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Playtime Reinvented: 10 Fun and Creative Games to Try on the Playground


Kids playing on a playground in Virginia Beach

Playing on a playground can be a lot of fun, especially if you and your child incorporate different games and activities to maximize the time. To keep things interesting, try incorporating some creative games into your playground time. There are many different options to choose from, whether you're looking for games that are active and physical or more low-key and imaginative. With a little creativity and some basic playground equipment, you can have a blast while staying active and engaged. So, if you want to make the most out of your child's time on the playground, here are 10 creative games that can be played on a playground for you and your kids to try:

  1. Simon Says: A classic game that can be adapted to suit different ages and abilities.

  2. I Spy: Players take turns spotting different objects on the playground and describing them to the others.

  3. Tag Variations: Classic tag with variations such as freeze tag, where players who are tagged must freeze in place until they are tagged by another player.

  4. Capture the Flag: Divide the playground into two teams and hide a flag or object on each team's side. The goal is to capture the other team's flag while defending your own.

  5. Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items that can be found on the playground and have players work together to find them all.

  6. Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course using playground equipment, such as monkey bars, swings, and slides.

  7. Red Light, Green Light: A game where players take turns being the "stoplight" and calling out "red light" or "green light" to control the movement of the other players.

  8. Charades: A game where players act out different words or phrases without speaking.

  9. Simon says is a game where players must do what the leader says only when the leader says "Simon says" before the command.

  10. Duck, Duck, Goose: A classic playground game where players sit in a circle and one player walks around the circle tapping others on the head, saying "duck" each time, until they tap someone and say "goose," at which point the tapped player jumps up and chases the tap-er around the circle.

There are many creative games that can be played on a playground. From traditional games such as tag and hide and seek to more imaginative games like pretending to be superheroes or building forts, the possibilities are endless. It's important to encourage children to use their imagination and think outside the box when playing on a playground. These types of games not only provide hours of fun and entertainment, but also help to develop important skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creativity. So next time you're at the playground, why not try out a new game and see where their imagination takes them!



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