Hobbies And Interests
Tag
Revive the classic game of tag by sending children outside to run. Tag is a simple game that involves a group of children running around an area trying to stay away from the tagging person. The tagger is one person who must chase all the other children in the area. Once the tagger tags another person, then that person becomes the tagger. Play tag in an open area that is free from holes or other obstacles that may cause children to fall and injure themselves. Most tag games have a "free base" where children can rest for a few moments without the stress of being tagged for resting. Choose a tree or porch area to claim as the free base.
Bean Bag Toss
Throw out the boredom using a bean bag toss game. Bean bag games can cost a small fortune if you do not already have one; therefore, create your own game by setting up buckets and tossing bean bags into the buckets. Place buckets on a flat area, such as a driveway, and fill the buckets 1/4 of the way with sand. Stagger the buckets so there are easy and more difficult buckets to reach. Make your own bean bags by filling a small sealable bag half full with dried beans. Put a line on the ground for children to stand behind and have them toss their bean bags into the different buckets.
Marco Polo
Splash around in the pool and initiate a game or two. Marco Polo is a popular water game for children. Similar to tag, Marco Polo involves one child, the tagger, closing his eyes and counting to 10. While he is counting the other children quietly float away to "hide" along the edges of the pool and behind pool toys. Once the tagger finishes counting he must find the other children in the pool, with his eyes closed. To help him locate the other kids he will yell out "Marco" and the other children must respond with "Polo." The object of the game is for the tagger to find another child and the game starts over.
Dodge Ball
Run off energy with a game of dodge ball. Dodge ball is played by two large groups of children and several large balls. Pick a large field to play in, and place the balls in a straight line in the center of the field. Separate players into two equal teams and leave one player out to monitor the game. When the game monitor yells "Go," the two teams run up to the balls to try to grab them and throw at the opposing teams. Once a person is hit with the ball by the opposite team, she is out of the game. The game continues until only one team remains.