15 Fun Running Games for Kids to Play Indoors and Outdoors

Most kids like to run naturally, but having them run around a track just for the sake of exercise takes away the fun. That’s why coming up with organised games that involve running is a great way to keep them moving without it feeling like a chore. Running games are a fun and easy way to keep kids active and smiling. They help children stay healthy, make new friends, and use up all that extra energy in a playful way. In this article, we’ll share some of the best and fun running games for kids that are sure to bring lots of laughter and fun!

Why Should You Encourage Your Child to Run?

Running is good for health and kids love it. But there are many benefits of it. Know what they are:

• Running is fun! Kids love to run especially when they run in a group. Running is not only a result of unbridled joy but also leads to it. So why not harness the energy and channel it into an activity?
• Running is inexpensive, unlike other high energy sports. All the kids need are a good pair of running shoes and no other fancy equipment or class enrolment.
• Running is the easiest sport out there. There are no rules to adhere to, except for some general safety and etiquette. All they have to do is stay in the lane, tie their shoelaces and run once they are asked to do so.
• Running is the most basic movement involved in many other sports. So being a good runner helps kids build the core muscles involved in other sports and excel in them too.
• Anybody can run. Kids who are reluctant to play other games can find running well within their comfort zones. There is no competition, just running at their own pace is all that’s needed.
• Marathon running and sprints are some great example to show to children and develop their interest in running. It teaches them endurance and perseverance.

Outdoor Running Games for Kids

Here are some outdoor running race games for kids that you can try:

1. Capture the Flag

This is a great game that works on team effort and involves plenty of running. It’s best when there are 8 or more kids and a big ground available.

How to Play

• Divide the children into two teams with equal players.
• Mark the centre of the field with several cones or other markers and plant flags of two different colours belonging to each team on opposite sides of the field such that the flags are at least 50 ft from the centre.
• When the whistle is blown the kids rush to opposite side to grab the other team’s flag.
• If a player gets tagged on the opponent’s side of the field, they go to jail (a designated spot on the field away from the game).
• The jailed player can only be back in the game when a teammate frees them.

2. Where to Run Next?

This is quite an intensive running game and all that’s needed are pieces of paper with run-to locations written on them.

How to Play

• The game has to be played outdoors, preferably around large parks that have plenty of locations to choose from or in school premises.
• The coach or an adult supervising the game writes the names of different locations and landmarks in the vicinity such as a fountain, equipment shed, flower garden, sandpit and so on.
• The papers are put in a bag so that no one can see them.
• One kid pulls out a paper randomly and reads out the location.
• Then all the players have to run to the location.
• Once everybody reaches the location, another kid pulls out a paper and reads out the next location and everybody run there.

3. Candy Hunting Game

A fun running game for young children that involves retrieving candies.

How to Play

• Take the kids out to an open field and spread out lots of individually wrapped candies on the grass.
• The game is to run from the starting point, find a candy and run back with it.
• The kids are allowed to come back with only one candy at a time and drop it at the starting line.
• Once they have done that, they can run back to get another candy.
• The kid who brings back the most candies wins the game.

4. The Puzzle Game

The game involves the thrill of hunting packages containing puzzle pieces and finally putting together the puzzle.

How to Play

• A large floor puzzle containing about 40 pieces or so is put into several envelopes and placed at different distances from the base.
• When the whistle is blown the kids run to find and retrieve one envelope at a time back to the base.
• They need to run several trips to different locations to collect all the envelopes.
• Finally, the pieces are put together to complete the puzzle.

5. Water Balloon Relay

Water games are always a fun. And, any game involving water balloons is a blast! For this one, you’ll need plenty of water balloons and a bucket to hold them.

How to Play

• The game is played similar to a normal relay, except, using sloshy water balloons instead of batons.
• The kids have to run fast while balancing the balloon, careful not to drop it.
• If one is dropped, they can run back to the bucket and pick up and other one and get back to the place where they dropped it to continue the run.
• The winning team gets one water balloon for each runner and 30 seconds to soak the losing team.

6. Marathon Challenge

Long distance runners start out young.

How to Play

• Children are not physically equipped to run as far as 10 or 20 km in one stretch.
• Therefore the distance is broken down into segments that can be achieved every day.
• Keep a distance log for each child and let them run as far as they can each day.
• As they reach levels such as 3 or 5 km, give them levels of experience like in martial arts.
• 2 km can be a white belt, 4 km – a yellow and so on.
• When the marathon is complete, give them a marathon challenge T-shirt.

7. Sharks and Minnows

A fun running game where kids have to run while avoiding getting tagged.

How to Play

• The kids are split into two groups and start out from either side of the field.
• In the centre of the field is one kid who is a shark, the rest are minnows.
• When the whistle is blown, the minnows sprint across the field to reach the opposite side without getting tagged by the shark.
• If a minnow is tagged, it becomes a shark and goes after other minnows.
• The last minnow remaining is the winner.

8. Red Light, Green Light

A great game for practising listening skills and quick bursts of running.

How to Play

• One child is the caller and stands a distance away from the others.
• When they say “Green Light,” the players run toward them.
• When “Red Light” is called, all players must stop immediately.
• Anyone caught moving must return to the starting line.
• The first one to reach the caller wins.

