Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 5:13 p.m.
Summer has really just begun, little league baseball is over, vacation is still three weeks away. We don't always have the time to prepare and supervise elaborate projects. When everyone is tired, parents need something engaging with a minimum of preparation and fuss. So, keep these quick ideas handy and have a little fun on a summer afternoon.
Watermelon and Sprinkler Watermelons are so sticky and messy in the house. Instead, just cut a whole watermelon into enough pieces for your kids and their friends, then send them outside and turn on the sprinkler. You don't even have to watch it, just let them loose to get as sticky and wet as they want.
Think "Fort" You know how much you loved it when you were a kid. Use sheets, blankets, or comforters over tables and chairs. Put a lamp, pillow, books, games, and snacks in the "tent". A giant appliance box is the perfect fort, of course, but it's a bit harder to find appliance boxes these days. Visit a nearby furniture store with your kids in tow. Bet they'll find one for you quickly. If you have access to some lumber scraps, older and younger kids will work together to build a treehouse.
These easy outdoor games are competitive, so they are just right when you have favors and prizes to award. They work at family picnics, birthday parties, and other outdoor group events. The best part is you can set them up at a cost of next to nothing! Before you head out, print this list, grab a boom box and some simple supplies, pick up a few prizes, and you're ready to play some great kids' outdoor games.
1. Balloon Stomp
Supplies Needed: Balloons, string
Let the kids blow up their own balloons and tie one to their ankle with string. At the 'Go' signal, everyone runs around trying to stomp on and bust each others balloons. The last person with an intact balloon wins.2. Jump Rope Relay
Supplies Needed: two jump ropes
Form two teams and set the boundaries of the race. At the 'Go' signal, the first two players race to the goal and back, jumping rope. The next player goes, and so on, until the winning team is declared.3. Hot Potato
Supplies Needed: boom box; bean bag or at your outdoor picnic, use a real potato!
Players stand in a circle, and a parent or teen starts the music. Players pass the potato around the circle until the music stops. Whoever is holding the potato when the music stops is out. Play continues until one winner is declared.4. Hula Hoop Contest
Supplies Needed: Hula hoop for each child
Great for a small group of children. Play music to make it more fun. At the 'Go' signal, players begin 'hula hooping' as long as they can. If the hula hoop drops or players touch it with their hands, they're out!5. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Supplies Needed: printed list of nature items for the hunt; a location where nature items such as rocks, bugs, leaves, etc. can be gathered
Give players or teams the printed list of nature items to find. Some suggestions are rock, leaf, bug, pine cone, twig, something red, yellow, orange, or other color. The first player or team to report back with all of their items wins the prize.6. Water Balloon Toss
Supplies Needed: balloons filled with water
Divide group into teams of two players and give each team a water balloon. Line the teams up an equal distance apart. Players toss the balloon to their partner; and, then, everyone steps back one step. Keep tossing the water balloon and taking a step back, until one team is left with an intact water balloon.7. Freeze Dance
Supplies Needed: boom box
Play some wild music and let all the kids dance. When you stop the music, everyone freezes. Any movement, and you're out. Award the prize to the last dancer standing, or to the best dancer.8. Bingo
Supplies Needed: Bingo set and lots of prizes
Cool down at the picnic table with Bingo. Adults and kids love to play, so you can use it during lulls before or after lunch, or when it just gets too hot to run around.
