The spring season has arrived: the days that are getting longer and the temperatures that are becoming milder make you want to spend time in the open air and perhaps do a bit of sport or a walk to restore your spirit.
As some scientific studies also support, spending time outdoors (possibly in greenery) is an excellent cure for allergies and disorders such as asthma or depression. Younger children, in particular, should enjoy time spent in nature to develop their immune systems and become healthier adults.
Furthermore, outdoor activities represent an excellent diversion from the time spent at home in front of video games or a smartphone screen. But what to organize when you are in the park or in the garden?
Here are some games that can be organized outdoors with very little (or no) equipment and which can involve adults and children together for fun that involves everyone.
Racquets / badminton
A classic beach game, rackets are also an excellent pastime in the park. All we need to play are a pair of wooden rackets and a rubber ball – which can be purchased in toy shops for a few euros.
Real racket tournaments can be organised, alternating challenges between the various players and offering a small prize – for example, a slice of homemade cake or a small soft toy.
Frisbee / Boomerang
In both cases, these are objects to be thrown high into the sky and chased as they fall to the ground, gaining ever greater speed. The Frisbee and the boomerang are simple objects, of low cost, but which ensure great fun for the little ones.
It is possible, for example, to organize a competition for whoever throws the boomerang the highest or who never lets the Frisbee fall to the ground. By playing and having fun in company, children will also be encouraged to run and move, doing outdoor sports without even realizing it.
Bowls
Bowls are also often proposed as a beach game, but they can be used in a lawn or in a public park (any place with a flat walkable area) and can involve up to four players at a time.
A small ball is thrown as a target: each player’s objective is to get as close as possible to the target with their colored balls and win the game.
In toy stores and online you can find many sets of bowls, of various prices and colours. We suggest purchasing a set of wooden bowls – a certainly more ecological and sustainable alternative to plastic.
Spikeball
It is a game born a few decades ago in the United States, but now very widespread here too. The play kit (sold in sporting goods stores) includes a small rubber ball and an elastic net similar to a trampoline.
The players, up to a maximum of four, stand in a circle around the elastic net. The objective is to bounce the ball off the net without dropping it to the ground. Anyone who fails to catch the ball “on the fly” is penalized.
Kites/Airplanes
Flying kites and launching toy planes (not remote-controlled ones) are activities that were very popular years ago and should be rediscovered for their simplicity, capable of giving timeless smiles. Furthermore, you can also have fun creating them at home.
With a bit of tissue paper, some light wood and some string we can create a fantastic kite together with our children to fly high in the spring sky.
Alternatively, we can organize a real “tournament” for the most beautiful and creative kite: this will stimulate the imagination of the little ones and push them to try their hand at this craft.
Traditional games without tools
Hide and seek, steal the flag, tag, four corners: these are the games that have animated the childhoods of generations and which, even today, never cease to provide laughter and movement. The beauty of these timeless classics is that they don’t require any equipment or expense: all you need is a group of people, a bit of open space and the desire to have fun. They are perfect activities to involve children and adults together, breaking down generational distance and creating shared memories. Rediscovering them today, in an era dominated by screens, is almost a revolutionary act.
Sack race and egg in the spoon race
If you are looking for an activity that guarantees guaranteed laughter, the sack race and the egg in the spoon race are the right answer. Perfect for birthday parties, school trips or simple family afternoons at the park, these races require very little material — an old burlap sack and a few hard-boiled eggs are enough to transform a lawn into a playground. Even parents and grandparents can get involved, and often they are the ones who get the biggest laughs with their spectacular falls.
Tug of war
Simple, physical and adrenaline-filled: tug of war is one of those games that everyone immediately agrees on. All you need is a sturdy rope and at least four participants divided into two teams. In addition to stimulating physical strength and endurance, this activity teaches children the value of teamwork and coordination: pulling together, with rhythm and synchrony, is often more effective than doing it with brute force alone. A classic that knows no age.
Orienteering and treasure hunt
For those who want to add a pinch of adventure and ingenuity to their day outdoors, orienteering and treasure hunting are the ideal choice. You can organize a simple treasure hunt in the park by hiding clues behind a bench, under a rock or next to a tree, until you reach the “final prize”. Alternatively, you can hand-draw a small map of the location and challenge the children to orient themselves by following the symbols. These activities train not only your legs, but also your logic, memory and sense of observation, transforming a simple walk into a real mission.
The value of family gaming
Beyond individual games, what really matters is the time spent together. Numerous developmental psychology studies confirm that play shared between parents and children strengthens the emotional bond, increases mutual trust and helps build a sense of security in the little ones. According to research published in Journal of Marriage and Familychildren who regularly play with their parents show higher levels of self-esteem and better relationship skills. Playing together, in short, is not just fun: it is one of the most effective and natural ways to tell your children “I’m here, I’m here with you”. And this, after all, is the greatest gift a parent can give.
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