Hobbies And Interests
Balloon Harvest
Organize kids' balloon games to see which child can gather and carry the most balloons. Scatter 40 to 50 colorful balloons in a variety of sizes throughout the yard or house. As the game begins, the players must run around to grab as many balloons as possible in one minute. Encourage the kids to carry balloons, stuff balloons into their shirts and cradle balloons under their arms.
Treasure Hunt
Let younger kids play a balloon game that awards prizes for popping balloons. Before blowing up an assortment of 20 to 30 balloons, insert a colorful slip of paper into 10 of them. After an adult says, "Go," the kids must step on and pop as many balloons as possible to look for the paper slips. Scatter the balloons across a wide area to ensure the kids don't step on each others' fingers as they're bending down to pick up the pieces of paper. Allow the kids to redeem the paper slips for prizes.
Stuff the Shirt
Divide the kids into teams and have each group choose one member that will be "stuffed." The child must stand still while his teammates stuff as many balloons into his shirt as possible in 30 seconds. Make the kids' balloon contest more challenging by requiring the players to use helium-filled balloons that will float away easily.
Stomp or Be Stomped
Kids will get exercise in a balloon game that requires quick feet and reflexes. Each player has a balloon tied to her ankle with a 2-foot piece of string. Don't use balloons inflated with helium since the game won't be as effective if the balloons are floating in the air rather than dragging on the ground. Have all the players stand in a small space, such as one section of the garage or driveway. When the game begins, the kids must try to stomp on the other players' balloons to pop them. Each player must also guard her balloon to keep the other kids from popping it. As soon as a player's balloon pops, she must step out of the game. Continue playing until only one child remains with an inflated balloon.