Kids can’t wait for summer to be here, but once it comes the only thing that seems to come out of their mouth is how bored they are! This can be so frustrating for moms! Even with friends over, kids can have a difficult time coming up with activities to do. Here are five awesome outdoor games that my husband used to play with his students when he taught 6th grade. He used these games in his P.E. class and his students loved them! These games would be great activities at a family reunion too!
Crab Soccer- This can be played with only 2 people or entire soccer teams. Split into teams and play a “normal” game of soccer walking in a crab walk the whole time. You can hit the ball with your hands or feet. The game ends when either the time runs out or the winner gets to a predetermined score.
Gorilla Ball- You need a rubber kickball for this game. This can be played with 4 or more people. Use a space that you can imagine being like a football field with two end zones on both ends. The objective is to get the kickball into your end zone to score. The only way to move the ball is by throwing it to your teammate(s). When you have the ball, you can’t move your feet at all. You must pass the ball. The other team can move around and can intercept the ball when it is being thrown. If the ball falls to the ground or if you move your feet while you have the ball, the ball goes to the other team. Play until time runs out or when one team gets to a predetermined score.
Rock, Paper, Scissors tag- Two people face each other. Choose safe zones 15 feet behind each player. To start, players play rock, paper scissors. The loser of rock, paper, scissors has to run to their safe zone before the other player tags them. If you get to the zone, you get a point. If you get tagged by the other person before you get to your safe zone, they get a point. The first to 5 points wins.
Ninja Destruction- Play this with 3 or more people. Stand in a circle with your hands in the middle touching each other. To start, yell “ninja destruction”. When that phrase is yelled, everyone jumps back and lands in a ninja stance. A designated person (ninja) then makes one fluid motion trying to chop at another ninja’s arm. In defense, the other ninja can make one fluid motion to get out of the way of the ninja chop. If you are hit anywhere from shoulder to finger, that arm is out and goes behind your back. Whether you are hit or not, it becomes your turn to attack a ninja in the group. Game continues like that. Once both of your arms are hit, you are out and have to leave the circle. Game goes until there is only one ninja left, making that person the ultimate ninja.
Samurai Warrior- You need a pool noodle, a soft sword, or stick for this game. Can be played with 2 or more people. One person holds the sword and is called “the warrior”. The other players stand shoulder to shoulder facing the warrior. The warrior then chooses to swipe the “sword” horizontally either above the shoulders or below the waist. If the warrior swipes the sword side to side above the shoulders, they must duck. If the warrior swipes the sword side to side below the waist, they must jump. If the player does the wrong move, they are out. Warrior can swipe fast or slow to try to trick the players. Play goes until only one player remains. They then become the warrior in the next round.
I hope that these games help keep your kids entertained this summer! They are some of the sixth graders’ favorites!
Make sure to check out these other awesome posts for this summer!
