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Playing in open spaces
Wide open spaces like parks, playgrounds or woodlands can give children the chance for some great energetic free range play. They get to run around, be independent and manage their own games whilst you can supervise to varying degrees depending on the age and confidence of the children.
With a very young child you may need to initiate play and keep them quite close by. But, as children get older they can go and play football or a game of chase across the park and you can keep an eye on them from afar.

In the park
Local parks and playgrounds are free and often a lot closer than you think so you can walk or cycle there. Don't forget a picnic if you're going to make a day of it - kids love to graze if they're busy having fun.
Here are a few ideas for park play:
- Ball games such as football or volleyball
- take a frisbee or kite
- feed the ducks
- go with other parents and children - there's much more choice for games
- run a mini-sports day or have a treasure hunt .
Traditional games
There are some wonderful traditional games that today's children still love playing. Download our activity sheets to refresh your memory of the rules:
- Stuck in the Mud (pdf)
- What's the time Mr Wolf? (pdf)
- Duck, Duck, Goose (pdf)
- British Bulldog (pdf)
In the woods
If you have local woods that you can walk or cycle to, there are more options to try:
- Make a den and even better have a picnic inside it
- go on a nature trail - it doesn't have to be very organised, you could just collect feathers and stones, count the birds you can hear and spot animal tracks
- look for hidden treasure. With young children it's possible for one adult to go ahead and hide treats, like chocolate coins, for the group to find. Toddlers love the idea that the fairies have hidden them. Remember where you've hidden them though and pick up any litter.
In the rain
Even in the rain, most kids love playing outdoors, jumping in puddles and kicking leaves. Just make sure everyone is kept warm and dry. Waterproof trousers and wellies can really enhance puddle jumping!



