Jump rope
A single jump rope is cheap, portable and good exercise. Many children start by swinging the rope over and stepping across it, then build up to a steady jump. To size a rope, stand on the middle with both feet. The handles should reach roughly to the armpits. Once a child can skip, they can try jumping on one foot, crossing arms, or counting skips in a row.
Long-rope games need three or more players: two turners and a jumper. Traditional rhymes set the rhythm and tell the jumper when to run in and out.
Hopscotch
Draw a grid of numbered squares with chalk. Players toss a small stone or beanbag into a square, then hop through the grid on one foot, skipping that square, landing on both feet where two squares sit side by side. On the way back, they pick up the marker. Rules vary from place to place, and children often invent their own.
Marbles
Marbles is one of the oldest games still played. A common version draws a circle on the ground, puts target marbles in the middle, and lets players take turns flicking a larger shooter marble to knock them out of the ring. Keep marbles away from young children, since they are a choking hazard.
Kites
Kite flying needs a wide open space, a steady breeze and patience. Choose a field or a beach well away from power lines, trees, roads and airports. Never fly a kite in a thunderstorm. A simple diamond or delta kite is easiest for beginners. One person holds the kite while the flier walks backward with the line, then lets go when the wind catches it.
Hoops and balls
A hoop can be spun around the waist, rolled along the ground, laid down for jumping in and out of, or used as a target. Balls of every size support dozens of games, from simple catch to wall ball, where players take turns bouncing a ball off a wall.
Games that need no toys at all
- Tag. One player is "it" and chases the others. Variations include freeze tag and shadow tag.
- Hide and seek. Set clear boundaries before you start.
- Red light, green light. Players move toward the caller on "green light" and freeze on "red light."
- Follow the leader. Take turns leading the group through hops, crawls and silly walks.
Playing safely outside
Choose play spaces away from traffic, and set clear limits for young children. Use helmets for anything with wheels. Bring water on hot days and watch for signs that children need a break. Check outdoor toys from time to time for cracks and frayed ropes, and replace them when worn.
For more ideas indoors, see play ideas with classic toys.
Treat this page as a starting point. Toy rules and recall lists are kept up to date by official agencies: in the US that is the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and most other countries have a product safety regulator of their own. A pediatrician is the right person to ask about a particular child.