Outdoor Team Building Games For Kids [Activities To Bond]
Here’s a list of 45 exciting outdoor team-building games for kids that will help them bond and grow together.
Each game is designed to be fun and engaging, promoting teamwork and cooperation in a natural, playful way.
Whether it’s through physical activities, creative challenges, or calm and focused exercises, these games will bring kids closer and help them develop important skills while enjoying the outdoors.
Physical Activities
Physical activities are games that involve movement, energy, and action.
These activities help you stay active, build strength, and improve coordination.
These games are not only fun but also promote healthy exercise, boost confidence, and encourage friendly competition.
Participating in physical activities helps you stay fit and teaches the value of working together as a team.
Tug of War: Classic game of strength and teamwork.
Tug of War is a game where two teams use their strength to pull a rope. Each team stands on opposite sides of the rope.
The goal is to pull the other team across a line in the middle. The team that pulls the hardest wins.
This game teaches teamwork because everyone has to pull together simultaneously. It’s also a great way to show your strength as a group.
Sack Races: Hop to the finish line in burlap sacks.
In Sack Races, each player hops to the finish line while standing inside a large sack.
The sacks usually reach up to your waist. You have to hold the sack up and jump forward as fast as you can.
It’s not as easy as it looks because you might lose your balance and fall. The first person to cross the finish line wins.
This game is great for building balance and coordination. Plus, it’s really funny to watch everyone hopping around like kangaroos!
Three-Legged Race: Partners tie their adjacent legs together and race.
The Three-Legged Race is a game where two people work together to race to the finish line.
But there’s a twist: you and your partner have to tie one of your legs to one of theirs.
This means you both have to move together, step by step. If one person goes too fast or too slow, you could trip and fall.
The key to winning is to communicate and stay in sync with your partner. It’s a fun way to learn how to cooperate and match each other’s pace.
Relay Races: Teams pass a baton in a race to the finish.
Relay Races involve teams racing against each other, but with a baton that they pass from one teammate to another.
Each person on the team runs a part of the race and then hands the baton to the next runner. The last runner on the team races to the finish line. The team that finishes first wins.
This game teaches speed, but also the importance of passing the baton carefully.
If you drop it, you lose time. Relay Races are a great way to learn how to depend on your teammates and do your best.
Capture the Flag: Teams try to capture the opposing team’s flag.
Capture the Flag is a game where two teams try to capture each other’s flag and bring it back to their side without getting tagged.
Each team hides their flag in their area, and players have to sneak into the other team’s territory to find it.
If you get tagged while holding the flag, you might have to drop it or go to “jail.” To win, you need to be quick, smart, and work well with your team.
Capture the Flag is exciting and helps build strategy and teamwork skills.
Obstacle Course: Navigate through a series of physical challenges.
An Obstacle Course is a game where you have to go through a series of physical challenges to reach the end.
These challenges can include crawling under ropes, jumping over hurdles, climbing walls, and more.
Each part of the course tests different skills, like strength, balance, and speed.
The goal is to complete the course as fast as possible without making mistakes.
Water Balloon Toss: Pairs toss water balloons without breaking them.
In Water Balloon Toss, pairs of players stand opposite each other and toss a water balloon back and forth.
The challenge is to catch the balloon without it breaking. After each successful toss, the players take a step back, making the toss longer and harder.
The further apart you get, the more careful you need to be. The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.
This game is perfect for a hot day and helps improve your hand-eye coordination.
Wheelbarrow Race: One child walks on hands while a partner holds their legs.
The Wheelbarrow Race is a fun game where one person walks on their hands while a partner holds their legs, just like a wheelbarrow.
The “wheelbarrow” has to move forward using only their hands, while the partner guides and supports them from behind.
The race is won by the pair that reaches the finish line first without falling over.
This game requires strength, balance, and trust. The person walking on their hands needs upper body strength, while the partner holding their legs needs to be careful and steady.
Hula Hoop Pass: Teams pass a hula hoop down the line without breaking the chain.
