Outdoor Play Ideas

Hang Ten

  • Write the numerals 1–10 on separate pieces of paper. Fold and place them in a container.
  • Have children play on a horizontal bar or on a climbing rope. One child chooses a number, and then hangs from the bar or rope with both hands while the other children count and clap out the number.
  • Play until each child has had a turn, or longer if the children want to play.

Variation: Children can alternate counting and clapping quickly or slowly.

Hula Hoop® Hop

  • Place five or six Hula Hoops on the grass or play area. Have two or three children stand at each hoop.
  • Give children a simple direction such as: Put one foot in the hoop. Watch children follow the direction.
  • Continue with a variety of actions, such as: Jump with two feet into the hoop. Put one foot outside the hoop; put one hand on that foot. Jump out of the hoop; put one knee in the hoop; sit down in the hoop; sit back to back in the hoop.
  • Add other activities, such as throwing, catching, bending, hopping, dancing, and lifting the hoop.

Spring Mural

  • Attach a length of transparent plastic to a fence or wall. Provide buckets of tempera paint and paintbrushes.
  • Show children how to paint on this large area. They may want to paint flowers, rain, and the sun, or they may wish to make an abstract painting.
  • When the paint is dry, use markers to add small details or children's names.
  • Display the mural through the remainder of the school year, if possible.

Variation: Paint a wall or fence using watercolor paints or markers. The watercolor images will wash off in the rain.