Backyard Games
We all know kids are little creative geniuses, always busy making up their own games to satisfy their roaming imaginations and busy natures. Still, they could use some ideas once in a while. Here are some backyard games you can set up this summer.
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Bean Bag Toss
Make an easy Bean Bag Toss using a double layer of poster board glued together and a large box. Use the large box as a base, and attach the poster board to one side of it. Before attaching the poster board, paint a design on it, allowing for one or more holes. We never kept score, but the kids had a lot of fun throwing those bean bags. They're easy to make from fabric scraps if you sew. Get the kids to help.
Duck, Duck, Goose
Don’t forget this classic although you need at least five friends to make this game a lot of fun. Sit in a circle and have one child walk around patting each child on the head saying, "Duck, duck, duck" and finally "goose." The child deemed "goose" stands up and runs around the circle in the opposite direction from the other child. Whoever gets back to the spot and sits down first wins the spot and the other child starts again with the "Duck, duck, goose."
Simon Says
An oldie but a goodie. If your child has a favorite character, substitute "Simon" with a character from the theme. Children should listen carefully and only do what "Simon" says.
Charades
Give a child the theme or group of animals then have them act out what the animal does. You and the kids can try to guess the name of the animal.
Freeze Tag
One child is chosen as being "it." The chosen child tags the other children by catching up to them and touching them. Once tagged, the child must remain frozen until another free child goes through their legs. When all the children are frozen (except the one who was chosen as being "it") with no one to set them free the game is over and you can start again.
Balloon Bust Relay
Purchase large balloons, stuff with a prize such as a whistle, then inflate and tie. You will need one balloon for player. Divide children into two teams and place each team behind the start line. At the other end of the room are the balloons. On your mark a child from each team runs to the other end of the room, grabs a balloon and sits on it, bounces on it, lays on it, anything they can do to make it pop.
When the balloon pops they collect their prize and run back to their teammates. The game continues until every child has retrieved their prize. If one team falls behind parents are allowed to help. Make sure you've got the movie camera rolling; you won't want to miss the action or the expressions. If you don't have time for a relay yell, "GO" and let every child grab a balloon at the same time and try to pop it.
Make sure to carefully clean up the balloon remains, as they are choke hazards for young children.