Hula Hoop Pass is a game where a team stands in a line and holds hands.
A hula hoop is placed over the arm of the first person in line. The goal is to pass the hula hoop down the line without breaking the chain of hands.
Each player has to move their body in a way that allows the hula hoop to slide from one person to the next.
The game requires flexibility, coordination, and teamwork. It’s a fun challenge to see how fast your team can pass the hula hoop without letting go of each other’s hands.
Human Knot: Teams untangle themselves from a human knot without breaking the chain.
In Human Knot, a group of players stands in a circle and randomly grabs the hands of other players, creating a tangled “knot” of arms.
The challenge is to untangle the knot without letting go of anyone’s hands.
The group has to carefully move and twist around each other to figure out how to get back into a circle.
This game is all about communication and problem-solving.
Everyone needs to work together and talk through each move. It’s a great way to build teamwork and learn how to solve complex problems as a group.
Dodgeball: Classic game to develop agility and teamwork.
Dodgeball is a fast-paced game where players try to hit members of the opposing team with a softball while avoiding being hit themselves.
Two teams stand on opposite sides of a court, and when the game starts, they throw balls at each other. If you’re hit by a ball, you’re out, but if you catch a ball thrown at you, the person who threw it is out instead.
The game ends when all the players on one team are out.
Dodgeball is great for developing agility because you need to move quickly to dodge the balls. It also teaches teamwork as players work together to strategize and protect their teammates.
Simon Says: Follow the leader’s commands; great for listening skills.
Simon Says is a game where one person, called “Simon,” gives commands that the other players must follow.
However, the players should only follow the command if Simon starts the instruction with “Simon says.”
For example, if Simon says, “Simon says touch your toes,” everyone should touch their toes.
But if Simon just says, “Touch your toes” without saying “Simon says,” and someone does it, they’re out of the game. The game continues until only one person is left.
Simon Says is excellent for improving listening skills and attention to detail because you have to carefully listen and only act when you hear “Simon says.”
Kickball: Like baseball but with a larger ball that’s kicked.
Kickball is a fun game that’s similar to baseball, but instead of hitting a ball with a bat, you kick a larger rubber ball.
The game is played on a field with four bases. The pitcher rolls the ball to the kicker, who kicks it as far as they can and then runs to the bases.
The fielding team tries to catch the ball and tag the runner before they reach the base. If the kicker makes it around all the bases without getting tagged, they score a point for their team.
Kickball is great for practicing running, kicking, and teamwork, making it a favorite among kids.
Frisbee Golf: Toss a frisbee into designated targets.
Frisbee Golf, also known as disc golf, is a game where players try to throw a frisbee into a series of targets, usually baskets or marked areas, in the fewest number of throws.
The game is played on a course with different targets spread out in a park or open area.
Each player takes turns throwing their frisbee toward the target, and the one who completes the course with the fewest throws wins.
Frisbee Golf helps improve aim, focus, and coordination. It’s a relaxing game that can be played at your own pace, making it a fun way to spend time outdoors.
Parachute Games: Lift and lower a parachute with balls or kids underneath.
Parachute Games are played with a large, colorful parachute that a group of kids holds around the edges. Together, they lift and lower the parachute to create waves and ripples.
There are many games you can play with a parachute. For example, you can place balls on top of the parachute and try to keep them bouncing without letting them fall off.
Another game involves kids running under the parachute when it’s lifted high and switching places with others before it comes down.
Parachute Games are fun and help build teamwork, coordination, and cooperation as everyone works together to control the parachute.
Treasure Hunt: Teams search for hidden items using clues.
A Treasure Hunt is an exciting game where teams search for hidden items using clues.
The game begins with a list of clues that lead to different locations, each one bringing the players closer to the treasure.
Teams work together to solve the clues, which might involve puzzles, riddles, or simple directions. The first team to find the treasure wins.
A Treasure Hunt is great for encouraging problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
It also adds an element of adventure as players explore different areas while searching for hidden items. It’s a fun way to combine physical activity with mental challenges.
