 at 2:15 pm

How can I get access to your Cross the River Download? When I click on “checkout” there is nothing in my cart.

January 9, 2019 at 5:20 pm

Sorry about the issue – Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.

As a last resort you can also find this download on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist

January 5, 2019 at 12:20 pm

Thanks looks fun.

May 15, 2018 at 8:07 am

Hi Ben, I saw the modifications you make for Grades K-2. Even with grades K-2 you still use the “LOG”? How does that work with K passing and moving the “LOG”? Is it something they struggle with physically? Just was curious before I teach it to my younger students.

May 16, 2018 at 3:18 pm

K usually doesn’t pass the log (even though it’s there if they thought of it). They usually don’t need to use the log because I always give them one extra spot.

1st and up can pass the log without any issues – although, yes it’s harder for them than it would be for a 4th grade student.

August 9, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Thanks so much! I used it for VBS and the kids loved it! It was so fun to see them work together and think. The 1st graders did better than the 4th graders, too many chiefs in the older group. LOL!

Thanks for sharing!

August 14, 2017 at 4:02 pm

Haha – perfect. I’ve used it for a church camp as well – it’s always a hit 🙂

May 22, 2017 at 9:36 am

What could I use instead of the aerobic steps as the logs?

May 22, 2017 at 4:27 pm

Go to home depot or Lowes and by a few 2x4s and have them cut it into smaller pieces and use those. Or you could get 1 x 6s if you want to have a wider “log” for the kids to make it easier.

Or you could use any other flat object in your equipment room that can be stepped on – or just don’t use logs, use scooters instead as “boats”

May 3, 2017 at 11:18 am

Ben have you ever used Cross the River as a Field Day station? I was thinking Of playing it with my 2nd-3rd grades. My field day stations are 15 min. each. Do you think we could play 2 levels in that time? Just wanted your opinion.

Thanks, Doug

May 8, 2017 at 8:56 am

Yep – we use cross the river for Field Day every year with K-5th, our stations are 7 minutes each, but I think 15 would work as well if you had the different levels.

February 21, 2017 at 2:43 pm

I play this game using floatation devices (pinnies, poly spots) instead of rocks. Students must ALWAYS be touching (with some body part) the floatation device or it will float away and the team will have one less device to get across with. I like how you added levels.

February 22, 2017 at 7:11 pm

Nice! I’ve heard of that variation with the floating objects, but never tried it – sounds fun though. Thanks for sharing!

February 15, 2017 at 4:06 pm

I did this today with third and fourth graders. They really enjoyed it. Presenting it in a “gamified” format really resonated with a lot of them. I had a number of students ask me after class when we could do this again. Ben Landers for the win!

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17 Brilliant Parachute Games For PE (For All Ages)

Having tried hundreds of PE activities over more than 12 years working in education, some of the favorites that I return to again and again are parachute games!

Having just a single parachute, and a small handful of accompanying resources can result in a wonderful array of Phys Ed games for all ages.

Parachute games provide multiple benefits, including developing:

• Cooperation ( Source )
• Team building skills
• Physical development
• Coordination skills
• Math and literacy skills
• Gross motor skills
• And so much more!

In this post, I’ll outline my all-time favorite 17 parachute games for PE.

Table of Contents

1. Coconut Shy!

This is such a fun parachute game!

Split the kids into two groups for this.

One of the groups will hold a large parachute at waist height.

The other group will stand a few yards away from the parachute, in a line, and all holding sponge balls.

The idea is that the first person in the queue will throw their ball and try to land it in the parachute. After you throw, collect another sponge ball from a bag or box, and then go to the back of the line.

Then the next person goes!

Keep going until you’ve got lots of balls in the chute, or until a certain number of throws each is up. Then swap groups.

2. Coconut Shy Time Limit

This is a variation on the coconut shy game above.

The main difference is that this is the competitive version. The first team has 2 minutes (or a different time of your choosing) to get as many balls into the parachute as possible.

Count them up, and then the two teams swap places.

The team with the most balls at the end in the chute is the winner!

3. Mushroom

This is a great way to end a session, as a kind of relaxed team-building activity.

The idea is that everyone starts by standing around the parachute and holding it at about waist height.

Then everyone will say, ‘1, 2, 3, Lift!’

Everyone lifts the parachute up above their heads, and they keep hold of it as they all go towards each other a couple of steps and crouch down. If you do it right, the parachute will ‘mushroom’ around everyone, completely covering them in a mushroom shape!

This is a similar concept to ‘mushroom’, but just a different end goal.

Everyone stands around in a circle, holding onto the parachute again.

Everyone will say, ‘1, 2, 3, Lift!’

This time, everyone lifts the parachute up rapidly above their heads, and then they let go!

If you all let go at the same time, then the parachute will soar upwards high into the air. If you do it indoors, it should be able to hit the ceiling.

Watch out when it comes back down!

The tricky thing in this parachute game is for the kids to all let go at the same time!

This is a fantastic cooperation game involving just a parachute and no other resources (like many of these games).

In this fun game, everyone apart from one child is going to crouch down together, and the parachute is placed over them. This is the turtle with its shell.

The idea now is that the ‘turtle’ is going to slowly walk around the space.

I like to play this game as a challenge. The child that is not inside the turtle is going to place an object (such as a rubber spot) somewhere in the space. The challenge, then, is for the child to direct the turtle to walk towards the place where the object is and go over it.

Then get the child to swap with a child inside the turtle, and repeat the process.

The child doing the directing will be saying things like, ‘Forward, forward, to the side – another way!’ and things like that.

6. Bounce Count!

One of the most amazing parachute games on this list!

You can do this in one of three ways – easy, medium, or slightly harder!

The easy way is just a simple fun counting game and is particularly good for younger children.

You put a ball on the parachute that you are all holding. Count as you bounce the ball into the air – 1, 2, 3… Say a number every time it goes back into the air.

The ‘medium’ version is a great math activity. Instead of counting in 1s, this time you count in a different number. So you might count in 2s, 5s, or 10s as you bounce the ball.

The slightly more complex version is the one I use the most!

Split the children into two groups. One group will hold the parachute with the ball on it.

The other group will have a challenge. It might be to run as a relay from one side of the room to the other. So one child goes first, then the next, and so on until everyone has completed it.

The idea is that the group bouncing the ball will count as this goes on, and keep on counting until the activity comes to an end.

Then the two groups will swap and try to do the activity quicker than the previous group.

Some other good activities to try while the bouncing is happening are:

• Do twenty star-jumps
• Balance along a bench one at a time
• Do a certain number of skips with a jump rope

7. Catapult!

This is a really simple yet exciting game.

Have one big sponge ball on the parachute, and everyone in a circle holding the chute.

Go, ‘1, 2, 3!’ And all try to bounce the ball as high into the air as possible!

8. Catapult Target!

This is the trickier version of ‘Catapult’ above but it offers so much fun!

Have everyone around the chute again, with a ball in the middle. You also need a big target quite close to the parachute. This could be a big sheet on the floor (or something similar).

Go, ‘1, 2, 3, Throw!’ And throw the ball into the air, trying to land it on the target! If you didn’t hit it the first go, get the children to talk about a strategy to hit it the second time. This process is great for problem-solving and critical thinking.

9. Team Tennis

You need two parachutes for this game and one ball.

This is not easy! (Just a warning)

The two groups stand side-by-side, each holding the two respective parachutes. You want to have at least a yard between the two groups for safety.

The idea is that one group is going to try to throw the ball to the other group and try to land it in the parachute.

The other group will try to catch it, and throw it back! Once again, I recommend using the ‘1, 2, 3, Throw!’ throwing drill.

10. Fruit Salad

This is a great game of cooperation and team building, and one of the best parachute games.

Everyone stands holding the parachute. The adult points to each child in turn and gives them a fruit name. I normally pick four different fruits – eg. Strawberry, banana, apple, and pear.

So, go around the circle, pointing and labeling each child – ‘Strawberry, apple, banana, pear, strawberry, apple, banana, pear, strawberry…etc’

I find the tricky part is everyone remembering what their fruit is!

Then get everyone to go, ‘1, 2, 3, Lift!’

Everyone lifts up the parachute so that it mushrooms up high into the air.

The adult shouts one of the fruit names, for example, ‘Pear!’

All the pears run under the parachute, and go to a space that has been vacated by another ‘pear.’ Then repeat the process, lifting the chute, and swapping places with others that share the same fruit with you.

11. Parachute Switch

This is a good yet fun parachute game to try if you find the kids are not great at remembering their fruit names in ‘Fruit Salad.’

In this game, all the children stand around the parachute. They all lift together, so the parachute mushrooms up.

The adult shouts the names of two children, e.g. Rosie and Luca.

Those two children run under the chute and swap places.

Repeat this process with different kids until everyone has had a go.

12. Popcorn Teams

‘Popcorn’ is one of the most well-known parachute games, and this is a really good variation of it.

Split the kids into two groups. One group will be holding the parachute, and the other group will be standing spaced out in the area around the parachute team.

Have lots of small light balls for this game. Something like ball pool balls, or small sponge balls are good.

The idea of this is the group holding the parachute will vigorously start shaking the chute and trying to bounce all the balls off.

The other group will be running around all over the place, picking them up, and getting them back onto the chute!

I normally play with a time limit. Keep going for about two minutes, and then the group swap roles.

You could play until one group manages to bounce every single ball off. Then swap.

13. Shark Attack!

In this game, one person is going to be the ‘shark’. They go underneath the parachute.

Everyone else is going to hold the chute at about waist height!

They are going to gently shake the parachute up and down, mimicking the waves on the sea.

The ‘shark’ will now move around under the parachute. They are going to do a ‘shark attack’ by touching someone on the foot! It should be a gentle tap – no Jaws-style mega-attacks, please!

Whenever you feel a tap, you become the new shark, and the old one comes out and takes their place.

You need a box of some sort with different objects for this fun parachute activity. In an ideal world, you might have some kind of treasure chest!

But any suitcase, bag, or other container would be fine.

Have at least 5 random objects that are all different in the box. You might have 5 different fruits, for example.

Everyone stands holding the parachute, with the box with objects underneath it.

Everyone goes, ‘1, 2, 3, Lift!’ and they lift the parachute high in the air.

The adult shouts the name of one child and also an object for them to retrieve. This child is now the diver. They ‘dive’ under the chute, grab the object, and bring it back out.

Repeat the game for other objects.

I normally link this game to a topic or theme that you are covering at that time. So, if you’re learning about vehicles, have 5 toy vehicles in the box.

15. Roll Ball

Roll Ball is one of the most interesting parachute games that teaches cooperation.

Everyone holds the parachute, and someone places one large ball on it.

The idea is that you are going to work as a team to roll the ball around the very edge of the parachute in a circle, but without letting the ball fall off.

This simple game involves lots of communication and thinking skills.

16. Roll Ball Competition

This is the competitive game version of the ‘Roll Ball’ above.

Everyone stands around the parachute again. Split the kids into two groups, by drawing an imaginary line down one side of the parachute.

Now place a large sponge ball on the chute.

The idea is that one side is going to try to bounce the ball off over the other group’s side, and vice versa.

This is a fun parachute game of rolling, and bouncing!

If you get the ball off the other group’s side, then you win one point!

I normally play the first to five points is the winning group.

17. Pirate Pull

This is another game of cooperation and working as a team.

Everyone stands holding the parachute except one person. That person is going to be in charge of calling instructions.

This is a bit like a rowing game, only using a parachute.

Separate the kids slightly, so they are in two teams, one on either side of the parachute. One side is team 1, and the other is team 2.

The idea is that the caller shouts out which one team should pull backwards on the chute. They shout, ‘1’ and that team pulls backwards, with the others pushing forwards.

Then, ‘2’, and the other team pulls.

What you get is a coordinated see-sawing backwards and forwards.

This is not a tug-o-war! This is working together, pulling the ‘oars’ back and forwards in a coordinated way.

What do you think of these parachute games? Which one would you like to try with your preschoolers or kids?

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18 Fun PE Games Needing No Equipment

Learning some fun PE games that don’t need equipment can be very useful for busy PE teachers, parents and child care professionals.  

They can help you provide the children you are caring for with fun activities that improve their fitness – without the need to pull out a cupboard full of equipment.  

PE games that don’t need equipment are also useful as impromptu activities at BBQs, parties, and trips away.   In this guide, I will be sharing 18 of the best PE games needing no equipment.

#1 –  Red Rover

This classic game is a lot of fun and easy to learn. In Red Rover, the participants are split into two teams of equal size that form two lines opposite each other. The members of each team will hold hands.

Each team will choose a player from the opposing team, saying “Red Rover Red Rover, send Peter over” to nominate Peter.  

Peter then has to let go of his team mates hands and attempt to run through the other team’s line, breaking their hold on each other.  

If he manages to do so, he will choose a player from the opposing team to join his team’s line.  

If Peter fails to break through the line, he will be forced to join the opposition team’s line.

The teams will alternate turns with the winner being the team that ends up with all of the players. Because all players will end up on the winning team, there are no losers in this game.

#2 – Captain’s Orders

Captain’s Orders is the perfect choice for a competitive group of kids who want to outdo each other.  

