Though there are a number of exciting outdoor games, most require a large group of players. Still, there are fun outdoor games for three people, making them ideal for smaller families. Compared to indoor games, outdoor games can be more beneficial. The National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play finds that children who play outdoors are generally healthier and develop better immune systems.
Seahorse Race
The seahorse race is an outdoor game for three people. There will be a judge and seahorse jockeys. One player will be the judge. At least two persons can play the seahorse jockeys, each having an inner tube. The seahorse jockeys start at the pool’s end. They dash or swim to the pool’s other end when the judge signals the start of the race. The first player to reach the other end is the winner.
Tunnel Tag
Tunnel tag, an outdoor game for three people, is played in the shallow area of the pool. One player will tag the two other players. The person who's tagged has to stand with his legs apart as a consequence. A player must dive and swim underneath the person’s legs so the tagged person will be freed. The next tagger will be the person who's last to be tagged.
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a three-person outdoor game set in the pool area. One person is the catcher or "It." The catcher covers her eyes with her hands as she counts to 10. As the catcher counts, the other two players find their places in the pool. After counting, the catcher attempts to find the other two with her eyes still covered. The two players respond “Polo!” whenever the catcher says “Marco!” The person caught by the catcher is the next "it."
Scavenger Hunt
The scavenger hunt requires at least three players. Prior to the game, prepare a list of items that will be hidden in the back yard or a park. Each player gets a copy of the list and begin looking for all of the items. The first player to find all of the items on the list wins the game.
Outdoor Bowling
Outdoor bowling is a game for three people. Any item, like used plastic bottles or soda cans, can be used as a substitute for bowling pins. Each player takes turn, over 10 rounds, to knock over the items with a ball. A player gets a point for each item knocked over.
Kick the Can
Kick the can requires at least three players and a metal can. One player plays the catcher and covers her eyes as the other players hide. The catcher finds the other players. A caught player will stay in a "holding pen" until the other player is caught. If the other player kicks the can, the captured player will be free.