Strategic and Problem-Solving Games
Strategic and problem-solving games challenge your mind and require careful planning, teamwork, and creativity.
They help improve critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills.
These activities are perfect for developing strategies, learning how to work with others, and finding creative solutions to complex problems, all while having fun.
Scavenger Hunt: Find items on a list as a team.
A Scavenger Hunt is a game where teams race to find a list of specific items.
Each team is given the same list, and they have to search an area, like a park or playground, to find everything on it.
The items might be things like a pinecone, a feather, or a shiny rock. Some hunts include taking pictures of certain objects or places instead of collecting them. The first team to find all the items and return wins.
Scavenger Hunts are great for developing problem-solving skills and teamwork as everyone has to work together to figure out where to find each item.
Blindfold Trust Walk: Guide blindfolded teammates through a course.
In the Blindfold Trust Walk, one person is blindfolded while their teammate guides them through a course using only verbal instructions.
The course might have obstacles like cones, ropes, or small hurdles that the blindfolded person needs to avoid.
The guide has to give clear and careful directions, and the blindfolded person has to trust their teammate completely. The game is not about speed but about accuracy and communication.
It’s an excellent way to build trust and improve communication between teammates, as well as teach the importance of listening and following directions.
Egg Drop Challenge: Design a container to protect an egg from breaking when dropped.
The Egg Drop Challenge is a game where teams design and build a container that will protect an egg from breaking when it is dropped from a height.
Each team gets materials like straws, paper, tape, and bubble wrap to create their container.
Once everyone is done building, the eggs are placed inside the containers and dropped from a high spot, like a ladder or a balcony. The goal is to keep the egg from cracking or breaking when it lands.
This challenge encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork as players brainstorm and build together to come up with the best design.
Balloon Tower: Build the tallest tower using only balloons and tape.
In the Balloon Tower game, teams compete to build the tallest tower they can using only balloons and tape.
Each team gets a set amount of time to blow up balloons and start building. The challenge is to make the tower stable enough to stand on its own without falling over.
Teams have to think about how to arrange the balloons and use the tape effectively to keep everything in place. The tallest tower that doesn’t collapse wins.
This game is fun and helps develop creativity, teamwork, and engineering skills as kids figure out how to build a structure that can stand tall and steady.
Marble Run: Create a track to roll a marble from start to finish.
Marble Run is a game where teams create a track to roll a marble from the starting point to the finish line without it falling off.
Teams are given materials like cardboard tubes, paper, tape, and other craft supplies to build their track.
The goal is to design a track that guides the marble smoothly from start to finish, possibly including twists, turns, and jumps. The team with the most creative or longest-lasting run wins.
This game is great for developing engineering skills, creativity, and teamwork as players have to plan, build, and test their designs together to make sure the marble reaches the end successfully.
Minefield: Guide teammates through a ‘minefield’ using verbal instructions.
In Minefield, one or more players are blindfolded, and they must navigate through an area filled with obstacles, or “mines,” placed on the ground.
The blindfolded players cannot see the obstacles and must rely on verbal instructions from their teammates to move around without stepping on any “mines.”
The goal is to reach the other side of the minefield safely.
This game is excellent for building trust, communication, and teamwork, as players need to carefully listen to their teammates’ directions and trust that they will guide them safely through the course.
Cross the River: Use stepping stones to cross a ‘river’ without falling in.
Cross the River is a game where teams must use stepping stones (which could be pieces of cardboard or mats) to cross an imaginary river.
The challenge is that there are fewer stones than players, so the team must figure out how to use them effectively without anyone “falling” into the river. If a player steps off the stone and onto the ground, they are out or have to start over.
This game encourages teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving as the team works together to figure out the best way to get everyone across safely.
Puzzle Race: Teams race to complete a puzzle.
In a Puzzle Race, teams compete to complete a puzzle as quickly as possible.
Each team is given the same puzzle, and they must work together to put the pieces together correctly. The first team to finish the puzzle wins.