It can really test your student’s endurance levels and improve their fitness.   The game begins with one person being nominated to be the “Captain”. They must give out commands to the crew (the rest of the PE class).  

The Captain is limited to a set of commands, which you can alter if you have specific fitness objectives for the class to reach.   You could use a mixture of fun commands and physically demanding ones, like:

• Captain’s coming The crew must salute the captain and stand at attention
• Run to starboard/port The crew must run to the left (port) or right (starboard) sides of the room and touch the wall.
• Scrub the deck The crew must do 10 pushups
• Man the lifeboats The crew will perform 10 sit-ups while moving their arms like oars

You could have the crew members stand at attention after completing each task, which will make the more competitive students attempt to beat each other.   After a few minutes, change captains so a few children get a chance to be in command.

#3 – Relay running races

Running relay races are one of the simplest PE games needing no equipment.   Take the class outside and divide them into groups of 3 or 4 people each.  

Have them run 100 to 200 metres each before moving on to the next person in the relay.  

The mix-it-up relay race is fun variation of a normal relay running race.   In a mix-it-up race, each person in a relay team will perform a different action.  

The first person may have to skip, the second may have to run backwards, the third can run normally, and the fourth can hop.   This makes the race more exciting and enjoyable to watch.

#4 – Cops and Robbers (Team tag game)

There are many fun variations of tag that are useful for PE classes.   In “ Cops and Robbers ”, the PE class is divided into two teams — the cop team and the robber team.   The cops will pursue the robbers to tag them.  

Once a robber is tagged, they must go to a section of the playing area that has been nominated as the “jail”.

Robbers who have not been tagged can release their team mates by sneaking into the jail and tagging them.  

The game is complete when the cops have managed to round up all of the robbers.   Playing this game in an outdoor area with plenty of places to hide can make it even more enjoyable.  

#5 – Wheelbarrow races

This activity is very challenging and a lot of fun.   It’s best suited for fit students with decent upper body strength.   Split the group up into teams of two people that will stand on one side of the gymnasium.  

Each team will have one person go into plank position while the other grabs them by the ankles.    

When you say “Go” the person in plank position will go into pushup position while the person holding their ankles lifts them — forming a wheelbarrow .  

They will attempt to walk the wheelbarrow to the other side of the room.   Once there, they will touch the wall and switch roles before racing back.   The first team back to the starting point wins.

#6 – Duck Duck Goose

Duck Dusk Goose is a wonderful PE game for younger children.   The rules are simple and they will get plenty of exercise. Start by having the children sit in a circle facing the middle.  

Nominate one person as “it”.   They will walk around the circle touching each person on the shoulder and saying if they are a duck or a goose. If the person is nominated as being a duck, they remain seated.  

However, when someone is nominated as being a Goose, they must get up and chase “it” around the circle and tag them before they make it to the empty spot where the Goose was sitting.

#7 – Headstand/handstand practice

There are many advantages to teaching basic gymnastic techniques in the classroom. Headstands and handstands are a particularly useful gymnastic skill that can be practiced indoors on carpet or outdoors on grass.

Begin by teaching students correct headstand form — from getting into a correct starting position to eventually lifting their legs and completing the move.  

Once they understand the basics and know how to perform a headstand safely, have them split into pairs for practice.  

One student in each pair should be a “spotter” who helps the other student with their form and holds their legs. After they they have performed a few headstands have them switch roles.  

Move onto the handstands next, with groups of three (one person practicing and two to hold their legs).   If you are performing this activity outdoors, use trees to prevent students from overbalancing.  

#8 – High Jump Competition

This simple game is a great way for kids to have some fun while testing their athleticism.  

Have the children split into groups of two and stand next to a brick wall.   Have them jump as high as they can, touching the highest brick they can reach with their hand.   Each child gets 3 jumps.  

The highest jumper in each pair gets to go through to the next group, were they are paired off again and will get another three jumps.  

Eventually, you will discover who the highest jumper in the group is. You could also have a standing long jump competition to see who can jump the furthest.

#9 – British Bulldogs

British Bulldogs is a classic version of tag and one of the most popular equipment-free PE games.This game is also commonly known as “Bullrush” and “Cats and Mice”.

The game starts with all of the players at one end of a playing area.   A basketball court works well for small groups, while half a soccer or football field is better for larger groups.  

One player is selected to be “it”.   They will wait in the middle of the playing area.

When you say go, the children will attempt to run from one side of the playing area to the other without being tagged. If they are tagged, they will join the “It’ player in the centre of the playing area.

#10 – Simon Says

This is another classic game that young children love. It is easy to incorporate it into a PE class and everyone will know the rules.  

Start by either choosing a player to be “Simon” or by nominating yourself to play this role (usually better as you can then choose appropriate PE activities).

The students must follow the directives given by “Simon” as long as he starts each one with “Simon says…”.  

If a student accidentally carries out a directive that does not start with “Simon says…” they are out of the game.

You could mix up fun directives like “Simon says bark like a dog” with “Simon says, do 5 pushups” to get the PE component into the game.

The winner of the game is the last person who has successfully followed all of Simon’s orders. They get to become the next “Simon”.

#11 – Gymnastic Talent Show

Have the students split into groups of 3-4 children each and ask them to devise a short gymnastic routine that shows off their skills.  

Encourage them to do their best, but remind them to only perform stunts they are comfortable with.  

During the next 10 minutes, walk between the groups and help them plan their routines, suggesting gymnastic feats appropriate for their skill levels.   Remind them that they can help each other perform their rolls, handstands, and jumps.  

After the 10 minutes has expired, have the groups perform their routines for each other.  

#12 – Leap Frog Race

This fun PE game can be enjoyed by children of all ages.   Have your students split into groups of 2 (ideally, about the same height). Each group must race over a course that is 50 yards in length.  

However, they will have to cover the course by leap frogging each other!   If some kids have trouble jumping over their partner, let to do a couple of jump squats next to their partner instead.

To make the race more challenging, you could include “exercise pit stops” along the way.  

At each exercise pit stop, the children will have to perform a certain number of exercises. This could be star jumps, pushups, burpees, or whatever exercise you think the children would benefit from.

#13 – Light The Dynamite

This is a very challenging fitness game shared by Games Fitness .   The class is split into any number of teams that are the same size, with a minimum of 4 players per team.  

If a team doesn’t have the same number of players, you may have to alter how many repetitions of exercise they perform to keep the game fair.

Have each team sit lengthwise in a straight line, about one arms length from the next person in their team. So, if you have 5 teams, you should have five lines of people.  

You will give players in specific positions a designation of “fuse” or “dynamite” for each round.   For example, you might say players 1 and 2 in each group are fuses, followed by one dynamite player, one more fuse player, and a final dynamite player.  

There can be any number of fuse and dynamite players in each row.

The game starts with all players in a plank position.   When you say   “Light the dynamite!“, the first player is activated.

If they are a fuse player, they will immediately flip over and do 10 sit-ups then tag the next player in the line to activate them. The fuse player will hold a V-hold position after doing their sit-ups – which means they are an activated fuse.  

If the next player is a fuse, they will do their sit-ups also. However, if the next player is a dynamite player, all of the dynamite players in the team must jump up and do 20 burpees.

The first team to finish their chain of fuses and dynamite is the winner.

You can alter the types of exercises used and the number of repetitions for each exercise to make the game harder or easier.

#14 – I Spy, Fitness Version

I, Spy is a favourite game of children everywhere. One person will identify a physical object that is visible nearby and everyone else will have to guess what it is, using a series of questions.  

This   game combines I, Spy with 20 Questions to provide the kids in your PE class with an excellent workout.

Start by spotting an object in the area, like a basketball ring.   Going around the class, each student can ask one question about the item you are thinking of, or guess what it is.

If the answer to their question is “No” or their object guess is incorrect, the entire class must perform an exercise.

The number of repetitions they must perform increases every time they get the answer wrong.   So, the game might go like this:

PE Teacher: I’ve identified an object, your turn to guess – starting with Pete.

Pete: Is it an animal?

PE Teacher: No!   Do 3 pushups everyone.   Next question please Sam.

Sam: Is it alive?

PE Teacher: No!   Do 5 pushups everyone. Next question please Rebecca.

Rebecca: Is it made of wood?

PE Teacher: Yes!   It is partially made from wood.   Next question please Mark.

Mark: Is it a basketball ring?

PE Teacher: Well done.

#15 – Plankerpillar

This is a challenging game that will test the fitness of students and force them to work as a team.  

Divide the class into teams of at least 5 people each.   Have each team line up alongside each other in separate rows and nominate a finish line for the race.

When you say “Go”, all players will go into plank position except for the player furthest away from the finish line.  

They will move to the front of their team (closest to the finish line) and enter into plank position. Once they have started to plank, they will yell “go!” and the next player will move from the rear to the front.  

This is repeated until the group reaches the finish line.   As the effects of being in plank position begin to kick in, the team’s players will be yelling at everyone to hurry up!

#16 – Funny Running

This is a super fun PE game that young children will love. The objective of funny running is to get from one side of the gymnasium to the other while running like an animal.  

You can choose a different animal for each pass, including monkeys, snakes, horses, and kangaroos.  

You can also have the kids run across the gymnasium while performing a funny dance like the Floss Dance or teach them some disco moves .   Put some catch music on and they will have the time of their lives as they exercise!

#17 – Jump!

Jump is another simple game that is ideal for young children’s PE classes.   Have the kids line up against one wall of the gymnasium or on a boundary line of the sporting field.  

Then, simply yell out “1 Jump” and the kids can take   the biggest jump forward they can do from a standing start.   You can vary this by change the number of jumps you allow each time and sometimes throwing in “Steps”.

#18 – Elimination Running  

This exhausting game will help you discover which kids are the fastest in the class.

Have your students line up against a wall of the gymnasium.   When you say “Ready, Go!”, they will run to the other wall.   If you say “Ready, Go!” again while they are running towards the wall, they must turn back and reach the wall that they came from.  

If you blow your whistle, any student who hasn’t reached the wall will be eliminated.   Eventually, you will only have a small number of children left in the group.

I hope you found 18 Fun PE Games Needing No Equipment . Bookmark our website for more fun PE activities for kids .

A father to three young boys with a passion of homeschooling. I am always seeking new ways to help them learn, grow, and have fun. I have a passion for traveling with the family and exposing our kids to new experiences and life lessons.

Winter PE Games: 10 Fun and Exciting Winter PE Activities for the Gym

As winter approaches, it is the perfect time to add some fun and excitement to your Physical Education classes. Taking your students outdoors to learn and have fun is an incredibly effective way of inspiring movement, engagement, and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, not all educators are able to bring this invaluable experience into their curriculum for a variety of reasons. Despite the limitations of being confined indoors, teachers can still be inventive and adapt winter-themed games and activities for their students to enjoy in any indoor gym or learning center. With a little creativity, you can keep your students engaged during even the coldest days!

An array of engaging winter-inspired games and activities await you, ready to be modified for your indoor teaching sessions. In this blog post, I will provide 10 great ideas for getting your students active and moving during the colder months. Many of these activities can be modified to be used with any grade level, making them perfect for schools, churches and community centers alike! Plus, they are a lot of fun!

Why include winter-themed activities and games in your indoor PE lessons?

Including winter-themed stations, games and activities in your PE curriculum is important as it helps to bring physical education to life. It can be difficult for students to stay motivated during the winter months, but these activities will help them become engaged with their PE lessons.

This is an ideal opportunity to shake up the tediousness of typical indoor physical education units and activities that occur during this time of year. It inspires students to be inventive and expressive with their physical activity and movement. Additionally, winter-themed games and activities allow for teachers to introduce their students to some winter-themed Olympic events, such as curling, luge/skeleton, skiing/snowboarding, speed skating, bobsleighing, and more!

Including winter-themed activities, stations, and games indoors is an awesome way to help you and your students reach SHAPE America Standard 5 which states: The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction .*

10 tips for setting up the winter physical education activities

Making winter activities and games work in indoor PE classes requires some pre-planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

When choosing activities for your students, their age and abilities should be taken into careful consideration. Ensure that the tasks you select are appropriate to your learners' developmental level so that your kids learn more efficiently.

Make sure you have all of the necessary materials for each game or activity. This includes any props, equipment, or materials that are needed.

Before starting class, take the time to organize and prepare your games and activities.

Enhance the student experience by incorporating festive and/or Olympic-related music while they engage in activities.

Make sure that the directions for each game or activity are straightforward and easy to understand. Showing or having students show others how to do it will help them grasp what is expected of them, so there's no misunderstanding!

Incorporate a Winter Olympics (Olympic Games) discussion into your lesson. Decorate your playing area with Olympic rings and get the kids involved in the celebration.

Videos by Eric Turrill: Round Hill P.E. - @RHEPE1

Make sure to have a clear plan on how you will move between different movement experiences in order to make your lesson flow smoothly with minimal pauses or interruptions.

At the end of every lesson, review and highlight some of the most important take-aways that your students have gained.

So that the next class can start on time, reset the equipment. Assign this task to your current class so you don't have to do it yourself.

10 Active and Engaging Winter-Themed Indoor Ideas for PE

To ensure your physical education classes are filled with zest and enthusiasm throughout the colder winter months, try these 10 exhilarating winter-themed movement experiences in your learning area!

