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Schoolyard Games for Kindergarten

When kindergarteners play outdoor games, they get fresh air and exercise. They also learn how to take turns, build gross motor skills, work as a team, get along with others, practice sportsmanship and think creatively. Free play outside is important, but young children need to play organized games to practice these valuable skills.

Itsy Bitsy May I?
- This game incorporates the popular game "Mother May I?" with the well-known rhyme "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." One child pretends to be the Itsy Bitsy Spider. The Spider stands on one end of the field while the rest of the class stands at the opposite end. The Spider calls out a direction such as, "Hop four times toward me." The other children respond, "Itsy Bitsy May I?" If the Spider says "Yes," the players follow the direction. If the Spider says "No," all the children try to reach their home base before the Spider can tag them. Any player tagged is out. If a player reaches the Spider and tags her, that player is the Spider for the next round.
Pirate Tag
- Pirate tag is a great twist on traditional tag games. The class is sorted into two teams: pirates and soldiers. One of the pirates has a coin in his right hand. The other pirates pretend to hold a coin in their right hands. The pirates begin running around the playground. The soldiers try to tag the player who has the real coin. If a pirate is tagged by a soldier, he must open his right hand. If he does not have the coin, he is free. If he does have the coin, he must give it to the soldier. The two teams change roles once the coin is found.
Soccer Bowling
- Young children love to play ball games. Disney Family Fun recommends combining soccer with bowling for an exciting outdoor activity. Line up five water bottles on each end of the field. The opposing team moves the ball across the field and tries to knock down the other team's bottles. Teams must try to "steal" the ball while defending their bottles. Each time a bottle is knocked over, the ball changes sides. The team who knocks down the other team's bottles first wins.
Air Golf
- This game can be played individually or with teams. You will need to bend six or more wire coat hangers into round targets. Arrange the hangers around the playground, hanging them from trees or equipment. Students will need balls to throw through the loops. Keep score in air golf in the same manner as regular golf: the players receive points for each attempted throw, but can subtract a point for throwing the ball through the target. The child or team with the lowest score wins.

Kids Games