When I was a kid we played outdoor games all the time. I grew up in Norway, so I’ve gotten some help from ChatGPT to find the English names of some of these games.

The most recently played game was «Kick the Can», which we played as grownups. It was pretty intense—one of the players jumped down from a roof top to free the prisoners, fracturing a leg in the process.

Incredibly fun!

Kick The Can

Players:

One seeker/guard: This person is “it” and guards the can.
Several hiders: The rest of the players hide and try to avoid being caught.

Equipment:

A can or cardboard box: Often placed in a central, open area, with access from several directions.

Rules:

Start the game: The seeker/guard places the can in a designated spot, counts loudly to a pre-agreed number (e.g., 30), and then starts searching for the hiders.
Hiding: While the guard is counting, the other players hide.
Catching players:
- If the guard finds a player, they must run back to the can and call out the player’s name while touching the can. For example: “I see [name] behind the tree!”
- The caught player is then “captured” and must wait in a designated area, like a “jail.”
Rescuing captured players:
- Other free players can “rescue” those in jail by sneaking up to the can and kicking it. This frees all the captured players and sends them back into hiding.
Winning the game:
- The guard wins if they manage to capture all the players.
- The hiders win if they can successfully avoid being caught and repeatedly rescue others by kicking the can.

Variations:

The game can end when time runs out, or players can rotate who is the guard after a certain number of captures.

It’s a fun, active game that combines elements of hide-and-seek and tag!

Other Games to Play

Here’s a list of other fun and active outdoor multiplayer games:

Capture the Flag

A classic game for video games and outdoors. If you play after dark outside, it’s a good idea to have lit flags.

Players: 6+ (divided into two teams)
Objective: Steal the opposing team’s flag from their territory and bring it back to your side without getting tagged.
Setup: Mark two territories and place a flag in each. If you have a flashlight for each flag, it’ll be easier to see when playing after dark.

Sardines

I first saw this game played in a British television show. They played it indoors, but I’m sure it can be player just as successfully outdoors.

Players: 4+
Objective: A reverse hide-and-seek where one person hides, and others search. When a player finds the hider, they hide with them until everyone is crammed in the same spot.
Winner: The last person to find the group.

Freeze Tag

My kids play this in the school yard all the time apparently. I’ve never actually played it myself, but if the playing area isn’t too large—there shouldn’t be too much idle time.

Players: 4+
Objective: One person is “it” and tags others to freeze them in place. Players can unfreeze each other by touching a frozen player.
Setup: Define a playing area that is suitably large. I have an feeling you may want to avoid an area without obstacles.
Winner: “It” wins by freezing everyone; others win by avoiding capture.

Red Rover

This game can sometimes end in tears if the players aren’t being sensible..

Players: 6+ (two teams)
Objective: Teams form chains by holding hands. One team chants, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send [name] over!” The called player runs and tries to break through the chain. If the player fails to break through, they join the chain.
Winner: The game ends when one team has all the players, or when both teams agree to stop playing.

Kickball

Never played this game. But if you know baseball, it should be pretty straight forward to play and enjoy.

Players: 10+ (two teams)
Objective: Like baseball, but players kick the ball instead of hitting it. Teams take turns kicking and fielding, with runners trying to score by running bases.
Setup: A ball and four bases.

Ghost in the Graveyard

Players: 4+
Objective: One “ghost” hides while others search.
Setup: Define a playing area and one (or more) safe zone.
Playing: When the ghost is found, they shout «Ghost in the Graveyard!», which turns the game into «tag»: the ghost tries to tag a player before they reach the safe zone. The player tagged by the ghost takes the place of the ghost next round.

Dodgeball

A classic best player in a walled area.

Players: 6+ (two teams)
Objective: Eliminate players on the opposing team by hitting them with a ball. If you’re hit, you’re out; if you catch the ball, the thrower is out.
Equipment: Soft balls.

Ultimate Frisbee

Basically like football, except you cannot move while holding the frisbee.

Players: 10+ (two teams)
Objective: Pass the Frisbee to teammates to reach the opposing team’s goal area. No running with the Frisbee—only passing is allowed.
Setup: A field and a Frisbee. Agree on a time limit or a score to reach to win.
Winner: The team with the most points when the time expires, or that reaches the predetermined score first.

Ringolevio (Release the Prisoners)

This is like Kick the Can, except the players are caught anywhere within the playing area.

Players: 6+ (two teams)
Objective: A variation of tag where captured players are sent to “jail.” Teammates can rescue them by sneaking in and tagging them.
Setup: Designate a play and jail area. The jail needs to be within the playing area.

Sharks and Minnows

Players: 4+
Objective: One or more “sharks” try to tag “minnows” as they run from one side of the field to the other. Tagged minnows become sharks.
Winner: The last minnow standing.

Some of these games I’ve never played myself, but I learned about them when writing this post.

Hope you’ll find it both fun and inspiring, and as always—create your own variations to better suit your players 🙂