After a busy day of learning, kids need an outlet to let off steam and have some fun. But physical activity isn’t just good for kids’ bodies; it’s also great for their minds. That's why after-school activities should be both physically and mentally stimulating. So, what are some games that can keep kids active, engaged, and having a blast? Let’s take a look.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor play is essential for children’s development. Not only does it keep them physically active, but it also encourages creativity, problem solving skills, and teamwork. Here are some outdoor activities that make excellent after-school games:
Capture the Flag
This classic game requires two teams of equal size. Each team must defend their designated flag while trying to capture their opponents' flag without getting tagged by players from the other team!
Don't worry if you do get tagged, because your teammates can free you from "jail" by getting to you without being tagged and escorting you back to your half of the playing field. Win the game by tagging out all the enemy players, or by grabbing their flag and bringing it back to your half of the playing field without getting tagged yourself.
Hide & Seek
This game is perfect for younger children as it helps develop counting skills and boosts confidence in finding places to hide! All you need is one person who will find the rest of the players who are hiding around the neighborhood or backyard.
When your kids are a little older, or when it's winter and it gets dark outside earlier in the day, they can try playing Dark Tag. It's a combination of hide and seek and tag. The game starts with all the hiders go out and hide somewhere around the house, or field, or whatever the designated play area is. The seeker counts to whatever number you decide and then sets off to find all the hiders. The trick is, all the hiders are trying to make their way back to the home base from the seeker started, without getting tagged by seeker. A super fun game, and more dynamic than regular tag or hide and seek. However, this game is best played with your older kids.
Kickball
A combination of baseball and soccer, kickball is a great way to get your kids running around! All you need is a ball, a few bases (or hula hoops!), and some outfielders—and you're ready to go!
The bigger the ball means the smaller field, so if you don't have a big space to play, try getting a large ball - like a Yoga ball! This is a great option when you have a whole neighborhood of kids to play together after school. Less fun when it's just you and your sibling!
Cornhole
Cornhole is a great game for kids to play after school because the games can be quick, there is little equipment used, and the scoring is relatively simple and easy. It's also a great way to practice your eye-hand coordination and your simple counting and math skills as you keep score!
The great thing about the game is that you can often get professional cornhole boards in all different sizes, and bags of different weights, so your 6 year old isn't trying to throw a 16oz bag 27 feet to a 4 foot board - that would feel impossible and get really frustrating. They make kids sized games that have much smaller boards (which means they're easier for your kids to move and set up themselves, too) which can be super helpful. Have your kids set up the boards at whatever distance they want so when they throw their bags they can actually have a chance to score.
Kids of all ages can play, and can play together, too, so if you have a young one and an older child they can still play together. Even mom and dad can get in for a game or two and show them out it's done! It's a great option for quick after-school fun that actually helps solidify some important skills they learn in school.
Indoor Activities
On days when it's too cold or wet outside, indoor activities can be just as fun (and sometimes even more so!). Here are some engaging indoor activities that your kids can try:
Board Games
Board games are an excellent way to engage your child's mind while still having fun. From classics like Monopoly to newer games like Catan, there are plenty of options available depending on your child's age and interests!
Card Games
Card games require strategy and problem-solving skills as well as reading comprehension—all while having fun with friends! Try out timeless classics like Go Fish or UNO or new favorites like Exploding Kittens or Zombie Fluxx!
They're also a great non-screen option for kids to learn, because there will be plenty of times when batteries run out or you just need to have some no-screen time. Bring a single deck of cards with you and you can play hundreds of games with no power and no other equipment needed.
Word Puzzles
For those who prefer solitary activities, word puzzles such as crosswords or jigsaw puzzles are an excellent way for your child to challenge themselves while sharpening their language skills at the same time!
They can even be customized, or you can create puzzles for your kids to solve as well. They make books that have puzzles all on a certain topic, or there are websites where you can input a bunch of your own words and they'll create a word search for you using those words.
Help Your Kids Enjoy Their After-School Time With Games
After a long day of schoolwork, it's important for parents to provide an outlet for their children so they can relax and have fun without sacrificing mental stimulation. Whether indoors or outdoors, these after-school games encourage physical activity while also helping kids think critically about how best to solve problems with their friends or on their own. So grab your board game collection (or head outside with those cornhole boards!) and get ready for some family fun this afternoon!