Playing games outdoors is a great way to encourage children to explore their surroundings and appreciate nature. Whether you’re taking a walk in the park, traveling on a road trip, or simply lying in the backyard, there are plenty of fun games to play with your children. One game that has been enjoyed by generations is looking for shapes in clouds. In this article, we’ll explore different games to play outside, in the sky, and while traveling, including how to spot shapes in clouds.
Games to Play Outside
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great way to get children excited about exploring their surroundings. Create a list of items for your children to find, such as leaves, flowers, or rocks. Then, set a time limit and let them loose to find as many items as they can. This game can be played in a park, on a nature trail, or even in your own backyard.
Nature Bingo
Create a bingo card with different items found in nature, such as birds, insects, and plants. Take a walk outside with your children and see who can find all of the items on their card first. This game can be adapted to different age levels by adjusting the number of items on the card or the complexity of the items.
Red Light, Green Light
This classic game is perfect for outdoor play. One person is chosen to be the “stoplight” and stands at the end of the playing area. The other players stand at the opposite end. The “stoplight” calls out “green light” and the other players move towards them. They then call out “red light” and the players must freeze. The first person to touch the “stoplight” wins and becomes the next “stoplight.”
Games to Play in the Sky
Shapes in Clouds
Looking for shapes in clouds is a classic game that has been played for generations. Lie on your back and gaze up at the clouds, pointing out different shapes and objects that you see. You can turn it into a competition by seeing who can spot the most shapes in a set amount of time.
Counting Game
This game is simple but fun. Pick a type of cloud, such as cirrus or cumulus, and count how many you can see in the sky. You can also count how many planes or birds you see flying overhead.
Sky Color Game
Ask your children to name all of the colors they see in the sky. This game can be played during different times of the day and different weather conditions. It’s a fun way to encourage children to pay attention to their surroundings and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Games to Play While Traveling
License Plate Game
The license plate game is a classic road trip game that is fun for the whole family. Keep track of the different license plates you see on the road and see who can spot the most from different states.
I Spy
I Spy is a simple but engaging game that can be played anywhere. One person says “I spy with my little eye something…” and names a color or object. The other players have to guess what they are looking at based on the clues given.
Name That Tune
This game is perfect for long car rides. One person hums or sings a tune and the other players have to guess what song it is. You can make it more challenging by limiting the genre or time period of the songs.
Spotting Shapes in Clouds
Looking for shapes in clouds is a timeless game that can be played anywhere with a view of the sky. The key is to use your imagination and creativity to see different shapes and objects in the clouds. Here are some tips for playing this game:
- Look for distinct shapes: Start by looking for shapes that are easy to identify, such as circles, triangles, and squares. As you get better at the game, you can challenge yourself by looking for more complex shapes.
- Use your imagination: The great thing about this game is that there are no right or wrong answers. Encourage your children to use their imagination and see different objects in the clouds. A fluffy white cloud could be a sheep, a dragon, or even a spaceship!
- Look for patterns: Sometimes, clouds will form patterns that are easy to identify, such as a line of clouds that looks like a train or a group of clouds that resembles a flock of birds.
- Take turns: Make the game more fun by taking turns pointing out different shapes in the clouds. You can also turn it into a competition by seeing who can find the most shapes in a set amount of time.
- Take photos: If you spot a particularly interesting shape in the clouds, take a photo of it so you can remember it later. You can also make a game out of trying to recreate the shapes you see using art supplies when you get home.
Conclusion
Playing games outside, in the sky, and while traveling is a great way to engage children and encourage them to appreciate nature and their surroundings. Scavenger hunts, nature bingo, and red light, green light are just a few examples of fun outdoor games to play. Looking for shapes in clouds is a classic game that has been enjoyed by generations, and it’s a great way to encourage children to use their imagination and creativity. Whether you’re on a road trip, hiking in the mountains, or simply lounging in your backyard, there are plenty of fun and engaging games to play with your children. If you want to learn more fun games to play with your kid, check out The Learning Experience’s YouTube channel Bubbles and Friends today!
