Hello, picnic lovers! Are you looking for some fun, free and active games to play on your next outdoor adventure? Look no further! I’ve put together a list of 10 awesome games that are perfect for picnics, all of which require no equipment. Get ready for some active fun in the sun! These would work well at a campsite too!
10 Games to Play at A Picnic with Kids
RED ROVER
Red Rover is a classic game that’s perfect for large groups. It’s easy to play and doesn’t require any equipment. To start, divide the players into two teams and have them line up facing each other. The teams should hold hands to create a solid chain. One team then calls out a player’s name from the other team and says, “Red Rover, Red Rover, let (player’s name) come over!” The player then runs towards the other team and tries to break through their linked hands. If they succeed, they get to choose someone to bring back to their team. The game continues until one team has all the players from the other team.
Classic Tag
Tag is a classic game that everyone knows and loves. It’s a great way to get everyone moving and laughing. To start, choose one player to be “it”. That player then chases the other players, trying to tag them. When someone is tagged, they become “it”. The game continues until everyone has had a turn being “it”.
CAPTURE THE FLAG
Capture the Flag is a great game that’s perfect for picnics. To start, divide the players into two teams and place two flags at opposite ends of the playing area. Each team then tries to steal the other team’s flag and bring it back to their own base without getting tagged. The game continues until one team successfully captures the other team’s flag.
SHARKS AND MINNOWS
Sharks and Minnows is a fun game that’s perfect for larger groups. One player is the “shark” and stands in the middle of the playing area. The other players start on one side and try to run to the other side without getting tagged by the “shark”. Anyone who gets tagged becomes a “shark” as well. The game continues until there are no more “minnows” left.
FREEZE TAG
Freeze Tag is a fun variation of regular tag that adds an extra level of challenge. When a player is tagged, they must freeze in place until someone else unfreezes them by crawling through their legs. To start, choose one player to be “it”. That player then chases the other players, trying to tag them. When someone is tagged, they must freeze in place until someone else unfreezes them.
FOUR CORNERS
Four Corners is a fast-paced game that’s perfect for large groups. One player is “it” and stands in the middle of the playing area. The other players stand in four corners of the playing area. The player who is “it” calls out a corner, and all players in that corner must run to a different corner. The player who is “it” tries to tag players as they run. The game continues until all players have been tagged.
FOLLOW THE LEADER
Follow the Leader is a fun game that’s perfect for smaller groups. One player is the “leader” and the other players must follow them, doing whatever they do, such as jumping, hopping or skipping. To start, choose one player to be the “leader”. That player then leads the other players around the playing area, doing different movements. The other players must follow the leader and do whatever movements they do.
RELAY RACES
Relay Races are a great way to get everyone moving and having fun. To start, divide the players into teams and have them line up. The first player from each team then runs to a designated point and back, tagging the next player who then runs to the same point and back. The game continues until all players have had a turn. You can make the relay race more challenging by adding obstacles to the course, such as cones or hula hoops.
MUSICAL CHAIRS ADAPTED
Musical Chairs is a classic game that’s easy to set up and fun to play. Instead of chairs use jumpers or hoodies from the children. To start, place jumpers in a circle, with one less chair than the number of players. Play music on your phone and have the players walk around the jumpers. When the music stops, the players must sit down in a jumper. The player left standing is out, and one jumper is removed. The game continues until there is only one player left.
SIMON SAYS
Simon Says is a fun game that’s perfect for all ages. One player is “Simon” and gives commands for the other players to follow, but only if they begin with “Simon says”. If a player does something without hearing “Simon says” first, they are out. To start, choose one player to be “Simon”. That player then gives commands such as “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says jump on one foot”. The other players must follow the commands, but only if they hear “Simon says” first.
There you have it, 10 awesome games that are perfect for picnics and require no equipment. They are great for playing whilst camping too! These games are sure to get everyone moving, laughing, and having a great time in the great outdoors. So, grab some snacks, spread out a blanket, and get ready for some active fun at your next picnic!