Hobbies And Interests
Outdoor Games
Games that promote strong cardiovascular exertion are good because they keep the kids excited and also wear them out. Some old favorites are badminton and volleyball. Badminton can be a great deal of fun because it requires the kids to run, but the pace is usually slow enough that even nonathletic children can do well. Volleyball offers similar advantages, though it rewards height and athleticism in significant ways. Children will enjoy these games more if the the adults participate. The main advantage to these games is that they are often as much fun for the adults as the children. The kids will notice that you make an effort to involve yourself. The important thing to remember is to refrain from making the game too competitive. As long as the spirit is congenial and low stress, the day will go well. However, any hint of pressure can quickly kill the fun vibe.
Rainy Weather Choices
Outdoor activities might not be in the cards if Mother Nature gets in the way. If this is the case, plan for some games that will keep the kids occupied. Charades is an old favorite because it requires that the children remain active through gesture and problem solving. However, many kids are far more tech savvy these days, and they may want something with a little more "pop." DVD games that stress an awareness of pop culture, like the game Scene That, taps into children's ability to recognize pop culture trivia. Also, Trivial Pursuit offers a young person's edition that teases the brain and keeps little hands occupied.
The Board Game
Board games do not have to be boring. Many children are excited by the challenges posed by traditional, critical thinking games. Games like Monopoly and Chess still resonate with kids that want to pit their minds against one another. For strategy games, Risk is hard to beat. It offers real, turn-based competition that is easy to master within only a few minutes.