By Ashley Wright of Gypsy Gameschooler
There are two main types of games to explore: games you play outside and games that encourage exploring the outdoors. Both can be great ways to encourage more outdoor time, for your kids and for you!
Games to Play Outside
There are many games you can play outside. Chess is a popular game in some city parks, and similarly, you can take many sturdy games outside to play.
If the pieces are heavy enough that they won’t be blown away and big enough that they won’t be lost in the grass, they could be a good fit for playing outside.
Logic games like Chess can help develop critical thinking, pattern recognition, and math skills.
Some virtual games, like Pokemon Go, have been developed from other games and are designed to encourage people to get moving around outside.
However, my son also enjoys bringing his Pokemon cards outside and playing with anyone who will join him.
Large versions of games have been developed, often marketed as “yard games.” Jenga, Chess, Throw Throw Burrito, and Connect Four all have jumbo-sized versions that are perfect for taking outside.
These jumbo games can also be better for families with little ones who worry about choking hazards.
Some games are also great around water; both Uno and Spot It! have waterproof versions of their cards, perfect for poolside or the beach.
Spot It! is a great game for the whole family, as no reading is required, and it’s great for working on visual acuity and matching. Uno is a favorite and has math in the scorekeeping.
And then, of course, you have the classics, like Cornhole, frisbee golf, various ring toss games, croquet, capture the flag, and the safer version of lawn darts.
Many of these games to play outside help to get your family moving. Do you need a P.E. credit? Maybe have a regular family game time outside!
I find that as long as we have space and a few balls or frisbees of varying sorts, we have plenty we can play with outside. However, your family might prefer more options, so it’s great that you have plenty to choose from.
Games About the Outdoors
These are by far my favorite games! Wildcraft is a cooperative herb-gathering adventure as you try to avoid various troubles and cure them with your collected herbs, all while hurrying to get back home before dark.
If you or your kids are interested in herbalism, Wildcraft will teach you several common, safe herbs. In addition, it can be a great addition to a biology or botany class.
Does your family like to go camping? Maybe bring along a game of Camp! This game has four levels of questions on each card, so the whole family can play together.
Plus, I can personally attest that the customer service from the makers is phenomenal; they replaced all my cards for free when the used game I purchased was missing just a few.
Trivia and Fun Fact cards are about plants, animals, and outdoor activities, so can make a good addition to a biology class.
Trekking the National Parks is sure to get your family eager to explore our nation’s many wild spaces. The pictures are beautiful, and as a bonus, it’ll help with US geography. If this game is too large for your space, though, they also have a Trivia game!
Mission: Survival and The Dangerous Book For Boys Game are both fun games to help your family learn about wilderness survival.
Don’t worry, though; any girls playing are granted Honorary Boy Status for the duration of the game. With these games, you can practice your knots, flag signals, constellations, and other outdoor skills.
Habitat and Ecology are very similar card games in which you are building food chains. Habitat features animals from the Great North Woods; unfortunately, the company folded before they could create versions for other areas. Both games are great for learning about ecology, niches, and how different plants and animals interact.
Whether we are playing outside and moving our bodies, or playing games about the out-of-doors, these games are a hit with many families, especially during the warmer summer months. I hope you now have more ideas to help get your family outside.