This game is great for improving problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork. Players need to work together, share ideas, and figure out how the pieces fit together.
Puzzle Races can be done with jigsaw puzzles or even custom-made puzzles that are a bit more challenging, depending on the age and skill level of the participants.
Giant Jenga: Stack blocks without toppling the tower.
Giant Jenga is a larger version of the classic block-stacking game, where players take turns removing one block at a time from a tower and placing it on top without making the tower fall.
As more blocks are removed, the tower becomes less stable, making it more difficult to take out blocks without toppling them.
The game ends when the tower collapses, and the player who made it fall loses.
This game is excellent for developing hand-eye coordination, patience, and strategic thinking. It also requires players to stay calm under pressure and think carefully about each move.
Spider Web: Navigate through a web of ropes without touching them.
In Spider Web, a series of ropes or strings are stretched between two points to create a “web” with various openings of different sizes.
The team’s goal is to get every player through the web without touching the ropes.
Each opening can only be used once, so the team needs to plan carefully who goes through which opening. If a player touches the rope, the whole team might have to start over.
This game is fantastic for building teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, as players must work together to lift and guide each other through the web without touching it.
Traffic Jam: Teams solve a human-sized traffic jam puzzle.
Traffic Jam is a game where players stand on marked spots or small platforms arranged in a line.
The challenge is to move the players around each other to swap places, following specific rules, like only being able to step into an empty spot directly in front or behind them.
The team must figure out how to move each player to their correct position without breaking the rules or getting stuck.
This game is a great way to practice problem-solving, strategic thinking, and teamwork, as everyone needs to work together to find the best way to complete the puzzle.
Pipe Ball Roll: Transport a ball using pipes without dropping it.
Pipe Ball Roll is a game where teams are given several short pipes, and their task is to use these pipes to transport a small ball from the starting point to a finish line without letting it drop.
Each team member must work together, moving the pipes to keep the ball rolling continuously.
If the ball falls, the team has to start over. The challenge is to coordinate movements and handoffs smoothly.
This game encourages teamwork, coordination, and communication, as everyone has to work in sync to successfully move the ball along the course without dropping it.
Creative and Fun Activities
Creative and fun activities encourage imagination and playfulness.
These activities are great for bringing out your artistic side, making up stories, or acting out fun scenarios.
They help develop communication and collaboration skills while providing a space for everyone to enjoy playful creativity together.
It’s all about having fun and letting your imagination run wild.
Nature Art: Create artwork using natural materials.
Nature Art is a creative activity where kids use natural materials like leaves, sticks, rocks, flowers, and pinecones to create beautiful artwork.
You can make patterns on the ground, create sculptures, or even glue the materials onto paper to make a picture.
This activity encourages kids to explore their surroundings and use their imagination to turn ordinary natural items into something unique.
Nature Art is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors while also developing creativity and artistic skills. Plus, it’s fun to see what kinds of art you can create using only what you find in nature!
Story Relay: Each child adds a line to a story as it goes around the circle.
Story Relay is a fun and imaginative game where a group of kids sits in a circle and creates a story together, one sentence at a time.
The first child starts the story with a simple sentence, like “Once upon a time, there was a dragon.”
The next child adds another sentence to continue the story, and it goes around the circle with each person adding their twist.
The story can take all sorts of unexpected and funny turns as each person adds their part.
Story Relay helps develop creativity, listening skills, and collaboration, as everyone contributes to making a shared story.
Balloon Pop: Teams pop balloons by sitting on them to reveal messages or tasks.
In Balloon Pop, teams compete to pop balloons by sitting on them.
Inside each balloon, there might be a message or task that the team has to complete.
For example, a message might say, “Do 10 jumping jacks” or “Sing a song.” The team that pops all their balloons and completes all the tasks first wins.
This game is full of excitement and laughter, as everyone races to pop their balloons and discover what’s inside.
It’s also a great way to encourage teamwork and quick thinking, as the tasks can be anything from physical challenges to silly activities.
