Fun Outdoor Games for Kids No Equipment Needed

This article from Active for Life includes many favourite no-equipment outdoor games for kids. This list includes traditional games, fun variations on old-time favourites, and some new activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor games for a big group or just a few, this list is a great go-to guide for fun active outdoor games that you can set up on the spur of the moment, no gear or equipment necessary! There are 9 different 'tag' games, running games, and several options for toddlers and preschoolers We picked 'The Captain is Coming' as a classic favourite to remind you of, and share the rules and commands so you could play too.

The Captain is Coming

This game starts by designating one player as “the Captain.” This player is captain of the ship and will shout out commands that the other players must follow. The last player to do the command is eliminated from the game until only one player remains. Before starting the game, use real or imaginary markers to designate the different sides of the ship: front (bow), back (stern), left side (port) and right side (starboard). Make sure all the players know the names and directions of the sides of the ship, as well as what the other commands mean It helps to do a couple practice runs. It’s also a good idea to start with a handful of commands and add more commands to increase the complexity of the game

Bow: Run to the front of the ship

Stern: Run to the back of the ship

Port: Run to the left side of the ship

Starboard: Run to the right side of the ship

Captain’s coming: Run to the captain and salute

Hit the deck: Lie on the ground.

Scrub the deck: Pretend to scrub the ground

Climb the rigging: Pretend to climb a rope.

Dig for treasure: Pretend to dig

Cannonballs: Crouch down and cover your ears.

Submarine: Lay on back and stick up one leg

Three men in a lifeboat: Three players stand together and pretend to row a boat.