Outdoor Puzzle Game

The outdoor puzzle game can be played in various ways. For example, several groups can be formed, and one sheet of paper can be cut up for each group. The pieces can be different colors, or each sheet of paper can have a different label on its pieces. Now, each group must collect only the pieces from a single sheet of paper. Either the pieces are assigned in advance, or the group can decide for itself which pieces to collect, thereby assembling just one sheet of paper into a puzzle. In the second variation, the groups can also trade pieces with one another.

The outdoor puzzle game can also be played in connection with various themes. For example, depending on the theme, the “catchers” can be given different names, as can the “rescuer.” For instance, with the Narnia theme, the “catchers” are the White Witch’s servants, and the “rescuer” is Lucy with the healing potion.

Game Information

Age: 6+
Number of players: at least 10
Terrain: Forest, Field
Leader: 1 or more
Duration: at least 20 minutes

Materials

At least one sheet of paper, cut into several pieces. If necessary, clear markers to mark the playing field (e.g., barrier tape, …)

Preparation

The many pieces of paper are scattered throughout the forest or in an open field within a defined, staked-out, and marked playing area. The more children there are, the more pieces of paper there are and the larger the playing area.

Gameplay

*Collect the various pieces of paper and bring them to a specific puzzle location.
*There, the various pieces of paper must be put together like a puzzle.
*But there are taggers. If a tagger touches a child, that child must stand still as if turned to stone. The puzzle area is specially marked, and the catchers may only catch children up to a maximum of three meters from the puzzle area. There is also a “rescuer.” The rescuer may free the frozen children by touching them and cannot be caught themselves.