Outdoor Play Ideas

Buzzing Bee

  • Children sit or stand in a circle (the beehive). A beanbag is a buzzing bee.
  • Children pass the beanbag to the right, saying, “Buzz, buzz, buzz,…” as long as the beanbag is passed.
  • If the beanbag falls, the person who dropped it runs once around the circle, buzzing like a bee that has flown out of the hive. When the child returns to her/his spot, the game begins again.

Variation: Widen the circle and gently toss the beanbag.

Chalk Neighborhood

  • Draw chalk roads, approximately three feet wide, on the playground area.
  • Along the roads, draw shapes to represent area stores, the school, children's homes, and other local buildings. Children may wish to decorate the buildings.
  • Children can take turns riding tricycles and other riding toys along the roads, stopping to visit each other. Children should try to stay on the roads or in “parking lots.” Other children can be merchants, teachers, and other community members.

Community Helpers

Encourage children to use outdoor equipment to play the parts of community helpers. Children can be:

  • firefighters putting out a “fire” at the top of the slide's ladder;
  • riding in swings as cars to go to the store;
  • climbing a jungle gym to “reach a kitten” that needs their help;
  • using a picnic bench as a bus or train.

Encourage children to be active while playing.