1- Paper Plate Activate- Winter Style

A great way to start off a winter-themed PE lesson!

Students move from laminated plate to plate every 30 seconds to perform winter sports and winter games fitness-skill movements. This is a GREAT warm-up fitness activity to tie in Olympic activities for kids.

Laminate several plates with exercises that relate to Winter Olympic activities (i.e. Luge - Leg lifts, skeleton - plank hold, curling - lunge jumps, downhill skiing - squats etc.)

Scatter the plates around the playing area face up

Evenly distribute the students at the laminated winter Olympic plates

Provide your students with instructions for the activity. Turn on some upbeat music. Set a timer for 30 seconds and play your favorite music to get in the zone. The students will do the exercise or movement for 30 seconds. After the music stops, have the kids rotate and choose any other plate. They can only go to a plate they have not been to before. Continue this pattern for 4 to 6 minutes

Bobsled is a winter sport in which teams of two or four people make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravity-powered sled.

Students take turns winding their way through an obstacle course on folded mats perched atop scooter boards.

Place a folded mat on 4 to 6 scooters

Set up cones and poly spots to represent the ski hill bobsled course

Create an ending area that participants turn around to go back to the starting line

In small groups, students take turns pushing and riding the bobsled course. Use stopwatches to time each run or race against other teams. Stress safety while pushing and riding. The bobsleds must stay inside the course or the team is disqualified. Alternative: Connect 2 to 4 scooters together and do the above mentioned activity without the mat.

3- Winter Biathlon

The Winter Olympic event of Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, providing a unique challenge for athletes.

Students take turns gliding across the gym floor to a shooting station where they take 3 shots at a target.

Set up several relay lines using poly spot makers and cones. Keep the lines short (3 or 4 students per line)

Put laminated plates and pool noodles at the start of each relay line

Place 3 frisbees at the end of the course

Have a shooting area and a target for each line. It could be a wall target or a ball sitting on a cone

The students, in small relay lines of 3 or 4 students, use laminated paper plates or carpet squares and pool noodles as ski poles, to cross country ski from a starting line to a shooting area. At the shooting area, they will pick up a Frisbee and attempt to hit a target on the wall or a small ball off of a cone. They get 3 shots and then cross country ski back to the start line. The next person in line repeats the action. Alternative: use a ball instead of a Frisbee to shoot with.

4- Hockey Shooting

Hockey is an exciting sport in which two teams compete against each other, attempting to score goals by maneuvering a ball or puck into the opposing goal with their hockey stick.

Students take turns stick-handling a ball or puck down the gym floor and shooting on a goal past a goalie.

Place a goal at the end of each line. The goal could be a regular hockey or small soccer goal or 2 cones a few feet apart from each other

Place a ball and hockey stick (or pool noodle) at the start of of the shooting area

Put a market down that designates where a shot must be taken form (for safety)

The students, in small relay lines of 3 or 4 students, take turns stick-handling a soft ball and shooting on a goal. A goalie is placed in front of the goal for each line. Only 1 shot can be taken at a time (no rebounds). A shot must be taken at a designated line or marker. After they shoot, students become the goalie and the goalie brings the ball back to the next person in line. Alternative: students use hockey sticks and a small nerf ball to play a 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 game.

5- Ski Jumping

Ski Jumping is a thrilling Nordic skiing activity that challenges athletes to launch off of an inclined ramp and soar through the air, flying as far away as they can.

Students run down a path and jump as far as they can off a mat or springboard. .

Place a cone or polyspot as a starting line for this activity

Set up a running path with a mat, mini tramp or springboard at the end

Secure a crashmat beyond the takeoff implement for added safety

The students, in small relay lines of 3 or 4, run down a straight course and jump off of a spring board or folded mat (using 2 feet) and fly in the air on to a crash mat or another flat mat. Measurements can be taken and marked after each jump. Alternative: use a 1 foot takeoff for the ski jump.

6- Snowball Target Throw

A PE lesson during winter is incomplete without a classic snowball throw!

Students take turns throwing yarn or fleece balls at several targets in a station area.

Create, print and laminate some wall targets to throw at

Set up several throwing lines and targets in a set area of the gym

Place yarn balls out on the throwing lines

Targets could include a wall target, open cone on a chair, upright hula hoop, bowling pin(s), etc.

Organizing into small groups, the students put their hand-eye coordination and athletic ability to the test by taking turns throwing soft yarn or fleece balls in an effort to hit targets, knock down pins, throw through hula hoops, or land them inside cones. Alternative: partners or trios can play catch throwing the yarn balls back and forth to each other.

Curling is a beloved winter sport, where players strategically slide stones on an icy surface towards a target area composed of four circles.

Two students take turns sliding 2 Frisbees toward a target created with tape or chalk.

For every station, draw a line to curl from and put two frisbees on it

Create a target on the floor away from the curling line using either tape or chalk

The students, in groups of 4 students (2 teams of 2), take turns sliding a Frisbee down to the other end where the target is. Scoring is as follows: 1 point when the Frisbee stops completely in the larger target area. 2 points when a Frisbee stops inside the inner circle or square. A game can be played to 15 points. Alternative: beanbags can be used to slide at the target for certain floor types.

8- Ice Fishing Fitness

Ice-fishing is an exciting and rewarding practice that entails catching fish with fishing lines, spears or hooks through a hole in the ice atop a frozen body of water.

Students take turns using a fishing rod to put over a mat and perform certain exercises based on what they catch.

Set up several fishing rods with a string on the end with a magnet on each

Write down exercises and repetitions on index cards (laminate them prior to use)

Put something on the cards that sticks to magnets

Groups some tumbling mats upright to represent a frozen lake or pond

The students take turns putting a line and pole over and in a group of mats (representing a frozen pond). The poles could be pool noodles with a string and magnet attached to the end. Inside the mat area, another student attaches an exercise card (with a magnet attached to the back of it) and when the fisherman pulls it up, they must do the exercise. For example, the exercise card could say to do 10 pushups or 10 sit ups. Students should switch roles after each fishing trip! Alternative: the cards could be manipulative skills vs fitness activities such as dribble a ball 10 times, toss and catch a beanbag, etc.

9- Skeleton

Skeleton is an adrenaline-filled winter activity in which a competitor straps into a small sled and hurtles headfirst down a frozen course at breakneck speeds.

Students take turns scooting on a scooter board, gliding through an obstacle course face down.

Establish cones and poly spots to replicate the ski hill skeleton track

Place a scooter board at the starting line of each track

Create an ending area that students turn around to go back to the starting line

In groups of three or four, students take turns scooting down an appointed track as they lie on their stomachs atop scooter boards. With only the power of their feet and arms driving them forward, they move as quickly as possible down the track and back! Races can be timed with stopwatches or pitted against competing groups. Alternative: add 2 scooter boards together to make the surface larger if needed.

10- Snowflake Fitness

A great full-class activity to use to get everyone moving and active. Great for a warm-up or class-ending activity.

Students perform a variety of locomotor movements and fitness-based exercises using snowflake cut-outs as task cards

Create some snowflake cards with exercises and reps/time added on them

You’ll need at least twice as many cards as students

Place the snowflake cards in the middle of the playing area, face down, to represent a Snowfall

Place 6 – 12 cones around the gym perimeter and group the students into small-group, even clusters, behind each cone to start Snowflake Fitness

On a teacher signal (preferably upbeat music), the first student in line runs (or uses a teacher-directed locomotor movement) to a card, flips it over, and performs the exercise listed, using the designated number of repetitions

The student perform the exercise out in the center & then returns to their line

After returning, the student then tags the hand of the next student in his/her line and that student moves out to find a new snowflake card in the middle and performs the exercise for the designated number for repetitions or set time

The process continues for a teacher-designated, set time such as 5 or 10 minutes

Alternative: use scooter boards to enter the card area.

Final thoughts

Physical Education classes can reach a whole new level of excitement with the introduction of winter-themed activities, games and stations! Not only will they be engaging, but educational too - making them an ideal choice for PE teachers. A true gold medal performance and so much fun! Through modern Olympics-inspired activities, students can have the opportunity to discover and explore a wide range of previously unknown activities while learning more about some Olympic events.

In this post, I've shared ten helpful ideas for incorporating this topic into your physical education lessons. By incorporating these outdoor seasonal activities and sports into your indoor lessons, you will be sure to keep your students engaged and active during the winter months!

Even during the colder months, your students can stay active by participating in wintry physical activities outdoors at home or around their community. Urge them to get involved and enjoy themselves! To keep them away from digital devices while remaining physically fit, assign homework that involves some fun movement options!

What winter-themed physical education activities do you enjoy the most? Share your insights in the comments section below! Also, if this post has been beneficial to you in any way, please pass it along and share with fellow PE teachers and on social media. Thanks for reading!

*SHAPE America. (2013). National Standards for K-12 Physical Education. Reston, VA: Author.

Need some FREE Instant Activity Fitness Blasts for Winter?

Do you need a fun fitness instant activity BLAST to get your students moving immediately when they walk through the door?

Fill in the form below to download this FREE Snowman Fitness Blasts: 6-Workout Set, with 6 distinct workout visuals from Cap’n Pete’s Fitness Blast Resource Pack. Just download, print, laminate, and use for years! Inside this package are 6 fun and exciting winter-themed PE BLASTS for students in PE classes or for classroom teachers to use during transitional times of the day. The packet is designed for a wide range of ages.

If you're looking for several PE Winter-based stations, activities, and movement experiences that are ideal for large, medium or small-sized groups, check out Cap'n Pete's PE Winter Stations and Fitness- 6 Product Super Bundle!

This Super Bundle includes 6 ACTIVE and ENGAGING, large or small group winter-themed movement and fitness activities that you can use for your physical education classes, school classrooms, or camp situations. The PE Winter Super Bundle is a combination of 6 of Cap’n Pete’s DYNAMIC, fitness and movement-based activity sets for teachers to utilize to get students moving in fun and interesting ways, incorporating a Winter theme. Together these 6 products will give you several weeks’ worth of movement experiences that you can copy, laminate, and use during the winter months, for years!

You can download them from either of the following platforms: Cap'n Pete's Power PE Website or Teachers Pay Teachers- Cap'n Pete's TPT Store

What Resources are in the PE Winter Stations and Fitness, 6-Set Super Bundle?

1- Snowflake Fitness- Activity Plan and Snowflake Movement Task Cards

2- PE Winter Sport Stations: 20 Activities and Station Cards

3- Paper Plate Activate- Winter Olympic Edition

4- PE Concentration: Winter Version- 32 Matching Memory Cards

5- PE Homework (Winter)- Top 10 Activity Visuals- Simple Large Print Design

6- Snowman Fitness Blasts- 12 Action-Packed Workouts

• Seasonal Activities
• Fitness Activities
• Warm-Ups & Instant Activities

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Free Lesson Plans

Spark sample lesson plans, the following pages include a collection of free spark physical education and physical activity lesson plans. if you’re searching for lesson plans based on inclusive, fun pe-pa games or innovative new ideas, click on one of the links below..

Snakes and Lizards Lesson Plan

Field Day Activity

Centipede Pass

Manipulatives Lesson

Partner Hoop Rolling

Parachute Switcheroo Lesson Plan

Catching and Throwing

Catching and Throwing Circuit Lesson Plan

Skill Cards

Skill Cards (Spanish)

Back to School

Back to School (Spanish)

Social and Emotional Learning

Kindness Definition Card and Lesson

Fitness Circuits

Body Composition Circuit Lesson Plan

Mirror, Mirror Lesson Plan

Performance Rubric Assessment

Choice Count (Pedometer Activity)

Cross the Pond

3-Catch Basketball Lesson Plan

SEL Definition and T-Chart Card

Flying Disc

Durango Boot

Zone and Player-to-Player Defenses

Radio Control

Mini Soccer

Soccer Student Self-Assessments

Track and Field

Sprints and Jumps Circuit

Skill Cards (English & Spanish)

Task Cards (Spanish)

Cooperatives

Spartan Adventure Race 201

Spartan Adventure Race 101

Group Fitness

Yoga Basic Training Lesson Plan

Yoga Content Cards

Yoga Content Cards (Spanish)

Basic Training Peer Checklist

Basic Training Peer Checklist (Spanish)

SFI Certification Tracking Sheet

iGames Lesson

iStrike/Field

Boulder Runner

I Got Your Back Lesson Plan

Practice Plan

Practice Plan (Spanish)

Fitness Fun

Fun and Fitness Circuit Lesson Plan

Fitness Station Cards

Fitness Station Cards (Spanish)

Fun Station Cards

Fun Station Cards (Spanish)

Great Games

Balanced Breakfast

Flying Disc Group Challenge Lesson Plan

Task Card (Spanish)

Building Blocks

Starting and Stopping Lesson Plan

Family Fun Activities

Family Fun Activities (Spanish)

Beanbag Bonanza

Station Play Lesson Plan

Station Cards

Have a Ball

Bounce and Catch

Recess Activities

Social studies.

