15 Ways to Have Fun Outside- In The Dark

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We love playing outside and the fun shouldn't end just because the sun went down! So today I thought I'd share fifteen ways to have fun outside.. in the dark. 

1. Flashlights are fun! Give the kids flashlights and take a look around. Much fun can be had by simply exploring with a flashlight. What looks different at night? What does my mouth look like with the flashlight? My fingers?
2. Flashlight tag. Tag players using the beam of light, or simply play tag with flashlights to guide the way.
3. Flashlight limbo. How low can you go? Two people, holding flashlights, face each other and make a steady beam of light for others to limbo under.
4. Catch the light. My son absolutely loves chasing after the ever-moving beam of light. I shine it around and just when he thinks he's caught it, I move it again. He has so much fun and this really tires him out. He also enjoys reversing the play and watching me scurry after the light. 
5. Catching shadows. We've also had a lot of fun chasing each other's shadows. The object is to catch the other person's shadow by chasing after it and jumping on it. All you need is a porch light that shines out into your yard and you're ready for some fun. 
6. Shadow puppets. Shine a light onto the side of your house or fence to set the stage for an evening of puppet shows. 
7. Catch lightening bugs.
8. Put a spin on some classic games. How much fun is "Red Light, Green Light" or "Duck, Duck, Goose" in the dark? Lots, actually.
9. Glow in the dark dancing. Put on shows for one another, or simply rock out with glow sticks. 
10. Hide and seek with glow sticks. One person hides a glow stick and then all of the others try to find it. The person that finds it first gets to hide it again.
11. Hunt for glow sticks. Hide a bunch of glow sticks all throughout the yard and let the kids hunt for them. 
12. Flashlight hunt. One player hides an object, like a rubber duck, and the others try to find it using their flashlights.
13. Build a campfire. Listen to music. Play cards. Cuddle. Make s'mores. 
14. Tell spooky stories. But maybe not too spooky.
15. Tell stories with constellations. Show your children a few constellations and then ask them if they can find any pictures in the stars. Ask them to tell you more about the object they see. Can they make up a story about it? Can you?

More Tips:

• Regular flashlights are great fun, but a child-size headlamp can make the night extra special and some of the games a bit easier. 
• Make sure your yard and area of play is safe before playing. As with anything, supervise your children and use caution and your best judgement. 
• Set a timer to let everyone know when the play must come to an end to transition smoothly into bedtime routines. 

What are some of your favorite ways to have fun in the dark?

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