2.1. Describe a range of indoor and outdoor games which are age and stage appropriate

This guide will help you answer 2.1. Describe a range of indoor and outdoor games which are age and stage appropriate.

Indoor Games for Different Ages and Stages

Indoor games can support learning, development and social skills. Choosing the right game depends on the child’s age and developmental stage. Games should match their ability level and interest to keep them engaged and safe.

Babies and Toddlers (0–2 years)

At this age, children are developing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, sensory awareness and recognition of simple cause and effect.

Safe and stimulating indoor games include:

• Soft block stacking
• Rolling a soft ball back and forth
• Peek-a-boo using hands or cloth
• Push-along toys
• Simple musical toys with buttons or levers
• Sensory baskets with different textures

Games should be short, easy to understand and have repeated actions. Engaging a baby’s senses is key, with bright colours, gentle sounds and safe textures.

Early Preschool (2–3 years)

Children are building co-ordination, learning simple rules and starting to enjoy pretend play.

Examples of suitable games:

• Matching picture cards
• Posting shapes into shape sorters
• Simple “Simon Says” using one-step instructions
• Large piece jigsaw puzzles
• Indoor bowling with plastic bottles and a soft ball
• Pretend cooking with toy food and utensils

At this stage, the child can follow short instructions and take turns, though adult support is still needed.

Preschool (3–4 years)

Children have longer attention spans, improved control and can follow two or three-part instructions. Their imagination is growing and they have better language skills.

Indoor games might include:

• Memory card games with simple pictures
• “Musical statues” with movement to music
• Threading large beads onto laces
• Role play scenarios like shops or doctors
• Simple board games with dice showing pictures or colours rather than numbers
• Building with interlocking bricks (such as Duplo)

Rules should be kept simple to avoid confusion. This age group enjoys games with both physical and thinking elements.

Early Key Stage 1 (5–7 years)

Children are moving from symbolic play toward games with more defined rules. Their ability to work in small groups increases and they can cope with winning and losing with guidance.

Indoor games suitable for this stage:

• Card games such as “Snap” and “Pairs”
• Board games with basic number dice
• More complex construction sets (e.g., Lego)
• Hot seating role play where one person is a character and others ask questions
• Storytelling circle games where each person adds a line to a story
• Simple quiz games on topics of interest

These games help develop strategy, patience and teamwork.

Outdoor Games for Different Ages and Stages

Outdoor play supports physical health, spatial awareness and co-operation. It allows children to explore and express themselves in larger spaces.

Babies and Toddlers (0–2 years)

Outdoor games here focus on sensory exploration and simple movement.

Examples include:

• Push and pull toys on smooth ground
• Floating balls in a shallow water tray
• Exploring grass, sand or safe play mats
• Rolling balls on a gentle slope
• Simple chase games with an adult walking behind or beside
• Bubble play, watching and attempting to catch bubbles

Outdoor play at this age has fewer formal games and instead focuses on sensory experiences in fresh air.

Early Preschool (2–3 years)

Children can start enjoying basic action games outside.

Games might include:

• Ring-a-ring o’ roses type circle games
• Gentle “follow the leader” walks over different textures
• Throwing beanbags into hoops or buckets
• Sandcastle building in a sandpit
• Water play with jugs and funnels
• Push-along wheeled toys or low ride-on toys on flat surfaces

Active games help with balance, co-ordination and basic control of movement.

Preschool (3–4 years)

They are ready for games that mix imagination and movement. Outdoor space allows bigger actions.

Suitable games include:

• Parachute play with a light fabric parachute, making waves and bouncing balls
• Obstacle courses with cones, hoops and low jumps
• Chase and tag games with clear rules and boundaries
• Simple hide-and-seek within a defined safe area
• Throwing and catching large soft balls at close distance
• Treasure hunt finding familiar objects placed carefully around the area

These activities promote co-ordination, spatial awareness and quick thinking.

Early Key Stage 1 (5–7 years)

Outdoor games can introduce more competition and team play. Children should be able to follow more complex rules and self-organise with guidance.

