Hobbies And Interests
Scavenger Hunt
A fun game that can be adapted to be educational is a scavenger hunt. Put items on a list that kids normally would not know, such as a type of flower, a leaf from a certain tree or a specific bug. Make sure the items on the list can be found locally. Put out garden or outdoor books as well as encyclopedias for the kids to use to look up the information so they can find the items. If you want to add another educational element, have them write down one interesting fact about the item once they've found it.
Orienteering
Do a little orienteering. Use your backyard, neighborhood or local park as a play field for the kids to find different checkpoints by using maps and compasses. Draw a map of the area so all teams have an idea of where objects are, as well as directions in relation to the starting point. List clues such as "Walk west from the Maple Street sign to find checkpoint A." The kids must learn to read a map as well as use a compass in order to find the checkpoints. Use a different color marker at each point for them to check off on their map so you know they made it to each point.
Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a fun game for all ages. As kids get older, they develop more skills that can be applied to the game. Strategies and plans can be laid out to help solve the puzzle of getting the flag back across enemy lines without being caught. Give older kids a planning time of 10 minutes before the action begins to establish leadership and work out their ideas. Offer them added aspects to the game, such as being able to decide where they would like to locate the flag or jail, so they can determine what is the best location for them to defend. This will incorporate even more strategy skills into the game and ensure that the game lasts a bit longer.