Shadow Tag: Tag teammates by stepping on their shadow.
Shadow Tag is a twist on the classic game of tag, but instead of tagging each other’s bodies, players try to tag each other’s shadows.
The game is best played on a sunny day when everyone’s shadow is visible on the ground.
The “it” person tries to step on someone else’s shadow, and if they do, that person becomes “it.”
Shadow Tag is fun because it adds an extra challenge—you have to be aware of where your shadow is, not just where the other players are.
It’s a great way to practice agility and awareness while having fun outdoors.
Freeze Dance: Dance until the music stops, then freeze in place.
Freeze Dance is a fun and lively game where everyone dances to music, but as soon as the music stops, they have to freeze in place.
If anyone moves after the music stops, they’re out of the game. The goal is to keep dancing and having fun, but also to be ready to stop as soon as the music cuts off.
The game continues until there’s only one person left who hasn’t been caught moving.
Freeze Dance is a great way to enjoy music, get moving, and practice quick reflexes. Plus, it’s always funny to see the silly poses people freeze in!
Leaf Collection: Collect different types of leaves as a team.
Leaf Collection is an outdoor activity where teams work together to find and collect different types of leaves.
You can turn it into a challenge by giving each team a list of specific leaves to find, like “a red maple leaf” or “a leaf with three points.”
The team that finds all the leaves on the list first wins. Leaf Collection is not only fun but also educational, as kids get to learn about different kinds of trees and plants.
It’s a great way to explore nature, improve observation skills, and work together as a team. Plus, the collected leaves can be used for nature art projects later!
Nature Bingo: Find items in nature that match a bingo card.
Nature Bingo is a fun outdoor game where each player or team gets a bingo card with pictures or names of different natural items, like “acorns,” “butterflies,” or “yellow flowers.”
As you explore the area, you try to find items that match the ones on your card. When you find something, you mark it off.
The goal is to be the first to complete a row, column, or diagonal on your bingo card. This game is a great way to explore nature and learn about the environment.
It encourages observation and helps kids become more aware of the natural world around them.
Follow the Leader: One child leads while others mimic their actions.
Follow the Leader is a simple but fun game where one child is chosen to be the leader, and the others have to mimic whatever the leader does.
The leader can walk, jump, dance, wave their arms, or do any silly action they want, and the others must follow exactly.
The game can be as easy or as challenging as the leader makes it.
Following the Leader helps improve coordination and listening skills while encouraging creativity.
It’s also a great way to build group cohesion as everyone moves and acts together, following the leader’s every move.
Parachute Popcorn: Bounce balls on a parachute without letting them fall off.
Parachute Popcorn is an exciting game where a group of kids holds the edges of a large parachute, lifting and lowering it together.
Small balls or lightweight objects, like foam balls or bean bags, are placed on the parachute, and the goal is to bounce them up and down without letting them fall off.
The group works together to create waves that keep the balls in motion, just like popping popcorn.
This game is great for building teamwork and coordination, as everyone has to work together to keep the balls bouncing.
It’s also a lot of fun and can lead to lots of giggles and excitement!
Charades: Act out words or phrases for teammates to guess.
Charades is a lively game where players take turns acting out words or phrases without speaking, while their teammates try to guess what they’re acting out.
The player might act out things like “riding a bike,” “baking a cake,” or “a dog barking.”
The challenge is to use only gestures and body language to communicate. The team that guesses the most words or phrases correctly within a set time wins.
Charades are a great way to encourage creativity and imagination, as well as improve communication skills. It’s always fun to see how your friends interpret and act out different clues!
Human Shapes: Create shapes or letters using team members’ bodies.
Human Shapes is a creative game where a group of kids works together to use their bodies to form different shapes, letters, or objects.
For example, the group might be asked to form the letter “A” or create the shape of a tree.
Everyone has to cooperate and figure out how to position themselves to make the shape as accurately as possible.
This game is excellent for encouraging teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s fun to see how the group decides to form each shape and how they use their bodies to represent different things.