Social Studies Fitness Relay

State Lists

State Lists (Spanish)

Fitness Relay State Cards

STEM Fitness Training

STEM Fitness Training Cards (English & Spanish)

Me Activities

ME: INSIDE (K-2)

ME: OUTSIDE (3-5)

We Activities

WE: INSIDE (3-5)

WE: OUTSIDE (K-2)

3 Activities

3: INSIDE (3-5)

3: OUTSIDE (K-2)

Sample Resources

Group Juggling

Object Control Skills-Underhand Throwing

What Your PE Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder Wishes You Knew

Football Unit Inclusion Strategies 3-6

SPARK Holiday Lesson

Hearty Hoopla

Stop the Grinch!

Zombie Graveyard

Build a Turkey

Let's Be Friends

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Coteachers Marissa and Kate are out for a walk around the block with a small group of 18- to 30-month-olds. The sky is a brilliant blue and there are bright green grass shoots and spring leaves to touch and smell. Two-and-a-half-year-old Aisha approaches Marissa, eyes shining, clutching a treasured object in her hand. She uncurls her fingers to reveal an acorn. “Look!” she says. “What dis?”

“Wow! That’s an acorn. It fell from the tree last fall,” Marissa answers. “If you plant it in the ground, it will grow into a big tree.”

Aisha discovers two more acorns and shares them with Brady, who is 2 years old. Kate offers Aisha and Brady small bags they can use to collect more acorns and other interesting objects they find during the walk. The group’s progress around the block is slow as the children find twigs, old brown leaves, new green leaves, and more acorns to bring back to the center.

It can be challenging to take young children outside—from naps to mealtimes and sunscreen to mittens, a trip outdoors might feel like too much hassle. Additionally, play outside may seem unruly, overwhelming, or lacking in learning opportunities. But outdoor play is worth the time and effort.

What are the benefits of outdoor play?

1. it invites children to learn science.

As seen in the opening vignette, you don’t have to plan for science lessons when you take young children outside. Children are natural explorers and discoverers, and you can bring whatever interests them back to your early childhood setting for further exploration. By turning their questions into group inquiry projects, you’ll soon have several starting points for emergent curriculum. An acorn won’t grow quickly enough to satisfy a curious child—it takes two months for the first shoots to appear! But there are faster-growing seeds (peas, green beans, corn) perfect for classroom experiments. Picture books like  The Carrot Seed , by Ruth Krauss, and  Growing Vegetable Soup , by Lois Ehlert, add early literacy to the mix while building children’s vocabulary and knowledge.

2. It creates opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

One-on-one interactions, like the conversation between Aisha and Marissa in the vignette, help build a foundation for future teacher relationships that will occur when children enter school. Marissa’s interest and delight in Aisha’s discovery reinforce Aisha’s knowledge that she’s important and her ideas matter. Outdoor play also provides a chance to practice social and emotional skills with other children, including problem solving, turn taking, encouragement, self-control, safe risk taking, and following the rules of a game. And outdoor play provides opportunities to develop empathy; for example, imagine one child encouraging another to try the slide or a child comforting another who has fallen down while running.

3. It promotes physical health

The obesity rate for US children ages 2 to 5 is 14 percent, and it rises to over 40 percent for middle-aged adults, leading to an increased risk of health problems like diabetes and heart disease (Hales et al. 2017). That’s one reason why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a “prescription for play” at every well-child visit through age 2 (Yogman et al. 2018, 10) and Nemours Health and Prevention Services recommends daily, supervised outdoor time for children from birth to age 5 (Hughes 2009). Specifically, Nemours calls for toddlers to have at least 30 minutes of structured (adult-led) physical activity and at least 60 minutes of unstructured (child-led) physical activity each day. Outdoor play is a great way to model the joy of physical activity. When children run, jump, climb, throw and kick balls, and ride toys that require balance, they also build gross motor skills and start developing a habit of being active.

4. It invites new contexts for learning

You can use outdoor spaces to create intentional learning activities that are difficult to execute inside. There’s great value in looking at books about nature in the shade of a tree, pouring (and splashing!) water at an outdoor water table, building extra large structures in the sandbox or mud, collecting leaves, watching a parade of ants, and playing pretend on a playground structure. To make the most of your outdoor time, think about creative, joyful, engaging activities that capitalize on children’s need to move and enthusiasm for doing so, while also achieving other curricular goals. For example, you might create a sorting game in which children have to find all the yellow balls and all the red balls hidden on the playground, then sort them into two groups.

5. It promotes better sleep

A study of 2- to 5-year-olds showed that children who play outdoors sleep better at night (Deziel 2017). This may be due to the physical activity, stress reduction, and exposure to natural light that come with playing outdoors (Coyle 2011). You may want to share this information with families—a tired, happy child is one who sleeps well!

6. It gives children a chance to take appropriate risks

Toddlers are all about challenging themselves to do new and difficult things—pet a dog, climb some stairs, venture a little farther away from a caregiver and then return. Playing outside provides opportunities to run faster, climb higher, jump farther, and more—all under the watchful eye of a caring adult.

7. It may lead to better learning outcomes once children return to other activities

Research shows that older children are more attentive and productive in the classroom when recess—indoors or outdoors—is part of the school day (Council on School Health 2013). If older children need a brain break, it follows that younger ones do too.

8. It supports STEM skills

Remember making mud pies and forts when you were a child? The outdoors is the perfect place for big (and messy) projects that support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills, such as building, sand and water play, and investigations of the natural world. Almost any indoor activity can be brought outside for further exploration.

9. It anchors children to the real world

Talking with a child about an illustration of a bird in a picture book is good, but sharing the book and the experience in the real world is even better: “I wonder what that robin is looking for in the grass? Oh, look! It got a worm!” Children develop more comprehensive knowledge about their world when they have a chance to watch, observe, predict, and learn in the moment.

Playing outdoors has benefits for both young children and educators. It’s a refreshing pause in the day’s schedule—time set aside to look and listen, explore and observe, move and let loose. Time spent outside can lead to better physical and mental health, improved sleep, and cognitive, social, and emotional gains for young children. Ensuring that outdoor play is an integral part of your child care and education setting’s daily schedule supports early learning across all domains and unleashes a whole lot of joy—for you and for children!

Think about it

• Reflect on your feelings about being outside. What do you enjoy or dislike about being outdoors?
• What are your goals for outdoor play? (These can differ from day to day, depending on children’s needs, the season, and the spaces and materials you have access to for structured versus unstructured activities.)
• What routines can you create that will assist you in getting children outdoors? (Some programs have outdoor time at the beginning and end of every day so they don’t have to deal with coats and hats in the middle of the day.)
• What classroom/programmatic roadblocks exist that may make it harder to get children outdoors? How might you tackle them?
• How can you share children’s outdoor activities and accomplishments with their families?
• Mix it up: provide a balance of structured play (in which you choose the goals and initiate activities that will meet them) and unstructured play.
• When the weather outside is frightful . . . dress appropriately and make it part of the adventure! For example, observe the sound and smell of rain, the splashes boots make in puddles, and the way rainwater collects on leaves. (If possible, have some extra outdoor gear on hand for children who are not adequately dressed for the conditions.)
• The world is your canvas! Try drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, or use rollers or big brushes to paint with water.
• Start a collection: have children collect specific objects—leaves, pinecones, rocks, or whatever interests them. Use these items for sorting activities when you return to the classroom. Items can be organized by shape, color, or texture.
• Document discoveries: snap photos or take video of children’s discoveries and experiments in the outdoor “classroom.” Post photos or videos in a place where children and their families can see them. Create a classroom book that shows what children are doing and learning outside.

Council on School Health. 2013. “The Crucial Role of Recess in School.” Policy statement.  Pediatrics  131 (1).  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/1/183 .

Coyle, K.J. 2011.  Green Time for Sleep Time: Three Ways Nature and Outdoor Time Improve Your Child’s Sleep: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers . Reston, VA: National Wildlife Federation. www.nwf.org/~/media/PDFs/Be%20Out%20There/BeOutThere_GreenTimeforSleepTi... .

Deziel, S. 2017. “5 Reasons Why Every Kid Should Play Outside.”  Today’s Parent . www.todaysparent.com/kids/kids-health/unexpected-benefits-of-outdoor-play/ .

Hales, C.M., M.D. Carroll, C.D. Fryar, & C.L. Ogden. 2017. “Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015–2016.” NCHS Data Brief #288. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).  www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db288.pdf .

Hughes, D. 2009.  Best Practices for Physical Activity: A Guide to Help Children Grow Up Healthy for Organizations Serving Children and Youth . Newark, DE: Nemours Health and Prevention Services.  www.nemours.org/content/dam/nemours/www/filebox/service/preventive/nhps/paguidelines.pdf .

Yogman, M., A. Garner, J. Hutchinson, K. Hirsh-Pasek, & R.M. Golinkoff. 2018. “The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development.” Clinical Report.  Pediatrics  142 (3): 1–18. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/142/3/e20182058... .

Rocking & Rolling is written by infant and toddler specialists and contributed by ZERO TO THREE, a nonprofit organization working to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers by translating research and knowledge into a range of practical tools and resources for use by the adults who influence the lives of young children. The column can be found online at  NAEYC.org/resources/pubs/yc/columns .

Kathy Kinsner  has been a reading specialist, an Emmy-winning producer on the PBS series Reading Rainbow , and the person in charge of curriculum development at nonprofit Roads to Success. She has a master’s in education from Bowling Green State University and a master’s in television, radio, and film from Syracuse University. Currently, she is the senior manager of parenting resources at ZERO TO THREE.

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25 Clever Outdoor Games for Kids

Can’t wait to get out and play!

Who wants to waste a beautiful sunny day being cooped up inside? Enjoy the fresh air with this list of fun and engaging outdoor games for kids. Whether you’re quietly enjoying a strategic game of tic-tac-toe or running around playing hide-and-seek, there’s something for everyone!

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1. Play a classic game

Hopscotch is one of those timeless games that is shared from generation to generation. Best of all, it costs nothing to play! 

Learn more: Childhood 101

2. Hunt for frozen dinosaur eggs

This is a great activity for a hot summer day. Easily freeze dinosaur figures inside these ice eggs for a super-cool treasure hunt! 

Learn more: Made for Mums

3. Build a giant tower

Playing Jenga takes patience, strategy, and calm under pressure, which is probably why it’s so much fun. The only way to make it better is to make your own giant version for outside! 

Learn more: A Beautiful Mess

4. Combine two favorite games

What happens when you mix dodgeball with kickball? You get one of the most intense—and fun—outdoor games for kids! 

Learn more: The Inspired Treehouse

5. Roll the dice

All you need is a set of giant dice ( like these! ), a clipboard, and a bucket to play this Yahtzee-inspired lawn game! 

Learn more: Craft Create Cook

6. Toss bean bags

This bean bag game is very easy to assemble, and kids can help make it, too. You’ll be having a blast within just a few minutes!

Learn more: Mod Podge Rocks!

7. Repurpose a milk jug

This fun summer project serves two great purposes: you’ll recycle a milk jug and keep waste out of our landfills and also make a cool low-cost catcher!

8. Ride a roller coaster

While most of us can’t build a theme park in our backyards, you can replicate some of the exhilaration! This quick and easy DIY roller coaster is perfect for small kids!

9. Toss some rings

You’ll need supplies such as a drill and a round wood panel, but it will be worth the effort. This ring toss game is perfect for backyard fun, summer picnics, and 4th of July celebrations! 

Learn more: Mom Endeavors

10. Hop over the rainbow

Use pavers to create this bright-colored hopscotch design that you’ll enjoy year after year. It’s also a cute walkway for side yards. 

Learn more: Happiness Is Homemade

11. Go on a treasure hunt

Create a trail using items that are easily found in nature, such as sticks, acorns, and pine cones, that lead the way on a treasure hunt. After the first time, encourage kids to use the materials to make their own trails!

Learn more: Red Ted Art

12. Ask Mr. Wolf for the time

You’ll need no props or special equipment to play this age-old game. Two or more can play What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf in this collaborative favorite!

13. Toss it!

This hook and ring toss game is perfect for all ages, and it’s easy to make with just a few inexpensive scraps from around your home as well as a few items from a hardware store. 

Learn more: H2O Bungalow

14. Find your strategy

What’s more classic than a game of tic-tac-toe? Make it even more fun by making this large, reusable version that can be played under the sun. Best of all, you won’t need to waste any paper!

Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls

15. Play hide-and-seek

One great way to have fun and be physically active is to play hide-and-seek. Just be sure to choose the location carefully and review safety rules before you get started!

Learn more: Fun Games Kids Play

16. Overcome obstacles

This great backyard obstacle course is simple to set up and lets kids channel their inner Ninja warrior! 

17. Get ready to run

Duck, Duck, Goose is a great way to teach younger children about patience and taking turns while also having a great time!

18. Try your luck

If you’ve ever watched contestants play Plinko on The Price Is Right and wished you could try it, here’s your chance. This homemade version is perfect for family gatherings!

19. Go down the rabbit hole

Encourage kids to use their imagination in this fun gross-motor challenge that also provides a helpful lesson on personal space. 

20. Use your words

Gather some sidewalk chalk and small toys or objects from around the house. You’ll want to pick things that are easy to rhyme with like pot or ball . Word of caution: You might want to avoid things like a truck that can be rhymed with inappropriate words. 

Learn more: Fantastic Fun and Learning

21. Hit the cornhole

Cornhole has been a favorite family pastime forever and is a great way to promote active play and taking turns with young kids. 

