Outdoor games to play anywhere
Tip #1: Chalk the walk
Tip #1: Chalk the walk
Game #2: Count things on the way
Game #2: Count things on the way
Game #3: Guess the number
Game #3: Guess the number
Game #4: Magic fingers
Game #4: Magic fingers
Game #5: Hot lava
Game #5: Hot lava
Game #6: Singing by numbers
Game #6: Singing by numbers
Game #7: Shadow chasers
Game #7: Shadow chasers
At the park or in the garden
Game #1: Build a den
Game #1: Build a den
Game #2: Mud pies
Game #2: Mud pies
Game #3: Magic potion
Game #3: Magic potion
Game #4: Adding up around the park
Game #4: Adding up around the park
Game #5: Count throws at the park
Game #5: Count throws at the park
Game #6: Count beasties
Game #6: Count beasties
Game #7: Keepie uppie challenge
Game #7: Keepie uppie challenge
Game #8: Goalie game
Game #8: Goalie game
Game #9 Forwards and backwards
Game #9 Forwards and backwards
Game #10: Play opposites scavenger hunt
Game #10: Play opposites scavenger hunt
Tip #11: Time to climb
Tip #11: Time to climb
For more outdoor adventure ideas, check out the Tiny Happy People website.
Back home
Game #1: Draw a picture
Game #1: Draw a picture
Game #2: Write about it
Game #2: Write about it
Game #3: Make a story
Game #3: Make a story
Helping your older and teenage children stay active
It can be a struggle to motivate older kids and teens to make use of the great outdoors, and the promise of making mud pies and dens may not cut it. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do to steer your older ones away from their screens. Take a look at our activities for teens page and our page of tips for getting teens outside and active.
Washing hands
It’s fun to play outside. Mud is good! However, it’s really important that we wash our hands when we get home. When we do, we lower our chances of catching and spreading germs.
Wash thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds – the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. Doing this helps us all stay safe!
Tickle for ticks
Remember to check for ticks after playing outside – particularly if you've been in long grass or woodlands. These little critters attach to skin underneath clothing and can make little ones poorly. Why not make a fun game out of checking for ticks – by having a good look then tickling for lots of giggles? For guidance on how to remove ticks, visit nhsinform.
Remember to take your litter home
If you’re planning on exploring the great outdoors, please remember to take your litter home with you or bin it. Scotland is stunning – let's keep it that way.
Family Support Directory
Find more fun ideas for playing with your child from trusted organisations in our Family Support Directory.