Games might include:

• Relay races with batons or objects to carry
• Team ball games such as “throw and catch relay”
• Kick rounders with a soft ball
• “What’s the time Mr Wolf?”
• Skipping games, both solo and group using long ropes
• Target throwing games using hoops and beanbags
• Hopscotch with chalked numbers

These games teach rule-following, winning and losing gracefully, physical stamina and problem solving.

Matching Games to Development Stages

Choosing games requires knowing the typical development stage:

• Babies: short attention span, minimal rule-following, sensory focus
• Toddlers: improving balance, starting to copy actions, basic instructions
• Preschool: stronger co-ordination, understanding simple cause and effect, imagination growing
• Early Key Stage 1: able to manage rules, more skill-based play, teamwork

A game that is too advanced can frustrate a child. A game that is too simple can cause boredom. Observing the child’s reactions helps choose the right level.

Safety Considerations

Indoor and outdoor games must be safe for the age group. Examples of safety measures include:

• No small parts for under 3s to avoid choking
• Soft equipment in early stages to prevent injury
• Clear play boundaries outdoors
• Constant supervision in water play at all ages
• Age-appropriate difficulty levels to prevent accidents from over-reaching abilities
• Equipment checks for damage before use

Safety encourages confidence and prevents harm.

Benefits of Indoor Games

Indoor games can:

• Improve fine motor skills through construction, threading and puzzles
• Enhance language and communication through role play and structured conversation
• Build memory and concentration with card games and matching activities
• Develop turn-taking and patience
• Encourage problem-solving and logical thinking

Indoor play is useful during bad weather or when space is limited, but it is important to keep children active and engaged.

Benefits of Outdoor Games

Outdoor games help:

• Strengthen gross motor skills through running, climbing and jumping
• Teach spatial awareness and movement control
• Boost social skills with co-operative and competitive play
• Support mental health through fresh air and open space activity
• Allow bigger physical actions which are impossible indoors
• Introduce nature-based play, which adds variety and learning opportunities about the world

Outdoor play is valuable for energy release and building resilience.

Adapting Games for Mixed Abilities

Groups may include children with different abilities or learning needs. Games can be adapted by:

• Changing the size and weight of equipment
• Reducing or simplifying rules
• Offering visual cues and gestures alongside verbal instructions
• Reducing physical challenges for those needing gentler play
• Using cooperative formats where the goal is shared by the group
• Allowing more time for each turn

Adaptation ensures everyone can be included and enjoy the play.

Encouraging Participation

Children might be shy or hesitant in group play. Ways to encourage involvement include:

• Starting with small groups before joining the larger group
• Offering a choice of games to let the child select
• Pairing the child with a supportive peer
• Praise and recognition for joining in
• Making sure games are fun rather than overly competitive

When children feel safe and supported, they are more likely to join in.

Cultural Awareness in Play

Different cultures have different traditional games. Introducing these can broaden children’s experiences and promote inclusion. Examples include:

• “Kho Kho” from India
• “Duck Duck Goose” from common Western traditions
• “Kabaddi” adapted for safe play in schools
• Skipping songs from various countries

Including a range of games allows children from all backgrounds to feel valued.

Weather Considerations for Outdoor Games

Weather affects game choice. Wet or icy conditions may limit certain activities. Alternatives include:

• Covered play areas for wet days
• Using all-weather surfaces for ball games
• Having an indoor alternative ready in case outdoor conditions change
• Providing suitable clothing for different conditions

Good planning allows outdoor play in a range of weather without risk.

Final Thoughts

Choosing indoor and outdoor games that match a child’s age and stage promotes learning, enjoyment and safety. Games offer opportunities to develop skills in communication, movement, thinking and cooperation. For babies and toddlers, simple sensory games work well. For preschoolers, imaginative play mixed with movement suits their development. For early school age children, games with more structure and teamwork are appropriate.

The variety of games available means every child can find something they enjoy. By planning carefully, adapting activities and considering safety, indoor and outdoor play can make a strong positive impact on a child’s growth and wellbeing. As a playworker or early years practitioner, offering an engaging mix helps children progress in physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills through everyday play.