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Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by Jeremy
In today’s digital age, where screens dominate our lives, its essential to encourage outdoor activities that reconnect us with nature.
Outdoor nature games provide a perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural world while having a blast with friends and family. Whether its spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there’s a game for every season that will keep you entertained and engaged.
In this article, we’ll explore ten exciting outdoor nature games, along with a brief description of how to play them, and the best season to participate them in.
On your mark, get set…
1) Scavenger Hunt:
One of the craziest and easiest outdoor activities to do in nature is a scavenger hunt. To describe this game, first, you need to create a list of items found in nature, such as leaves, flowers, rocks, or insects. Next, you’ll need to divide into teams and set a time limit to find as many items as possible. The team with the most items wins!
The best season to play this game is: Spring.
2) Bird Watching:
As odd as this is sounding like a game, it sure can be made to be one.
Here’s a description of the game: Grab a pair of binoculars, a bird identification guide, and head outdoors. Look for different bird species, identify them, and keep a tally of your sightings. The person with the most bird species wins!
The best season to play this game in is summer! Now if you need to limit this game to a specific area, make sure to read the article titled Backyard Bird Watching to learn more!
3) Nature Photography Contest:
Keeping this game simple, here is the description: Host a friendly competition among friends or family members. Explore your surroundings and capture stunning images of landscapes, animals, or plants. Use macro photography for bonus points. Judge the best photograph based on creativity and composition.
Season: Autumn
Hint: Go one step further and share your photos for cash using Smug Mug. See Banner Below:
4) Capture the Flag:
We all know how this game works, but if not, here’s the refresher course:
Divide into two teams and mark territories using flags, usually different colors.
Each team attempts to capture the opponent’s flag and bring it back to there own territory without being tagged.
The team with the most captures wins!
Side story: I remember playing this game lots in elementary school and modifying these rules a little. Sometimes the teams were stacked, but it was more or less a game of hide-and-seek in the end.
Now-a-days it seems no-one plays this game anymore, so its time to re-introduce it to children and adult play time, in my opinion.
Then again, add some paintball guns and a maze, and its pretty much the same concept all of a sudden isn’t it?
Anyways, the best season for playing: Summer, but why not add in Spring and Fall as well while the weather is good. 😉
5) Nature Bingo:
Here’s a twist of the cigarette smoking, in-hall version of regular bingo…
Description: Create bingo cards with different items found in nature, such as pine cones, butterflies, or spider webs. Explore the outdoors and mark off the items as you find them. The first person to complete a row or the entire card wins!
Season: Spring
6) Outdoor Obstacle Course:
Switching things up a bit here and to describe this game, set up a challenging obstacle course in a park or your backyard using natural materials like logs, rocks, or fallen branches. Race against friends or the clock, navigating through the obstacles to reach the finish line.
Season: Spring/Summer
7) Leaf Pile Jumping:
You could add this into the game above, or turn it into one of its own outdoor nature games!
Description: Rake up a big pile of fallen leaves and take turns jumping into it. Create a competition to see who can make the biggest or most creative jump!
Bonus Points: Gather leaves from neighbors lawns and earn a few extra dollars on the side!
Caution: Injuries may occur for extreme leaf pile jumping as there is no cushion to the leaves when raked in piles!
Season: Autumn
8) Nature I Spy:
The simplest of the outdoor nature games is Nature I spy!
Description: Choose a location and take turns being the “spy.” Select an object from the surroundings and give clues until someone correctly identifies it. Then, its there turn to spy!
Season: Spring
9) Nature Relay Race:
Staying active is key to a healthy lifestyle, we can all agree. Why not make a game out of it by having a nature relay race?
Description: Divide into teams and set up a relay race that includes nature-themed challenges like balancing a book on your head while walking a nature trail or identifying specific trees along the way.
Need a hiking backpack for this game? Check out this article on our RV website: What is the Best Backpacks for Hiking? – 3 Reasonable Choices Reviewed!
Season: Summer
10) Geocaching:
Finally at number 10 in the Outdoor Nature Games list is something that I recently discovered, but apparently has been around for a while, and is fun to do while on a hike – Geocaching!
Description: Use GPS coordinates or a geocaching app to search for hidden caches in natural areas. Once found, sign the logbook and trade small trinkets with the cache’s contents. Record your adventures and discoveries along the way!
Season: Any season
Note: There are a few apps out there that are useful to geocaching, and this article will guide you to finding which apps are best: The Best Apps for Camping – 18 App Choices to think about
Conclusion:
Outdoor nature games offer endless opportunities to connect with nature, have fun, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re exploring a lush forest, a scenic park, or your own backyard, these games can be enjoyed in various seasons, adding to the joy and diversity of outdoor experiences.
So, gather your friends and family, step away from the screens, and venture into the great outdoors for a world of adventure and excitement!
Do you have an outdoor nature game that you enjoy? Feel free to comment what it is below and I’ll acknowledge your post.
Earth is Heart!
I appreciated your focus on the educational aspect of these games. They highlight how outdoor nature games provide opportunities for learning about the environment, ecosystems, and the flora and fauna around us. The article also emphasizes the benefits of these games in fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for nature’s wonders.
Moreover, the article provides clear instructions, variations, and suggestions for adapting the games to different age groups and settings. your thoughtful insights and practical tips ensure that readers can easily implement these activities and tailor them to suit their specific needs and preferences.
I highly recommend this article to anyone seeking ways to engage with nature, create lasting memories, and promote environmental education. your collection of outdoor nature games, coupled with their educational value and emphasis on connecting with the natural world, make it an invaluable resource. By embracing these games, individuals of all ages can rediscover the joys of outdoor play, foster a love for nature, and embark on exciting adventures that nurture both the mind and the spirit.
Thank you, Pasindu Dimanka, for your thoughtful comment!
I’m glad you appreciated the educational aspect of the outdoor nature games mentioned in the article. It’s true that these games offer valuable opportunities for learning about the environment, ecosystems, and the diverse flora and fauna that surround us. The focus on fostering wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for nature’s wonders is essential in nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world.
I’m also pleased that you found the instructions, variations, and suggestions for adapting the games helpful. The goal is to provide practical tips that allow readers to easily implement these activities and customize them according to their specific needs and preferences.
I wholeheartedly recommend this article to anyone seeking ways to engage with nature, create lasting memories, and promote environmental education. The collection of outdoor nature games, with their educational value and emphasis on connecting with the natural world, is indeed an invaluable resource. By embracing these games, individuals of all ages can rediscover the joys of outdoor play, develop a love for nature, and embark on exciting adventures that nourish both the mind and the spirit.
Thank you for your insightful feedback!