National Play Outside Day is observed on the first Saturday of every month and encourages people of all ages to step outdoors and reconnect with nature. From backyards and parks to sidewalks and open fields, this day is a monthly reminder of how beneficial outdoor play can be for both physical and mental health. Founded in 2011 by Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda D. Abeyta, the day was created in response to the growing amount of screen time and the declining hours kids spend playing outside.
Why Playing Outside Matters
Regular outdoor play supports a wide range of health benefits. It helps improve physical strength, coordination, and overall fitness while also boosting mood, creativity, and focus. Research shows that spending time in natural settings can reduce stress, increase happiness, and even enhance brain function.
For children, playing outside promotes social skills, independence, and problem-solving. It also builds a natural connection with the environment, making kids more aware of and appreciative toward the world around them. Adults benefit just as much—outdoor activity can help lower stress levels, improve sleep, and encourage movement in ways that feel enjoyable rather than routine.
Fun Imagination-Driven Games to Play Outside
One of the best things about National Play Outside Day is that you don’t need special equipment or a planned location to take part. These fun, simple games rely on imagination, movement, and time spent together:
- Capture the Flag: plit into two teams and create zones in your yard or park. Each team hides a flag (or any small object), and the goal is to grab the other team’s flag and return it to your side without being tagged. Great for teamwork and quick thinking.
- Shadow Tag: On a sunny day, try this playful twist on tag. Instead of touching each other, players step on shadows to tag. It’s fast-paced and fun, and it sharpens your reflexes as you dodge the sun.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of natural items to find—like a feather, a red leaf, or a smooth stone—and explore the area in search of them. It’s a great way to observe and appreciate details you might usually overlook.
- Hide and Seek: This timeless classic works well in almost any outdoor space. Hiders find the best spots, and seekers try to tag them once found. The thrill of discovery makes this game endlessly fun.
- Imaginary Obstacle Course: Invent an invisible course with imaginary streams, logs, bridges, and tunnels. Take turns navigating the course with dramatic flair. It’s a great way to get moving and spark creativity.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
📝 This article was originally published on November 22nd, 2024. It has been thoroughly updated, and the publishing date has been changed to reflect the new version.