Animal Relay: Move like different animals in a relay race.
Animal Relay is a fun and energetic game where kids race in a relay, but instead of just running, they have to move like different animals.
One part of the race might require you to hop like a frog, another to waddle like a duck, and another to crawl like a crab.
The race continues with each team member taking turns moving like a different animal. The team that completes the course first wins.
Animal Relay is a great way to get moving and have fun while also improving balance, coordination, and imitation skills. It’s always hilarious to watch everyone trying to move like their favorite animals!
Calm and Focused Activities
Calm and focused activities are designed to help you relax, concentrate, and find inner peace.
These activities, like yoga, meditation, and quiet ball, promote mindfulness, patience, and mental clarity.
They provide a peaceful break from more energetic games, helping you to slow down and focus on your breathing, thoughts, and movements.
These activities are perfect for unwinding, staying centered, and connecting with yourself and others in a calm and peaceful environment.
Yoga for Kids: Follow simple yoga poses as a group.
Yoga for Kids is a relaxing and fun activity where everyone follows simple yoga poses together.
These poses, like “Tree Pose” or “Downward Dog,” are easy to learn and help stretch your muscles.
The group might start by standing tall, then slowly move into different positions, focusing on breathing and balance.
Yoga helps you become more flexible and strong, and it also helps you feel calm and focused.
It’s a great way to exercise while also learning how to relax and clear your mind. Doing yoga as a group is fun because you can help each other and enjoy the peaceful feeling together.
Meditation Circle: Practice mindfulness together.
A Meditation Circle is a peaceful activity where everyone sits in a circle and practices mindfulness together.
The group might start by closing their eyes, focusing on their breath, and letting go of any stressful thoughts.
Sometimes, a guide will lead the group through a short meditation, asking them to imagine a calm place, like a beach or a forest.
This practice helps you learn to stay calm and focused, even when things are busy around you.
Meditation Circle is a wonderful way to connect with yourself and others, and it’s a simple way to find peace in your day.
Quiet Ball: Pass a ball silently; drop it and you’re out.
Quiet Ball is a game where players stand in a circle and gently pass a ball to each other, but there’s a catch – it has to be done in complete silence.
If someone drops the ball or makes a noise, they’re out of the game.
The game continues until only one person is left standing. Quiet Ball is great for practicing focus and control, as you need to stay calm and concentrate to pass the ball carefully.
It’s also a fun challenge to see how long the group can keep the ball moving without making any mistakes. This game helps develop patience and the ability to stay quiet and attentive.
Nature Walk: Explore nature together and discuss what you find.
A Nature Walk is an enjoyable activity where you explore the outdoors, like a park, forest, or trail, and observe the natural world around you.
As you walk, you might look for interesting plants, listen to bird songs, or notice how the leaves move in the wind.
It’s a great opportunity to learn about different trees, flowers, and animals in their natural habitat.
During the walk, the group can stop to discuss what they find, share thoughts, and maybe even take pictures or collect small items like leaves or rocks.
Bird Watching: Identify and count different birds as a team.
Bird Watching is a fun and educational activity where you and your team look for different types of birds in your area.
Armed with a pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook, you try to spot as many different species as possible. You might also listen to their calls and try to identify them by the sounds they make.
The goal could be to identify and count as many birds as you can within a certain time. Bird Watching teaches you patience and observation skills while also helping you learn more about the birds that live in your area.
Conclusion
Team building games for kids are more than just fun – they’re a way to help children learn important skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
By participating in these outdoor activities, kids can build stronger friendships, gain confidence, and learn how to work well with others.
These games offer a perfect blend of physical activity, creativity, and thoughtful challenges, making them enjoyable and educational at the same time.
Whether at school, camp, or a family gathering, these team-building games will help kids bond, grow, and create lasting memories together while having a great time outdoors.
Engage With Us
We hope you found these team-building games both fun and useful for encouraging teamwork and friendship among the little ones.
Do you have a favorite game from the list, or perhaps a new one to share?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
