Fun outdoor babysitting games

OK I'm not going to tell you to play hide and seek here... I'm going to tell you about a few babysitting games that I've found work for all ages and, I've found, interest most kids. Today I'm going to focus on outdoor babysitting games that have worked and, best of all, they don't require a bunch of toys.

The running game

This game is perfect if you know the parents want the kids to go down for a nap or get out energy. You have to say this with enthusiasm: "I have a good idea! Let's play the running game!" The more excited you sound about it, the more positively they will respond. Now to tire them out (just remember this isn't boot camp) you tell them to run as long as they can, preferably around the backyard or front yard, until they can't anymore. The person who runs for the longest time wins. Now, I know what you're thinking ... someone will get upset because they loose. If you can, say that it looked like it was a tie and they'll just have try again in a few minutes, or just say, "Yay you all did an amazing job, everyone gets a high five!" The boys that I played this game with loved it and never fought over who won. And the bonus is that at nap time they slept soundly.

You're getting warmer

This game is great for kids who like an adventure. Find a rock, ball, branch or any object you can find. Hide the object in the backyard somewhere accessible and safe. For younger ones you might want to hide the object in a place that's more visible. Then as they search around the yard let them know if they are getting closer or farther away by telling them they are getting colder, warmer or hotter. Then whoever finds it gets to be the next one to hide the object. In my experience kids love this game, unless you make the hiding place too hard for them. Then they might loose interest. So keep it simple and fun!

Red light, green light

Nearly everyone knows about this game, but it's a great go-to game when you're trying to get the kids involved into outdoor activities. Let them be the one giving directions, because they enjoy being the one "in charge." And then keep the little ones who might now fully understand the rules involved by holding their hand and letting them win. A smart babysitter always lets the kids win when it comes to games! If you don't know how to play this game, one person says to a group standing a few feet away "red light," "yellow light" or "green light." Green light of course is run, yellow is walk and red is stop. Whoever makes it to the instructor first wins.

Those are just a few simple, fun babysitting games that I have found entertaining for the kids. What are your go-to outdoor babysitting games?

Photo courtesy "wizardhat" via Flickr.