Hobbies And Interests
Bobbing for Apples
This game is an age-old favorite that children are sure to enjoy. Purchase apples from a grocery store, or pick your own. Fill a large bowl with water. Thoroughly wash the apples and place them in the bowl. One at a time, have children try to grab an apple, using nothing but their mouths. Time each child to see how long it takes him to catch an apple. The child who catches an apple in the shortest amount of time wins.
Apple Catch
This alternative to bobbing for apples does not require children to submerge their heads in water. Either buy or pick a supply of apples. Tie strings to the stem of each apple. Suspend the strings by tying them to the branches of a tree. Have children put their hands behind their backs and try to catch the apples with their mouths--which can be a difficult task, as apples easily sway back and forth. The first child to catch an apple wins.
Pumpkin Ring Toss
Children try to toss a ring around a pumpkin stem in this game. Pick a pumpkin with a large stem. Place the pumpkin on the floor. Place a piece of duct tape on the floor about 3 feet away from the pumpkin. Provide children with an embroidery hoop. Instruct them to stand on the duct tape and throw the hoop, trying to get it to land on the pumpkin's stem. For an alternative approach, provide children with a hula hoop and have children try to throw the hoop around the entire pumpkin.
Needle in a Haystack
Turn the old saying, "It's like finding a needle in a haystack," into a game that children will enjoy. Place a pile of hay on the floor. Inside the hay, hide small toys and candies. Provide children with bags or pumpkin trick-or-treat buckets. On your mark, children search through the haystack looking for goodies. There is no one winner in this game--every child is a winner.