10 Original Outdoor Party Games For Preschoolers!

Planning an outdoor party for preschoolers can be an exciting adventure. One of the best ways to ensure a memorable experience for your little guests is through engaging and fun outdoor party games that encourage physical activity, teamwork, and social skills. Let’s explore 10 original outdoor games that are perfect for your next gathering in the park or backyard.

Last Updated: October 24, 2024  |  10 min Read

Find detailed breakdowns for each game, including the benefits they offer, the intensity level of physical exertion, age appropriateness, suggested playtime, number of players, and the materials needed.

Affiliate disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Rainbow Treasure Hunt

Objective: Find hidden objects in different colors and form a rainbow.

Setup: Hide small colorful objects (e.g., balls, ribbons, fabric pieces) in a park or backyard. Ensure each color of the rainbow is represented (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple).

How to Play: Each child is given a basket or bag and told to find one object for each color of the rainbow. Once they collect all the colors, they gather around and arrange the items to form a rainbow. This game can be played individually or in teams. It’s an excellent icebreaker and encourages exploration and teamwork.

2. Bean Bag Balance Race

Objective: Be the first to reach the finish line without dropping the bean bag.

Setup: Bean bags (one per player) and cones or markers to set a start and finish line.

How to Play: Each child places a bean bag on their head and must walk from the starting line to the finish line without the bag falling. If the bean bag drops, they must stop, place it back on their head, and continue. The first child to cross the finish line without dropping the bean bag wins.

3. Balloon Stomp Race

Objective: Reach the finish line without having your balloon popped, and be the last player standing after multiple rounds.

Setup: Tie one balloon to each child’s ankle with a string about 12 inches long. Make sure the balloons are big enough to be stomped on easily. Set up a starting line and a finish line in your backyard or park.

How to Play:

The goal is for players to race from the starting line to the finish line while protecting their balloon and attempting to pop other players’ balloons.

Players can stomp on others’ balloons while racing, but they must also keep moving towards the finish line.

If a player’s balloon gets popped, they are out for that round. The remaining players who reach the finish line with their balloons intact proceed to the next round.

Races continue with the remaining players, each time resetting the balloons, until only one player is left with an unpopped balloon. This player is declared the winner.

4. Bouncy Relay Race

Objective: Complete a relay race using the Little Tikes Hopper as quickly as possible. The first team to have all players complete the course wins.

Setup: Find a flat, outdoor space suitable for a race, such as a grassy yard or a section of a playground. You will need at least two Little Tikes Hopper balls, one for each team. For larger parties, have one hopper for every 4-5 children. Set up a race course of about 10-15 meters (33-50 feet) long. Use cones, hats, or any noticeable objects to mark the start and finish lines.

How to Play: Divide the children into equal teams of 3-5 members each. Have the first player from each team stand at the starting line with their Hopper. On “Go!”, the first player from each team bounces their Hopper to the finish line, turns around, and hops back to the starting line. Once a player returns to the starting line, they pass the Hopper to the next teammate in line, who repeats the process. The game continues until all team members have completed the course. The first team to have all players finish wins the race.

5. Animal Tail Tag

Objective: Collect as many “tails” as possible without losing your own.

Setup: Each child is given a small ribbon or fabric strip that represents their “tail.” Tails are tucked into the waistband of their shorts or pants.

How to Play: The kids run around, trying to collect as many tails as possible from other players without losing their own. If their tail is taken, they can try to get it back from another player. The game continues until a set time is up, and the child with the most tails wins. It’s a fast-paced and fun outdoor game!

6. Sponge Water Relay

Objective: Transfer the most water from one bucket to another using only a sponge.

Setup: Prepare 2 large buckets per team (one filled with water, one empty), and large sponges. Choose an outdoor area where water play is allowed.

How to Play: Divide children into teams. Each team has one bucket of water at the start line and an empty bucket at the finish line. Players take turns soaking the sponge in the water, running to the empty bucket, and squeezing the water out before running back to the next teammate. The team that fills their bucket with the most water within a set time wins.

7. T-Ball Challenge Race

Objective: Hit the ball and race to the finish line in the fastest time, or be the team to complete the course the quickest.

Setup: Place the T-ball tee at one end of the outdoor space. Mark a finish line at the opposite end. Optionally, place cones or markers to create a running path between the tee and finish line.

How to Play: Split children into teams or have them take turns individually. Adjust the tee height to suit each player’s size. The first player stands at the tee, hits the ball, and races along the path towards the finish line after hitting. If playing in teams, once the first player reaches the finish line, they tag the next teammate, who repeats the process. The individual or team that hits the ball and races to the finish line in the fastest time wins.

8. Animal Freeze Dance

Objective: Dance like different animals and freeze when the music stops.

Setup: A Bluetooth speaker, music, and a list of animal movements, e.g., hop like a frog, flap like a bird, crawl like a crab, waddle like a penguin, stomp like an elephant, slither like a snake, hop like a kangaroo, gallop like a horse, swing like a monkey, fly like a butterfly, swim like a fish, scurry like a squirrel, jump like a frog, crawl like a turtle, flap like an eagle, strut like a peacock, pounce like a cat, glide like a swan, sniff like a rabbit, snap like a crocodile, stretch like a giraffe and spin like a spider.

How to Play: Play some upbeat music, and when the music plays, shout out the name of an animal. The children dance or move like that animal. When the music stops, they freeze in place. Anyone who doesn’t freeze is out for that round. It’s an energetic game to start the party with lots of giggles!

9. Bubble Pop Dash

Objective: Pop as many bubbles as possible before they disappear.

Setup: Prepare bubble wands or a bubble machine and choose an open outdoor space with room for running.

How to Play: Blow bubbles into the air, and the children will run around trying to pop as many as possible before the bubbles reach the ground. Each child must count the bubbles they pop and call out the number. Time each round for 1 or 2 minutes. The child who pops the most bubbles within the time limit wins. The game can be repeated over several rounds with new bubbles.

10. Leaf Collecting Hunt

Objective: Collect the largest pile of different leaves within the time limit.

Setup: A large outdoor space (backyard or park) with lots of fallen leaves. Have small bags or baskets ready for each team.

How to Play: Split the children into small teams. Each team is tasked with collecting as many unique types of leaves as possible within a set time (e.g., 2 minutes). At the end of the time, the team with the most diverse collection of leaves wins. It’s a gentle, nature-focused activity that also allows kids to learn about different types of plants.

Final Thoughts about Outdoor Party Games For Preschoolers

In conclusion, using these outdoor party games for preschoolers are the key to an unforgettable celebration. With these 10 original games, you can create a fun-filled environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and active play.

Whether it’s a rainbow treasure hunt or a bubble pop dash, these games will keep the kids engaged and entertained from start to finish.