9. Animal Races

Add imagination by having kids race while mimicking different animals.

How to Play

• Call out an animal like “frog,” “crab,” or “kangaroo.”
• Kids race across a field using the animal’s movements.
• Switch animals each round to keep things fresh and silly.
• Can be played individually or in teams.

10. Chain Building

This is a thrilling tag-style game that encourages teamwork and quick thinking as kids build a human chain.

How to Play

• Choose one player to start as “It.”
• The “It” chases and tags other players.
• Once someone is tagged, they hold hands with “It” to form a chain.
• The chain continues to tag others, and anyone tagged joins the chain.
• Only the kids at each end of the chain are allowed to tag.
• The game ends when all players are part of the chain.

Indoor Running Games for Kids

Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! With a little creativity and some open space, kids can still enjoy running games indoors. Here are some safe and exciting indoor games that will help burn off energy without needing a playground.

1. Simon Says

A classic game that gets kids moving while sharpening their listening skills.

How to Play

• One player is “Simon” and gives commands (e.g., “Simon says run in place,” “Simon says jump,” “run to the wall”).
• Kids only follow the command if it begins with “Simon says.”
• If someone moves without hearing “Simon says,” they sit out for one round.

2. Shadow Tag

A clever twist on tag that works best in a bright room where you can see everyone’s shadows clearly.

How to Play

• One player is “It” and tries to step on someone else’s shadow.
• If your shadow gets stepped on, you become the new “It.”
• The game keeps going as each new player becomes “It.”

3. Land and Water

A super fun game that tests reaction time and gets kids running from one side of the room to the other.

How to Play

• Mark two sides of a room one as “land,” the other as “water.”
• When you call out “land” or “water,” kids must run and stand on the correct side.
• Mix it up by calling quickly or tricking them with fake commands like “lava” or “air.”
• Last one to make it to the right side is out.

4. Colour Dash

A colourful game that keeps kids running and thinking fast.

How to Play

• Shout out a colour, and kids must dash to touch something of that colour in the room.
• You can switch things up by calling out shapes, objects, or letters.

5. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

A fun game that combines running with searching and problem-solving.

How to Play

• Create a list of common household items (e.g., a red sock, a spoon, a book).
• Kids must run around the house to find each item and bring it back to a designated spot.
• You can play it as a timed race or have kids compete individually or in teams.
• Add clues or riddles for an extra challenge.

How to Choose Running Games for Children?

Running games for children are a great way to keep them active while having fun, but choosing the right ones can make all the difference. Here are some simple tips to help you choose the best running games for your child:

• Pick games that are age-appropriate simple chase games for younger kids and more structured ones like relays or capture the flag for older children.
• Choose games that focus on fun rather than competition, especially for younger or shy kids.
• Rotate between different types of games to prevent boredom and keep things fresh.
• Games with simple, clear rules are more enjoyable and less frustrating for kids to follow.
• Pick games that allow for teamwork or group play, so kids can enjoy playing with friends or siblings.
• Select games based on the space available; open fields for running games, smaller areas for games with more stop-and-go movement.
• Choose games that spark creativity, like pretending to be animals or superheroes while running.

Easy Tips to Encourage Kids to Run

Getting kids excited about running can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some simple and playful ways to get kids moving and loving it:

• Spark their curiosity by chatting about how fun it is to explore nature. Mention a new park or trail nearby and how exciting it would be to check it out together.
• Arrange fun group activities like relay games, scavenger hunts, or mini-races with their friends to make outdoor time more social and enjoyable.
• If there’s a running event or sports day at school, motivate your child to join in and help them prepare with a few casual practice runs.
• Invite your child to walk or jog with you daily. It’s a great way to stay fit and talk about your day.
• Let them know it’s perfectly fine to get dirty while running or playing; mud, grass stains, and all are part of the fun!
• If they get a scrape or bruise, comfort them and gently encourage them to return to play once they’re healed.
• Create boundaries around gadgets so they have more time and motivation to be active outdoors.
• For children who aren’t used to physical activity, ease into it. Begin with short runs or walks and build up gradually.
• Consistency is key. Even 10-15 minutes a day of running or movement can help build a long-term habit.
• Involve your kids in family runs, weekend hikes, or fun outdoor events to show that running can be something you enjoy together.

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of running for kids?

It helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and maintain a healthy weight. Running also boosts mood by releasing feel-good hormones, reducing stress and anxiety (1) (2) (3).

2. How often should kids play running games?

Playing running games for just 15–30 minutes a few times a week can really improve their health and give them more energy.

3. How can I make sure the kids stay safe while playing?

Check that the area is safe and clear of things to trip over. Make sure kids wear comfy shoes. Remind them to take breaks if they feel tired and to drink water so they stay hydrated.

Running games help kids work on their physical strength, body mobility, and endurance level; and are PERFECT for body smart-oriented kids. If you want to know more about your child’s other ‘smarts’ and make sure that his development is taking in all sense, do try FirstCry Intellikit – active learning for little ones.

References/Resources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Children

2. Smile Foundation – Children, Running and Good Health

3. Healthdirect – Benefits of physical activity for children

Also Read:

Memory Games for Kids
Fun Brain Games for Your Kids
Group Games and Activities for Kids
Animal Games and Activities for Kids
Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activities for Children

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