Kids' Lawn Games ~ Learn-to-Survive

Sunshine and a soft place to play beckon kids outdoors to play a host of games. Running games, hiding games and games with balls or discs engage and sometimes challenge children. Since most lawn games require more than one player, children learn important socializing skills and the value of sportsmanship while soaking up the fresh air.

The only thing needed to play Fox Hunt is a handkerchief, tissue or piece of cloth, and lots of energy. According to Youthwork-practice.com, the game starts with players standing in a circle, facing each other. One child plays the fox, carrying the handkerchief while walking around the outside of the circle. The other players can't turn to watch him. The fox drops the cloth behind one of the children, who picks up the cloth and chases the fox around the circle, trying to tag him before he reaches the empty spot in the circle. If tagged, the fox must try again. However, if he successfully reaches the empty spot, the other child becomes the lazy egg and must stand in the middle of the circle until another player takes his place. A new fox is chosen and the game begins again.

Play a Frisbee version of baseball.
Kids can play a safer backyard version of baseball by using a flying disc, like a Frisbee. One player stands at home plate to be the "batter," another serves as "pitcher" and the rest are positioned around the bases and in the field. The pitcher throws the disc to the "batter," who catches it and throws it to any player on the field. The batter then makes a run for first base and more, if she can make it. She is "out" if the player in the field catches the disc. If the disc isn't caught, the field player must throw it to a base player before the batter reaches that base; otherwise, the batter is safe. Each player takes a turn at bat.

Tossing around bean bags makes a simple, but entertaining lawn game. Play bean bag toss with inexpensive bean bags and a cardboard box with holes cut in it. Players try to toss their bean bags into the holes, keeping score or just entertaining themselves. Add a variation to the game by forming teams. Line up the teams and have the kids pass the bean bags to the next one in line. The winning team has the most players who get the bean bag in the holes.

Played on a lawn court, croquet keeps kids in motion and gives them opportunities to use tactical thinking and practice hand-eye coordination. Each player uses a mallet and a wooden ball. Kids must drive their balls across the grass and through strategically placed wickets, following a course to a stake at the end. The first player or team to reach the final stake wins.

A crabwalk race leads to hilarity as kids collapse on the lawn as they try walking on all fours with their stomachs facing up. Youthwork-practice.com suggests dividing the kids into teams and having a relay race.

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