Spring is quickly turning into summer and soon it will be time for summer vacation! On those beautiful warm days, there is nothing better than playing outside. There are a million fun things to do… Planting flowers and vegetables, riding bikes, hiking in the woods, playing hopscotch, having a picnic, chasing butterflies, or going fishing.
These are, of course, just a few of the many wonderful choices. It might be a good idea for the whole family to brainstorm a “things to do” list and keep it on the fridge. Add to it as family members think up new ideas. This list can be looked at throughout the summer to keep everyone busy and happy. Playing informal group games such as softball or kickball are great too. It’s also fun to create your own group games by combining different games. For example, you could play soccer with a football, or mix it up by playing soccer in groups of two where two people hold hands while playing. Or how about a game of flag foot
ball using a giant beach ball? You can also totally make up a new game with a Frisbee or some water balloons or a Nerf ball. Anything will do, even a bandana or a tennis ball tied in a sock for catching and throwing.
Perhaps the one who tosses the Frisbee into the crowd of people gets to keep score simply on style and grace of the catch. Or the catcher of the Frisbee scores the thrower—and the thrower scores the catcher. How about a giant game of checkers using sidewalk chalk and some rocks for the pieces? Anything goes! Be creative and change the rules of any traditional game, or make up your very own new game and share with all your friends.
Kelly Dupre of Grand Marais is an artist, children’s author, and
educator with over 20 years teaching experience with all age
groups in a variety of settings. The activities in this once-amonth
column are spin-offs and combinations of ideas she
has used and learned from teachers, parents, kids, books, and
workshops. Only some of the activities has she actually thought
of herself!
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