Learn more: Hands On as We Grow

22. Get creative with chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be used to create endless outdoor games for kids, from hopscotch and bullseye to checkers and four-square. 

Learn more: Happy Mom Hacks

23. Bowl in the dark

You might avoid being outside under the hot summer sun, but when the sun goes down, it’s the perfect time for a game of glow-in-the-dark bowling! 

Learn more: Growing a Jeweled Rose

24. Get twisted

Even if you’ve played the original Twister for years, you’ve never played it like this. Use four colors of yard paint to re-create this classic in your yard.

Learn more: Tip Junkie

25. Play mini golf

Gather up some recycled materials to create your very own one-of-a-kind miniature golf course in your backyard!

Learn more: Kix Cereal

Want even more outdoor games and activities for kids? Check out this list of 50 Wet and Wild Outdoor Science Activities and Experiments .

And be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to find out when we publish even more outdoor activity articles.

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Full Length PE Games

These full-length games are all designed to be played during a 45-60 minute period, and work best when coupled with some of our fantastic warm-up games. These games are all designed to keep the most kids active for the most amount of time possible, and really focus on ensuring that everyone has a role to fill (so that there is very little potential for any kids to be simply standing around). All of these games have been played (oftentimes over and over again!), by large groups of kids, and all of these games help to ensure constant fun, participation and activity. Feel free to change or modify any elements of the games so that they better suit your specific group, and please be sure to comment and vote on your favorites!

Hot-Dog Switch

Equipment: 2-4 evil red balls. Description: Have students lie down in groups of 2 or 3, one beside the other, on their tummies, propped up by their elbows. Give at least one student an evil red ball (they are it), and have at least one other student remain standing...

Steal the Bacon

Equipment: 2 large hula hoops. Pinnies to distinguish teams. Bacon (i.e. Rubber Chicken, Mat,pool noodle......etc.). Description: Split the students into 2 even teams. Set the bacon in the middle of the gym. Line the two teams up shoulder to shoulder, facing each...

Ring Soccer

Equipment: 1 ring for each group of 2 people (ringette rings work great!). Description: To start, have all of the students find a partner. Give each group of 2 a single ring. The object of the game is to get more points than your partner by kicking the ring, using...

Equipment: At least 4 Hula Hoops. Description: Have each student find a partner and stand with their partner. Have the students decide between them who is partner 1 and who is partner 2. Bring all of the partner 1s to the middle of the gym, and have them hold hands...

Shooting Stars

Equipment: As many rings (ringette rings work great), or balls, bean bags...etc. as you feel are necessary (at least 20). Description: Create a rectangular playing area using either the lines in the gym or cones if you are outside. The playing area should be almost as...

Racket Whack-It

Equipment: 1 racket per student (ping-pong paddles, squash or racket ball rackets or tennis rackets). As many dodgeballs as you want! Description: Give each student a racket or paddle. Remind them not to hit other students with their rackets, or swing their rackets in...

Cops and Robbers

Equipment: 7-9 hula hoops. A whole bunch of bean bags. Cones to mark center safe zone (if playing outside). Description: Scatter the hula hoops around the gym. Put as many bean bags into each hoop as you can. Split the class into 2 even teams, placing one team in the...

Crazy Moves

Equipment: Enough mats so that you can fit groups of 2-4 students on them comfortably. Description: Scatter the gymnastic mats throughout the gym. Tell the students that you are going to call out a number and that they must try and get that number of people onto a...

Equipment: Pinnies to separate teams. 1 dodgeball. Cones (if outside). 2 garbage cans (the lighter the better), with the bottoms cut out. Description: Split kids into 2 teams of 6-10 players. Have 1 student from each team stand up on a chair inside the basketball key...

Equipment: 3 benches. 2-5 evil red balls. As many other dodgeballs as you deem necessary. Description: Scatter the benches around the playing area. 2 - 5 students are it and are given evil red balls. Everyone else can start anywhere else in the playing area (except...

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Fun Outdoor Games For Kids: 3 Physical Education Games For Children’s Birthday Parties Or Neighborhood Fun

By Lynnette Walczak

If you want to engage children in some physical activities that are disguised as play, these outdoor physical education games will be a big hit!

These are great ideas for a kids birthday party or simply as ways to increase physical fitness with your child’s neighborhood playmates .

In addition to the fun outdoor games, physical play like this helps children develop age-appropriate motor skills.

If you’re looking for unique ways to present structured activities for children, these 3 physical education games are a good place to start:

#1 – Builders and Bulldozers

Geared towards the early elementary age, the Builders and Bulldozers game only requires some small cones.

Set up the space with cones spread out randomly. Divide the children into 2 teams — the Builders and the Bulldozers:

• The job of the Bulldozer team is to knock down as many cones as they can.
• The job of the Builders is to pick up the cones that have been knocked down.

From the adult’s perspective, this game has a very simple set-up, and it’s easy for kids to achieve success.

Having the kids ‘walk’ first, then ‘speed walk’, and then ‘jog’, may be beneficial in creating a safe environment.

The underlying skills being worked on are locomotor movements and moving in space. The children can also get a great workout with this activity, and they will surely enjoy the chance to knock things over!

This video shows yet another way to play Builders and Bulldozers:

#2 – Sink the Ship

Children should be familiar with overhand throwing cues and catching to play this game.

Materials needed to play Sink the Ship :

• 4 mats to act as ships
• approximately 20 soft balls

Divide the group into 4 teams and send each to their ship.

In front of each ship should be a line of 5 cones — these cones will act as the targets for the other teams.

One person on the team should be designated as the ‘life boat’ and have the ability to leave the ship to retrieve balls once the game begins.

The objective of each team is to sink the other ships — by throwing balls and knocking down all of a ship’s cones. Each team starts with 5 balls.

All team members (except for the life boat) must keep at least one foot on the ship at all times!

Overhand throwing is an extremely important skill for children to master early on, and this game provides a fun environment to practice.

This video shows children playing Sink the Ship game:

#3 – Fitness Monopoly

In order to instill the importance of fitness, children need to be exposed to physical activities early —  Fitness Monopoly does this in a fun way!

The entire play space is transformed into a game board by creating a large square with poly spots.

Under each spot is a card with a designated activity (jumping jacks, single leg jumps, push ups, or any age appropriate fitness movement).

The adult will roll the dice (preferably large dice), and the kids will move clockwise the specified number of spaces.

When they all arrive on their spots, they look under their own spot, read the card, and perform the activity.

Children may enjoy this game even more if they have a part in the making of the cards!

This video shows how to play the Fitness Monopoly game:

The Bottom Line…

A great addition to all of these outdoor physical education games is music. Music can assist the adult(s) in controlling the tempo and duration of the activities — while also providing some motivation for the kids.

In addition to developing motor skills that the children will utilize throughout their lives, these physical education games will provide a time of fitness and fun that many will never forget!

I grew up playing board games and card games. It’s a pastime that I’ve never outgrown. The games mentioned here are great for your home parties, family game nights, camping outings, and RV road trips. (We play some of them on our cross-country motorcycle trips, too.)

When I’m not playing games with my friends and family, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

Fun Reasons For Playing Card Games With Your Kids + How To Play Crazy Eights, Go Fish, And Concentration — With Variations!

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Think Outside the Classroom: How Outdoor Learning Enhances Education

Shannon McLeod November 7, 2024 Blog , Connect Better , Engage Better , Reflect Better , Teach Happier

• Outdoor learning can positively impact physical, mental, and social-emotional health, while offering real-world connections to curriculum.
• Starting small with structured routines can help students transition from “play” time to “learning” time outdoors.
• Even simple activities, like reading or math practice, can benefit from the outdoors, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and community connection.

Each day in teaching brings new opportunities , fresh perspectives, and a chance to try something different. Why not make this your time to stretch yourself as a teacher and take learning outside? Outdoor learning offers incredible benefits for both you and your students. You might be surprised to discover that almost any curriculum can be brought outdoors. With a little courage and creativity, you can make this a memorable and exciting experience for your students by thinking beyond the classroom walls.

Outdoor Learning Benefits Both You and Your Students

Not only will your students experience the many amazing benefits of outdoor learning, but you as a teacher will also experience these benefits. Spending time outdoors has been proven to impact not just our physical health, but our mental, and social-emotional health as well. On top of this, students get the added benefit of building a connection with nature and their community. 

Physical Benefits of Outdoor Learning

When you are outside you move more and you move in more natural ways. For many students, the classroom is confining. Kids (and teachers) are just not made to sit at desks all day. They are made to explore the world using their whole bodies. 

When kids are outdoors, they build their gross motor skills in ways that no gym class can. Opportunities such as navigating over, under, and through trees and rocks help students build their coordination and balance. Traveling further distances to reach your learning space also helps students to build stamina and endurance. The outdoors even provides opportunities for students to work on their fine motor skills. The gentle touch required to pick up an insect or the pinching grip needed for a student to pick up rocks or sticks all help students develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Being indoors all day can be mentally draining. Many students (and teachers) find the classroom overstimulating (that was me.) Others may find it not stimulating enough and need a richer sensory experience. Additionally, sometimes you just need to take a break and do something different. However you look at it, providing opportunities to take learning outside can help meet the mental health needs of everyone.

Nature seems to provide just the right amount of stimulation for everyone. Spending time outdoors has been shown to have a relaxing effect and helps our students decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, spending time outdoors has been shown to help students increase their focus once they return to an indoor classroom. 

Social-Emotional Benefits of Outdoor Learning

The outdoors has a way of bringing people together. Students naturally work more collaboratively and their communication increases while they are outside. It isn’t always easy, but outdoor learning is a great way to build authentic social-emotional learning into your schedule. 

While working outside, kids naturally find ways to work together. The outdoors lends itself to planning more games and collaborative activities for your students. Additionally, kids just naturally come together to solve problems and work as a team when they are outside. (For example, there have been so many times where I have seen a group of students move something big like a log for no better reason than just because.) Kids also have increased and more varied communication with each other when they are outside. Activities like giving directions or describing objects stretch students’ communication skills and vocabulary.”

An added benefit is that as students begin to overcome challenges and “do hard things” while outdoors their self-confidence and self-awareness increase. Over time this helps students to build their resilience and ability to overcome increasingly difficult challenges.

Academic Benefits

In addition to helping students build resilience (do hard things) and increasing focus, outdoor learning has academic benefits for our students as well. Often we can cover the curriculum in more tangible and meaningful ways. Taking learning outside means that we can bring learning to life, rather than just relying on textbooks and videos. 

Outdoor learning also provides more opportunities for emergent learning. Students are inspired and empowered to take learning into their own hands by things they witness or observe outdoors. What better way to learn about butterflies, than to actually spend time observing butterflies in your community? As students go deeper into their exploration you will notice individual interests and new themes/topics emerge.

Finally, we know not all students learn in the same way. Outdoor learning allows you to provide a broader range of learning activities to meet the needs of all students. Through taking learning outside, you can provide activities and opportunities that are more hands-on or experiential. The outdoor setting lends itself to games, group activities, and observation allowing us to stretch beyond just the paper and pencil activities and truly immerse everyone in learning. 

Building Relationships With Nature

One of the most profound benefits of spending time outdoors with our students is the relationship that they begin to form with nature. Unless our students have the opportunity to spend time in nature, they will never begin to make connections to or understand their role as a part of nature. By taking learning outside we are giving students the gift of understanding their own relationship with the Earth . As students begin to understand that their actions affect nature and the earth, they start to care more about their impacts on the planet. 

Photo by Astrid Pereira

Tips for Getting Started With Outdoor Learning

Safety first.

Check out your site and schoolyard to ensure that everything is safe and accessible for all of your students. If you need to find spaces away from your schoolyard ensure that you get permission from your admin, school district, and families. 

Ensure that you are prepared as well. Take a first aid kit, whistle, phone, and any other safety materials you may require.

Templates and worksheets to help you navigate outdoor learning safety can be found in this free “Get Outside Tool Kit!”

Start Small

Outdoor learning is something that will be new to your students. For most, outdoor time has been mostly playtime. Both you and your students will therefore need to practice to get into the habit of seeing outdoor time as both play time and learning time (you can integrate both into your outdoor time!). 

You might want to start with just 10 minutes outside. It could be something as simple as taking reading outside or trying a sharing circle outside. Once you have built some confidence you can start to extend the amount of time you spend outdoors. 

If you are taking learning outside of your schoolyard, start by only going a short distance away at the outset. Then gradually build up the distance (and therefore the time) that you are able to get away from the school.  

Build Outdoor Learning  into Your Schedule

By building outdoor learning time into your schedule you signal to yourself, other teachers/administrators, and families that this is valued learning time. As a result, you can try to ensure that student pullouts aren’t scheduled during outdoor time and that families know to send their kids prepared to be outdoors. Additionally, it signals to you that this is something that you are making a priority this school year. It is on the schedule, so you can make it happen. 

Set Up a Routine

Setting up a routine for outdoor learning will help ground students and help them understand what is expected of them during outdoor learning time. Just like in the classroom, routines help students feel safe and help them to feel more secure in understanding the flow of their time outside. 

