Hobbies And Interests
Popcorn Relay Race
Preschoolers try to keep popcorn from falling out of their cup in "Popcorn Relay Race." A leader sets up two large, shallow boxes 5 yards across the starting line. Kids divide into two teams, with the leader distributing two paper or plastic cups and a bag of popcorn to each team; each cup should have a rubber band poked through the cup's bottom and a paper clip securing the band. One player from each team stands off to the side filling cups with popcorn, with players putting the popcorn-filled cups over their shoes (the rubber band holds the cup in place atop a shoe). Upon the leader's signal, kids sprint to their team's box, empty their cup into it, run back and tag the next kid in line, who repeats the action. Play continues for 2 minutes or until a team has no popcorn left. The team with the most popcorn in its box---measured either with a ruler or by cupfuls---wins the game.
Race Track Pretend Play
A "snowy" racetrack provides messy possibilities when preschoolers engage in pretend racetrack play. Kids gather their toy cars in a box or bag and design a track in a water-filled kiddie pool using rocks, small wood pieces and other items as obstacles. With a can of white shaving cream, kids spray "snow" (foam) over the track. Players drive their cars through the snowy atmosphere, with the player whose car makes it to the end of the track first winning.
Water Balloon Obstacle Course
Preschoolers try to keep water balloons in tact during "Water Balloon Obstacle Course." Kids hold a water balloon as they run an obstacle course, which consists of household items. Obstacle possibilities include kids crawling under lawn chairs, walking or hopping along a winding garden hose or walking with a ball between their knees. The leader may add items such as cones and tires as hurdles, and, to make the course more challenging, an oscillating sprinkler. If players' balloons break before they reach the finish line, they grab a new a balloon and start over from the section at which the balloon broke. The kid that reaches the finish line with their balloon in tact wins the race.
Whipped Cream Gummy Bear Hunt
"Bobbing" for gummy bears turns into a messy experience in "Whipped Cream Gummy Bear Hunt." On a table, a leader sets up disposable plates or pie tins, each containing 10 gummy bears (or worms) and covers the plate with whip cream. Using only their mouths, kids try to find the bears; upon finding bears, kids spit them out onto a clean plate. The first kid to find all the bears wins the game. As a variation, players could wear blindfolds as they bob for their gummy treats.
Running Water
Kids try to hold their water when playing "Running Water." After dividing into two teams, kids hold a cup of water and jump into a turning rope, skipping at least three times. When a child summons the next player to jump in, the first player passes him the cup and exits the turning rope. The second player summons the next person and so on until all players have a turn. The team with the most water in its cup at the end of the game wins.