Some examples of routines could be:

• Lining up in a particular way before you go outside or meeting at a specific location 
• An opening circle to welcome everyone or an opening activity
• A game to start out your time outside
• A reflective moment or a sit spot

Keep a Single Focus

Yes, you can do so many different things outdoors and cover the content of so many different topics. However, if you try to do everything at once you will overcomplicate things. Keep your focus simple, otherwise you will create confused students and chaotic lessons. 

Some Easy Activities to Try Outside…

• Take your circle time, sharing circle, or class meeting outside
• Do a read-aloud story outside
• Do a scavenger hunt or active game related to something that you are studying 
• For younger students, take play time outside (but away from the playground) 
• Take your silent reading, math practice, or spelling practice outside
• Go for a walk in your community looking for numbers, shapes, etc. for younger students or discussing aspects of the community with older students
• Try sketching, watercolor painting, or another art activity outside

Photo by Allan Mas

Now Is the Time to Get Outside…

You don’t need to be a super “outdoorsy” teacher to take learning outdoors. You most definitely don’t need to be an expert on the plants and animals in your schoolyard or community. All you need is a sense of adventure and a desire to try something new. In fact, not being an expert can show your students that they don’t need to be experts either, all they need is a bit of curiosity and wonder. 

Be patient with yourself and with your students. It may take a while for your students to get used to learning outside. After all, up until this point outside has probably just been a place to play for our students. However, don’t give up. You will likely encounter obstacles and challenges along the way. When challenges arise, simply remind yourself of the benefits of outdoor learning and look for small successes. Once your students start experiencing the joy and magic of learning outside, they will be hooked. 

About Shannon McLeod

Shannon is a regular classroom teacher who discovered the joy and excitement of outdoor learning early in her career. She has a passion for helping other teachers, even those who don’t consider themselves to be “outdoorsy,” take learning outside.

Over the past 15 years, Shannon has taught everything from kindergarten to 8th grade in a rural school setting. In each of her teaching positions, Shannon has found ways to adapt the curriculum for outdoor learning. Through taking her students outside on a regular basis, Shannon has seen both the amazing holistic health benefits as well as the academic benefits of outdoor learning in her students.

When she is not teaching, Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their rescue dog, Vance. They enjoy hiking, canoeing, skiing, and going on adventures together.

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Outdoor Education: Benefits, Activities, and Tips

Dreaming of taking your classroom beyond its walls but don’t know how?

Explore Outdoor Education in our new guide. Uncover benefits, practical tips, sustainability ideas, and real examples to enrich your teaching journey.

Introduction to Outdoor Education

In a society where traditional classroom settings often dominate the learning landscape, outdoor education provides a breath of fresh air by taking students beyond four walls and immersing them in the natural environment. This educational approach embraces the great outdoors as a dynamic and interactive classroom, offering a wide array of benefits and learning opportunities for students of all ages.

Outdoor education goes beyond simply teaching subjects in an outdoor setting. It is a holistic approach that aims to foster personal, social, and environmental growth through experiential learning. By engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, students develop a deeper connection with nature, gain practical skills, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and build resilience in the face of challenges.

In this blog, we will delve into the world of outdoor education , exploring its benefits, strategies for effective implementation, inspiring examples, and ways to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or a curious learner, this blog aims to inspire and equip you with insights and practical ideas to embrace outdoor education and unlock the boundless potential it offers.

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor education brings a fresh and exciting element to learning, grabbing students’ interest, and sparking their curiosity. When students have nature as a classroom, like forests, parks, or even city areas , outdoor education creates an active and engaging setting for exploration.

This hands-on approach helps students see how what they learn in class relates to the real world , making them more involved and motivated to learn. It also helps students to grow in all aspects of their lives by taking care of their bodies, emotions, and social connections . It encourages them to be active and move around, which leads to healthier habits and less sitting still. Moreover, spending time in nature has a good effect on mental health . It lowers stress and anxiety, making students feel better overall.

Outdoor education brings many benefits to teachers as well. When teachers incorporate outdoor teaching methods, it helps them feel refreshed and excited about their job . Being in nature sparks their creativity and gives them new ideas. They can try out different ways of teaching and adjust their lessons to fit the outdoor environment.

Moreover, outdoor education allows teachers to connect with their students on a deeper level. They can build stronger relationships and create a sense of togetherness . This kind of teaching involves working together and doing hands-on activities. It does not only make teachers happier with their work but also helps them learn more about the world as they explore alongside their students in the great outdoors.

3 Tips for Effective Outdoor Activities

Designing effective outdoor education activities requires careful consideration and planning . Creating engaging and impactful experiences in nature can greatly enhance the learning outcomes for participants. We will explore some valuable tips for designing outdoor education activities that maximize versatility, prioritize comfort, and ensure functionality. These guidelines aim to help educators create memorable and successful outdoor learning experiences that inspire and educate.

1) Prioritize versatility

When designing outdoor education activities, it is important to prioritize versatility. This means creating experiences that can be adapted to different learning objectives, age groups, and environmental conditions. By designing activities that can be modified or expanded upon, educators can accommodate varying levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities among participants.

Additionally, incorporating multiple learning styles and modes of engagement allows individuals to connect with the content in ways that resonate with them personally. By fostering versatility, outdoor education activities can be tailored to suit the unique needs and interests of diverse groups, ensuring that every participant has an opportunity to learn and grow.

2) Make it comfortable

Comfort is an essential factor to consider when designing outdoor education activities. Ensuring that participants feel physically and emotionally comfortable throughout the experience contributes to their overall engagement and enjoyment. This includes wearing appropriate clothing, footwear, and protective gear to suit the weather conditions.

Additionally, considering the availability of rest areas, shade, and seating options can enhance participants’ comfort and well-being. When individuals feel comfortable in their surroundings, they are more likely to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience, enabling them to absorb and retain information more effectively.

3) Choose the right materials

Making sure that outdoor education activities work well is really important. This means choosing and organizing resources, equipment, and materials in a smart way so that learning goes smoothly. It’s important to think about things like how easy it is to move and use equipment, how durable it is, and how accessible it is for everyone.

A good option is sidewalk chalk . It works well for writing on outdoor surfaces because it washes off very easily. When the logistics of an activity are well-planned, teachers can focus more on teaching and helping students connect with nature. Giving clear instructions and enough time for practice and thinking also helps make outdoor education activities work better.

12 Outdoor Activities

Outdoor education activities give us a great chance to combine different subjects while we learn.

Science Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in science foster a deeper understanding of natural phenomena and ecological systems . Consider the following examples:

• Field studies : Take students on nature walks or field trips to local ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, or coastal areas. Encourage them to observe, collect data, and analyze various aspects like biodiversity, population dynamics, or environmental factors. Align these activities with specific science standards or learning objectives related to ecological concepts, scientific inquiry, or data analysis.
• Citizen science projects : Engage students in collaborative research projects that contribute to real-world scientific data collection. They can participate in bird counts, water quality assessments, or phenology studies, allowing them to contribute to scientific knowledge while learning about environmental stewardship. Align these activities with standards related to scientific investigations, data collection, or environmental awareness.
• Experiment-based learning : Design experiments that can be conducted outdoors, such as investigating the effects of sunlight on plant growth, the impact of different soil types on water retention, or the behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Connect these activities with standards focused on experimental design, data analysis, or scientific explanations.

Art Outdoor Activities

Combining art with outdoor education allows students to explore their creativity while drawing inspiration from the natural world. Consider these activities:

• Plein air painting : Take students outside with easels and art supplies to create landscape paintings en plein air. Encourage them to observe the colors, textures, and lighting conditions in the natural environment while expressing their artistic vision. Align these activities with art standards related to observation, composition, or expression.
• Nature-inspired sculptures : Provide materials like clay, found objects, or natural elements for students to create sculptures that reflect the forms, patterns, or concepts found in nature. Encourage them to consider sustainability and environmental aesthetics in their creations. Align these activities with art standards related to three-dimensional forms, craftsmanship, or creative expression.
• Photography expeditions : Equip students with cameras and guide them on outdoor photography expeditions. Encourage them to capture images that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the natural world. Incorporate discussions about composition, lighting, or storytelling through visuals. Align these activities with standards related to visual communication, aesthetics, or digital media.

History Outdoor Activities

Outdoor education brings history to life by providing students with authentic experiences and connections to the past . Consider the following activities:

• Historical site visits : Take students to local historical sites, landmarks, or museums where they can explore artifacts, interpret exhibits, or engage in guided tours. Encourage them to analyze primary sources, make connections to historical events, and develop historical thinking skills. Align these activities with history standards related to historical interpretation, inquiry, or cultural heritage.
• Living history reenactments : Organize reenactments of historical events, where students assume roles, dress in period costumes, and engage in authentic activities. This allows them to experience history firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, or cultural contexts of the past. Align these activities with standards related to historical thinking, analysis, or cultural understanding.
• Oral history projects : Engage students in interviewing local community members or family members to gather oral histories related to specific historical events, cultural traditions, or social changes. This encourages students to develop research skills, practice empathy, and gain insights into personal perspectives on history. Align these activities with standards related to historical research, communication, or empathy.

Physical Education Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in physical education promote physical fitness, teamwork, and personal growth in a natural setting. Consider these examples:

• Outdoor sports tournaments : Organize tournaments or friendly matches of popular outdoor sports like soccer, basketball, or cricket. Emphasize skill development, fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Align these activities with physical education standards related to skill acquisition, cooperation, or healthy lifestyles.
• Adventure-based challenges : Introduce students to adventure-based activities like rock climbing, orienteering, or ropes courses. These activities foster problem-solving skills, risk assessment, resilience, and personal growth. Align these activities with standards related to adventure education, personal development, or risk management.
• Fitness trails or obstacle courses : Create outdoor fitness trails or obstacle courses that challenge students’ strength, endurance, and agility. Incorporate exercises, challenges, or stations that target different fitness components. Align these activities with standards related to physical fitness, skill development, or goal setting.

When teachers bring outdoor education activities into different subjects, it makes learning more interesting, and it helps to understand the natural world better. These activities make the students think, be creative, and work together . Plus, they show how different subjects are connected in real life.

5 Ways to Promote Environmental Awareness and Sustainability

Promoting environmental awareness and sustainability is important in outdoor education. When students go outside and learn in nature, it helps them understand and care about the environment. They see how beautiful and delicate it is, inspiring them to take responsibility and protect the planet. To further enhance outdoor education, educators can implement practical ideas and projects that engage students actively in environmental conservation.

1) Community Cleanup

Organize a community cleanup day where students gather in local parks, beaches, or natural areas to collect litter and learn about the impact of pollution on ecosystems. This hands-on activity fosters a sense of responsibility and teaches students the importance of keeping our environment clean.

2) Native Plant Gardening

Establish a native plant garden on the school grounds or in a nearby green space. Students can learn about the benefits of native plants, their role in supporting local wildlife, and the importance of preserving biodiversity. This project allows students to actively participate in creating and maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.

3) Waste Reduction Campaign

Launch a waste reduction campaign within the school community. Educators can work with students to implement recycling programs, encourage the use of reusable water bottles and lunch containers, and educate peers on the impact of single-use plastics. This project raises awareness about the importance of reducing waste and instills eco-friendly habits.

4) Energy Conservation Challenge

Create an energy conservation challenge where students learn about energy consumption and ways to reduce it. Students can conduct energy audits within the school, develop strategies to conserve energy and track their progress over time. This project empowers students to make a tangible difference and understand the connection between their actions and environmental sustainability.

5) Nature Journaling

Encourage students to keep nature journals during outdoor excursions. Students can record their observations, sketches, and reflections about the natural world. This activity not only deepens their connection with nature but also promotes creativity and mindfulness. Teachers can guide discussions about the importance of preserving natural habitats based on students’ journal entries.

By incorporating practical ideas and projects like these into outdoor education, educators provide students with hands-on experiences and empower them to make a positive impact on the environment. These initiatives deepen students’ understanding of sustainability and conservation, fostering a lifelong commitment to caring for the Earth.

Inspiring Outdoor Education Examples

1) forest schools sweden.

Forest schools in Sweden, known as “skogs förskola”, are early childhood education centers that prioritize outdoor learning in forest environments . These schools provide young children with opportunities for hands-on exploration, nature play, and environmental education. One of the distinctive aspects of forest schools in Sweden is the focus on child-led learning . Students are encouraged to follow their interests and curiosities, allowing them to develop a deep connection with the natural world at their own pace.

This child-centered approach fosters a sense of autonomy and self-confidence in young learners. Furthermore, forest schools in Sweden promote holistic development by incorporating various aspects of learning, including cognitive, physical, and emotional domains. Nature play and hands-on exploration provides opportunities for children to develop their motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. While there is no specific website dedicated to all forest schools in Sweden, you can find information about individual schools and their approach through local municipality websites or educational institutions .

2) Outdoor International Primary School Italy

The Outdoor International Primary School located in Altopascio, Italy, stands out as a remarkable institution that fosters a deep understanding and respect for the world in its students. As a bilingual primary school catering to children between the ages of 6 and 11, it offers a unique educational experience that emphasizes outdoor learning and global awareness . At the Outdoor International Primary School, the natural environment serves as an integral part of the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to learn amidst nature, immersing themselves in the outdoors and connecting with the world around them.

This approach not only promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle but also instills a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Moreover, the Outdoor International Primary School encourages students to take an active role in caring for the environment and making a positive impact. The school incorporates sustainability into its curriculum, teaching students about eco-friendly practices and encouraging them to become responsible global citizens.

3) Kilgraston School Scotland

The Kilgraston School in Bridge of Earn, Scotland, stands out as an exceptional institution that combines academic excellence with a unique outdoor education program . With its vast expanse of land, the school offers students a remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and benefit from its serene surroundings. One of the distinctive aspects of Kilgraston School is its riding outdoor school , which sets it apart from other educational institutions. The riding program allows students to engage with horses and develop important life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and empathy. Students not only learn how to ride but also develop a deep connection with these magnificent animals.

One student, Emily, expressed her experience, saying, “Riding at Kilgraston has not only taught me how to control a horse but has also taught me how to understand and communicate with them. It’s a truly transformative experience.”

4) Prebendal School United Kingdom

The Prebendal School in Chichester , United Kingdom, has taken a truly innovative approach to education by utilizing the beach and the sea as their classroom . Situated close to the coast, the school has embraced the concept of beach schools, providing children with a unique learning experience that combines freedom, nature, and a deep understanding of the environment.

The beach school approach also provides children with a sense of freedom and independence. With the vast open space and the ever-changing sea, students are encouraged to take risks, problem-solve, and develop their resilience. Teachers at the Prebendal School recognize the value of this approach.

Furthermore, the beach school concept at the Prebendal School extends beyond academic subjects. It offers a holistic learning experience , incorporating elements of physical education, art, and environmental stewardship. Students engage in beach clean-up activities, creating art from natural materials found on the shore, and participating in team-building exercises on the beach. This multi-disciplinary approach encourages creativity, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Conclusions on Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning

Outdoor education is a special way of learning that takes students outside of the regular classroom and into nature. It offers a lot of benefits and we have talked about different aspects of it in this blog article. We discussed tips for creating good outdoor activities, how different subjects can be combined in outdoor learning, the importance of hands-on learning, and the advantages for both teachers and students. Outdoor education provides a unique and valuable learning experience that allows students to explore and learn in the natural world.

Outdoor education celebrates the beauty of nature and its boundless possibilities for learning. It encourages students to explore, discover, and grow while fostering a deep connection with the environment. By implementing the insights and strategies shared in this article, educators can create transformative outdoor learning experiences that inspire and educate, leaving a lasting impact on students’ lives.

It is all about learning through action . Instead of just listening or reading about something, students actively engage in hands-on experiences. This approach allows them to not only understand theories and knowledge taught in class but also see how they apply to real-life situations . By doing and reflecting on what they have learned, students can make stronger connections and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Experiential learning is a powerful tool that benefits both teachers and students in their educational journey.

Experiential learning is a special way of teaching that gets students involved and encourages them to do things first-hand. If you would like to know more about this, here, at Europass Teacher Academy , we have a wide range of Erasmus courses for Teachers that follow this approach, like “ Experiential Learning in Tenerife “, “ Experiential Learning in Barcelona “, and “ Experiential Learning in Florence .” Teachers get the chance to learn and try out new teaching methods while exploring interesting places with their students. It’s a hands-on experience that helps teachers become better at what they do and create exciting learning opportunities for their students.

They also learn useful ways to make learning more exciting and meaningful for their students. Experiential learning makes education more interesting and helps students connect what they learn to the real world . It prepares them to use their knowledge in practical situations and get ready for the future, where things are always changing.

Other related courses to the topic: Environmental Education in Finland , Environmental Stewardship , Learning Outside of the Classroom , or more .

One comment on “ Outdoor Education: Benefits, Activities, and Tips ”

Hi, My name is Milica, i am teacher in kindergarten. i am so interesting in outdoor learning. In Serbia we don’t have that kindergarten. I wish to built some like thet. Do you have some program to learn about saftly and right development of children in nature.

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Project nature: promoting outdoor physical activity in children via primary care

Georgia m griffin, carolina nieto, kirsten senturia, marshall brown, kimberly garrett, elizabeth nguyen, danette glassy, emily kroshus, pooja tandon.

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Received 2023 Sep 25; Accepted 2024 Feb 6; Collection date 2024.

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver ( http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ ) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Families face a range of barriers in supporting their children’s active play in nature including family circumstances, environmental constraints, and behavioral factors. Evidence-based strategies to address these barriers are needed. We aimed to develop and pilot test a primary care-based family-centered behavioral intervention to promote active outdoor play in 4–10 year-old children.

Project Nature, a provider-delivered intervention that provides informational resources and an age-appropriate toy for nature play, was initially developed for children ages 0–3. With stakeholder input, we adapted existing materials for 4–10 year-olds and conducted usability testing at an urban clinic serving families from diverse backgrounds. Subsequently, we conducted a mix-methods pilot study to evaluate intervention feasibility and acceptability. Parents of 4–10 year-olds completed pre- and post-surveys ( n  = 22), and a purposive subset ( n  = 10) completed qualitative interviews. Post-intervention, pediatric providers ( n  = 4) were interviewed about their implementation experiences.

The majority (82%) of parents liked the information provided and the remaining (18%) were neutral. Qualitatively, parents reported that: the toy provided a tangible element to help children and parents be active, they did not use the website, and they wished the intervention emphasized strategies for physical activity during cold and wet seasons. Providers felt the materials facilitated discussion about behavior change with families. There were no statistically significant changes in PA and outdoor time pre- and post-intervention.

Conclusions

Project Nature was welcomed by providers and families and may be a practical intervention to promote outdoor active play during well-child visits. Providing an age-appropriate nature toy seemed to be a critical component of the intervention, and may be worth the additional cost, time and storage space required by clinics. Building from these results, Project Nature should be revised to better support active outdoor play during suboptimal weather and evaluated to test its efficacy in a fully-powered trial.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-024-02297-5.

Keywords: Nature contact, Outdoor play, Physical activity, Well-child care, Primary care, Health equity

The health benefits of daily physical activity (PA) and time outdoors are well-recognized [ 1 – 3 ]. For children, time outdoors is strongly associated with increased PA [ 1 ] and a range of other benefits including improved mental health, healthier weight status, and less myopia [ 3 , 4 ]. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts recommend children and adolescents play outdoors daily and participate in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) 60 minutes/day to improve physical, mental, and cognitive health [ 5 – 8 ]. In 2019 only 23% of U.S. youth met these recommendations, a percentage that has been declining over time [ 9 ] and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic [ 10 ]. A growing body of evidence indicates that nature contact can confer both physical and mental health benefits for children of all ages. A recent systematic review of almost 300 studies concluded that the current literature supports a positive relationship between nature contact and children’s health, and recommended advocating for strategies that promote equitable nature contact for children in places where they live, play, and learn [ 3 ]. Parents have identified a range of barriers to supporting children’s active play in nature including family circumstances (e.g., time, finances, single parenting), environmental constraints (e.g., access to safe outdoor play spaces, transportation, finding age-appropriate activities), and behavioral factors (e.g., previous experiences in nature, safety, weather concerns) [ 11 ]. Many barriers stem from structural inequities rooted in historical, racial discriminatory practices such as “redlining” [ 12 ] that created disparities in parks access.

While addressing structural barriers to nature access is paramount to supporting equitable access to outdoor play [ 11 , 13 ], there is also opportunity for family-centered interventions [ 11 , 13 ]. It is vital to establish active play habits early, as PA strongly tracks from early childhood to adulthood [ 14 ]. “Prescriptions” to encourage time in nature [ 15 – 18 ] provide directive information about what families “should” do, but may not address context-specific barriers to outdoor play. A recent study conducted by our team found that parents of school aged children wanted information about opportunities for nature play near their homes, including how to access nature and support children’s safe play under different weather conditions [ 11 ]. Evidence-based primary care strategies to promote children’s active play in nature and address existing barriers are needed.

Project Nature (PN), a provider-delivered intervention developed initially for children ages 0–3, addresses some of these limitations using an educational brochure (that describes benefits to active play in nature and activity ideas), a website (that shares local resources including parks, green spaces, and nature programs), and an age-appropriate nature toy (that can be used for outdoor play). The development of this intervention was guided by the WHO’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health framework [ 19 ] and our formative work pointed to well-child visits as an appropriate setting to support children’s outdoor play [ 11 ]. Pediatric providers employing PN identified a need for a similar intervention aimed at older school-aged children.

The aims of this multi-phase study were to (1) conduct an adaptation needs assessment of the existing preschool age intervention, (2) adapt PN for school-aged children with parent and provider input, and (3) test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of this adapted intervention.

Study design and personnel

This study was conducted in Seattle, WA from 2020 to 2023, and included three phases: (1) adaptation needs assessment, (2) material adaptation and usability testing, and (3) pilot evaluation. See Fig.  1 for a description with details of each component. The Seattle Children’s Hospital Institutional Review Board approved the study. This report conforms to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research [ 20 ]. Our multidisciplinary team included individuals with expertise in pediatrics (PT, DG), sports medicine (GG, LN), public health research (EK), anthropology and qualitative research (KS, CN), research coordination (KG), and data analysis (MB). Our team members identify across many disciplines, ethnicities, languages, and parenting experiences; these diversities and viewpoints informed study design, data collection and data analysis. We employed triangulation at many stages so data from each source contributed to our robust understanding of the phenomena. In this study we used an inclusive definition of “parent” as one of a child’s primary guardians accompanying the child to their clinic visit.

Study phases and components

Phase 1: adaptation needs assessment

A convenience sample of 14 (7 English-speaking and 7 Spanish-speaking) parents of children age 3–10 were recruited from pediatric clinics in Seattle that serve high proportions of patients with public insurance. We selected these clinics recognizing that outdoor play in nature is less accessible for families with resource constraints and those who face cultural barriers. 14 pediatric providers were recruited via word of mouth and a message in the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics newsletter. Interviews with parents centered around family barriers to outdoor play and conversations about playing in nature with their pediatric provider (see Additional file  1 ), and were conducted by native speakers, professionally translated and transcribed, and then spot-checked by native speakers for accuracy. Focus groups with providers explored feasibility and acceptability of adapting PN for older children (see Additional file  2 ).

Phase 2: material adaptation and usability testing

Incorporating themes from the adaptation needs assessment, we systematically adapted the existing PN materials (designed for 0–3 year old children) for older children 4–10 years old. Proposed adaptations were brought to our multidisciplinary planning group for input on developmental appropriateness, consistency with the core components of PN, and considerations related to equity and inclusion. This feedback was: synthesized into an initial draft of a brochure, revised by a graphic designer, and reviewed by our full team.

Next, we conducted usability testing with the adapted intervention with a sample of English- and Spanish-speaking parents and clinic staff at one pediatric health clinic serving primarily publicly insured children in an economically and racially diverse neighborhood in Seattle. Spanish interviews were conducted by native speakers. A convenience sample of 20 (10 English-speaking and 10 Spanish-speaking) parents of 4–10 year-old children seeking care were invited to review PN materials and provide mixed method feedback on their acceptability and usability. 5 staff members were interviewed (1 ARNP, 1 behavioral health therapist, 1 RN, 2 social workers). All participants verbally provided informed consent. We measured usability with Lyon et al.’s Usability Evaluation for Evidence-Based Psychosocial Interventions scale [ 21 ]. Qualitative interviews were conducted with each of the participants. Interview guides can be found in the Additional file  3 . Feedback was synthesized in the moment following each interview and taken back to the team. The results were used to finalize the age-adapted PN intervention components.

Phase 3: pilot evaluation

Sample and procedure.

We held a meeting with interested providers at our partner clinic and provided a written guide for how providers can introduce and discuss PN with families. Providers could tailor conversations based on families’ circumstances, needs and barriers. Printed brochures and nature toys were delivered to the clinic.

We recruited families with the following eligibility criteria were: (1) child scheduled for a 4–10 year-old well-child visit with a participating healthcare provider, (2) parent spoke English, and (3) verbal consent obtained from a parent or guardian prior to the visit in person or via phone call. Parents were asked to complete quantitative surveys via email, phone call, or paper before the scheduled well-child visit. Three weeks post-intervention, parents were asked to complete a post-intervention survey. Surveyed parents were subsequently invited to complete qualitative interviews. After reviewing our initial 10 transcripts, we ascertained that data sufficiency had been achieved and data collection was complete. Post-intervention, we held phone interviews with participating providers (4 ARNPs) regarding clinic feasibility and impressions of the intervention.

Survey measures

Pre- and post-survey topics included: MVPA participation by child and parent independently for at least 20 minutes/day; co-participation in PA and outdoor time; and prior discussions with the child’s healthcare provider about PA and outdoor time. Although the recommendation for children 6 and older is 60 minutes/day of MVPA and 150 minutes/week for adults, the guidance for younger children is less concrete, so we chose the 20 minute/day mark to be able to capture some PA in an increment that may be more reasonably impacted by the PN intervention. The survey also inquired about barriers that may prevent the child from being physically active and demographics. The post-survey assessed perceptions of the intervention’s feasibility and accessibility using Weiner et al.’s Acceptability of Intervention Measure, a validated 4-question self-report scale [ 22 ], as well as self-reported implementation of toy and brochure. The survey can be found in Additional file  4 .

Qualitative measures

Using a phenomenological approach, our qualitative interview guides were developed according to study goals and adjusted as necessary per standard qualitative methodology [ 23 , 24 ]. Individual interviews with parents focused on acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the intervention. Interviews with providers addressed acceptability and feasibility of the intervention in the clinic setting. Parent and provider interview guides can be found in the Additional file  5 and 6 .

Data analysis

Parent and child demographics were summarized descriptively. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for numeric outcomes pre and post intervention and compared statistically with paired t-tests. This was a Phase 1b behavioral study, and thus not powered to detect change quantitatively.

Interviews and focus groups (in Phase 1 and 3) were digitally recorded, professionally transcribed (and translated where appropriate), and spot checked by interviewers to ensure data integrity [ 25 , 26 ]. In the results, quotes are identified by data set (where 1 = adaptation needs assessment, 2 = pilot evaluation), qualitative tool (IN = interview, FG = Focus group), parent versus provider (PA = Parent, PR = provider), language (EN = English, SP = Spanish) and participant number.

Data were uploaded into Dedoose Version 7.0.23 (Sociocultural Research Consultants, Los Angeles, California) for coding and thematic analysis following procedures outlined by Braun and Clarke [ 27 ]. Steps to codebook development were as follows: initial codes were derived from study goals; codes were augmented by a reading of two transcripts; codes were tested on three additional transcripts by two coders; the codebook was edited until an exhaustive but manageable code list was reached. We used a multi-step approach to developing the codebook which allowed for both deductive codes (e.g., Perceptions and Usability of PN) extracted from study goals, instruments, frameworks, and inductive codes (e.g., Weather and Child unmotivated to go outside as barriers to do PA) emerging from review of transcripts.

Transcripts were open coded by two coders (KS, CN) who were blind to each other’s coding and differences were resolved by discussion until 100% agreement was reached. During synthesis, coded excerpts were systematically summarized into themes and subthemes with associated quotes.

Adaptation needs assessment

Demographics for the Adaptation Needs Assessment can be found in Tandon et al. (2022) [ 11 ]. Several key needs and key barriers for the adapted materials emerged from the pediatric provider focus groups and parent interviews, which are summarized in Tables 1 and 2 respectively.

Key needs for the adaptation as identified by providers and parents with relevant quotes

Key barriers for the of the intervention as identified by providers and parents with relevant quotes

Providers and parents emphasized the importance of the intervention being engaging, fun, and exciting. Both felt that concrete physical materials such as a toy and brochure can be particularly motivating. Images representing families from many different backgrounds would make the materials child-friendly and inclusive. It would also be important to consider family literacy and language barriers. There were concerns that it would be difficult for the intervention to address structural barriers to active play outside including transportation, expenses, and neighborhood safety. Other barriers, such as children preferring sedentary, indoor activities and suboptimal weather could potentially be addressed by the intervention.

Providers identified possible clinic-centered challenges to PN implementation including inadequate storage space, established clinic culture and habits inhibiting distribution and inventory of PN materials, and the limited length of well-child visits.

Material adaptation & usability testing

Demographics for the Material Adaptation & Usability Testing are displayed in Table 3 . The key needs highlighted by the needs assessment were used to adapt the core components of PN for 4–10 year-olds and to diverse families. Table  4 summarizes iterative feedback from parents and clinic staff on the written materials and nature toy, which was incorporated into the final adapted materials. Parents wished for a varied selection of nature toys to match their children’s diverse interests; the research team used parents’ suggestions to finalize the following nature toy options: kite, jump rope, bubble wand, frisbee, colored chalk, bug catcher and magnifying glass, and shovel and seeds. When surveyed, parents and clinic staff who participated in usability testing described PN as appealing to use often, easy to understand, and easy to learn how to use.

Material adaptation & usability testing parent demographics

Qualitative usability testing and PN adaptation

Pilot evaluation

Demographics of participants who completed pre- and post-surveys are displayed in Table 5 . 26 families received the intervention and 22 parents completed both pre- and post-intervention surveys. Of those 22, 10 completed qualitative interviews. Of the 6 pediatric providers who participated in the pilot, we interviewed 4 ARNPs.

Pilot evaluation parent and child demographics

Here we report our findings from the Pilot Evaluation organized by 1) feasibility and acceptability, and 2) preliminary efficacy. Qualitative feedback from providers and parents on their experience with the intervention is summarized in Table  6 .

Relevant quotes by domain, subdomain, data source, respondent

Feasibility and acceptability

Parents generally liked the information about PN discussed by their pediatrician, the toy, and the brochure (Table  7 ). The mean score on Weiner et al.’s validated 4-item Acceptability of Intervention measure was 4.3, SD = 0.8, out of a range of 1 to 5, where higher scores indicate greater acceptability. On average, participants endorsed a response of “agree” or “completely agree” to items about the acceptability of the intervention. 82% of families who were given the PN kit by their provider reported using it.

Parent perceptions about components of PN

Interviews confirmed that PN as a whole was well-received and welcomed by both parents and providers.

With few exceptions, parents perceived the nature toys to be fun and conveniently sized (e.g. portable and storable). Parents were pleased that toys matched their children’s individual interests. Children did not show a predilection to choosing certain toys over others; the least expensive toys (e.g. chalk, bubble wand, and frisbee) were just as popular as the more expensive ones (e.g. seeds and shovel).

Some parents mentioned that their children were unmotivated to do PA, preferring screen-based and sedentary activities; the children enjoyed PA once they were outdoors, but the process of persuading them to go out could be hard. Parents liked that the PN toy reminded them to take their children outdoors for PA and provided more ideas for how to encourage their children to be active. Parents raised concerns about the toy durability; they observed that PN might not be sustainable long term because children were initially excited but lost enthusiasm over time or when toys broke.

While the brochure was well-liked by parents in survey responses, the majority of parents interviewed did not remember using the brochure. Parents wished that the brochure included more ideas for activities to do when the weather is less favorable for outdoor play. Parents suggested changing the format (e.g. to activity book or calendar) and including more activities ideas besides those involving the PN toy (e.g. scavenger hunt).

Most parents were not aware of the website and therefore did not visit it. However, parents did express interest in visiting the website if they had known about it and suggested that providers should emphasize it more. Most of the providers did not remember talking about the website with parents.

There were barriers to families using the PN materials. In pre- and post-surveys, weather was the most-commonly reported barrier to children’s PA, followed by time. In interviews, parents raised concerns that the nature toys and activity ideas were practical only for warm, dry weather. Parents wished that providers spent time discussing strategies for PA during cold and wet seasons. Parents pointed out that feeling tired, being busy with work and lack of time were also barriers to consistently supporting their children’s PA and time in nature.

Providers had mixed perceptions about the amount of time they had for PN during well-child visits; some felt the amount of time was sufficient, while others did not. Within the study context, providers found that not giving the intervention to all the patients seen each day led to forgetting to do the intervention with some of the participants that were enrolled in the study.

The cost of toys averaged $5.65 each (range $0.56–$12.50).

Preliminary efficacy

There were no statistically significant changes in PA and outdoor time pre- and post-intervention (Table  8 ).

Physical activity and outdoor time pre-and-post intervention

This study demonstrates how we successfully adapted PN for a diverse group of families with children aged 4–10 years old, through an iterative process of engaging stakeholders and implementing feedback. PN was welcomed by providers and families and may be a practical intervention to promote outdoor active play during well-child visits. Pediatricians and other pediatric clinicians are uniquely positioned to encourage and support families in physical activity and nature contact but face some challenges in doing so. Building from these results, PN should be revised to better support active outdoor play during suboptimal weather and evaluated to test its efficacy in a fully-powered trial.

The nature toy was the most memorable aspect of the intervention for both providers and families and seemed to be a critical component of the intervention that may be worth the additional cost, time and storage space required by clinics. The toy facilitated activity that a parent and child could do together , in contrast to a parent watching their child play outdoors. While the current average cost of the nature toy is too high for scalability and potentially limits sustainability of the intervention, it is likely that the cost per toy would decrease when ordered in bulk. In primary care-based interventions that employ a toy, it will be key to balance the durability and quality of the toys with the cost, versatility, and age-appropriateness. Future cost-effectiveness studies may be warranted.

In contrast to the toy, there were mixed results about the brochure and most parents were not even aware that a website existed. Many parents desired more information about other outdoor activities, local resources including parks, and ways to be active during cold and wet times of the year. While the brochure and website contained some of this information, families were not aware of it so providers may need to more intentionally reference those resources in their discussions with families. In particular, the website could be a platform that can be customized with local resources (i.e. park finder by zip code, links to upcoming events, places to get outdoor gear, etc.) and kept updated, which could be useful for scaling this intervention. The fact that parents did not remember using the brochure or website supports existing literature stating that knowledge provision alone does not reliably result in behavior change.

Some providers felt there was not enough time to adequately explain PN within the allotted well-child visit. We suspect that work-flow fluidity would improve in a non-research context or with a different study design where the intervention could be employed during all well-checks. Moreover, parents wished that providers had spent more time directly motivating their children to be active and spend time in nature – especially during cold and wet times of the year. This has implications for how pediatric providers manage their time counseling during well-child visits and how other clinic staff may be able to support providers. Training providers to use PN materials by applying motivational interviewing strategies may help them incorporate PN more efficiently into their anticipatory guidance. It will also be important to consider how to help support parents to motivate their children to be active at home, such as through family-based activities. Positive reinforcement, reminders, and limiting sedentary behaviors and media use could be helpful strategies. Future studies could strive to learn from families that have successfully implemented behavioral changes.

There is a need for an adequately powered study to understand the impact of this intervention on behavioral outcomes including child PA as well as parent and child co-participation in physical activity. It will be important to evaluate how the intervention addresses barriers in larger studies – including the most-commonly cited barriers of weather and lack of time. Examining the core components of PN independently, and including provider counseling as an independent component of the intervention, will be helpful in prioritizing and allocating resources. We acknowledge that there is likely a synergistic effect of all the core intervention components, and that some may work better for individual families than others.

Limitations of our study include having a small sample of participants from one geographic area. This intervention was specifically adapted to address the barriers and meet the needs of the population of children who receive care at a single children’s clinic in Seattle. While this clinic serves an urban, racially and ethnically diverse, lower income population, the families participating may not be representative of those served by other clinics. We had difficulty recruiting families in the study because many did not answer their phone before their appointment or did not want to participate in research, which may have contributed to selection bias. While this version of PN has only undergone rigorous usability testing in English, next steps include adapting and testing the intervention to other languages to reach a broader population. Finally, evaluation of the efficacy of this intervention would need to include more rigorous and objective measures of outcomes such as PA.

Overall, our findings lay the foundation for future studies evaluating the efficacy of the PN intervention, as an evidence-based strategy to decrease disparities in children’s active play in nature. Ultimately, eliminating structural barriers to nature access through policy change and community investment will be necessary to improve equitable access to play and nature. We urge policy makers to implement plans to increase green space, fund improving the quality of green spaces that already exists in low-income communities, and consider less resource-intensive strategies such as adding gardens in childcare, school and community spaces [ 3 ]. In the meantime, pediatric providers can play a pivotal role in encouraging and promoting outdoor play through individual encounters with children and families.

Additional file 1: Supplementary file 1. Adaptation Needs Assessment (Phase 1) interview script for parent/guardians.

Additional file 2: Supplementary file 2. Adaptation Needs Assessment (Phase 1) provider focus group guide.

Additional file 3: Supplementary file 3. Usability Testing (Phase 2) interview script for parent/guardians and clinic staff.

Additional file 4: Supplemental file 4. Pilot Evaluation (Phase 3) survey content.

Additional file 5: Supplementary file 5. Pilot Evaluation (Phase 3) interview script for parent/guardians.

Additional file 6: Supplementary file 6. Pilot Evaluation (Phase 3) interview script for providers.

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of our partner clinic, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, and participating families and clinic staff.

Abbreviations

Project nature

Physical activity

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity

Authors’ contributions

GG: Qualitative data acquisition (interviewer), qualitative data analysis (codebook writing), writing (original draft). CN: Data curation, qualitative data acquisition (interviewer), qualitative data analysis (codebook writing, qualitative interview and focus group coding), writing (review and editing). KS: Conceptualization, methodology, qualitative data analysis (qualitative interview and focus group coding), writing (review and editing). MB: Quantitative data analysis, writing (review and editing). KG: Project administration, writing (review and editing). EN: Tool adaptation, writing (review and editing). DG: Conceptualization, methodology, writing (review and editing). EK: Conceptualization, methodology, writing (review and editing). PT: Conceptualization, methodology, funding acquisition, writing (review and editing).

This work was supported by the Health Equity Seed Grant from Seattle Children’s Hospital Center for Diversity and Heath Equity & Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Research Integration Hub.

Availability of data and materials

Interview transcripts analyzed during the current study are not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author on a reasonable request. All other data analyzed during this study are included in the published article.

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

Study activities were approved by the Seattle Children’s Hospital Institutional Review Board (STUDY00002668). Informed consent was verbally obtained from all participants, including consent from a parent or legal guardian for all participants below 16 years of age, before research procedures. Seattle Children’s Hospital International Review Board approved this consent procedure. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations, and the report conforms to the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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