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Fun outdoor games for kids
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Published: July 31, 2008
The other day, my 5-year-old son informed me he didn't want to go to the pool. "I'd like to take a break," he said.
We encountered this problem last summer, too. North Carolina spring and summer weather warms up so quickly, pools open in early May. By the end of July, kids have been swimming for months and the novelty wears off.
So what's a parent to do? Get creative, pull out the hose and sprinkler, and have your kids enjoy the outdoors with a few water games.
The Web is full of ideas for water games. We picked a few below, making sure they're simple, need few supplies and offer sure-fire fun. And, since the hose won't always be on, you won't violate any water restrictions.
Water Balloon "Splat"
What you'll need:
-- water balloons
-- container to hold balloons.
-- driveway or sidewalk
-- chalk
-- tape measure.
How to play:
1. Fill the balloons to the same size.
2. Each child takes a turn holding a water balloon high above his head and throws it firmly on the pavement, trying to make the biggest wet mark possible.
3. Quickly outline the wet mark with chalk, put the child's initials by it, and measure the size of the "splat" at its widest point.
4. The one making the biggest splat wins.
Water Balloon "Squat"
What you'll need:
-- water balloons
-- container to hold the balloons.
-- two lengths of rope to mark the start and finish lines.
How to play:
1. Using the rope, make two parallel lines on the ground at least 20 feet apart.
2. Divide players into two equal teams and place two piles of balloons at the start line.
3. On the word "Go!" the first child on each team picks up a balloon and runs to the finish line. They must sit on their balloon, pop it and run back to the start line.
4. The game continues until every kid on both teams had a chance.
5. The first team to finish popping all their balloons wins.
Water Balloon "Splash"
What you'll need:
-- water balloons
-- container to hold balloons.
-- one length of rope to mark the middle of the play area.
How to play:
1. Use the rope to divide the play area.
2. Divide the kids into teams, giving each a basket with an equal number of water balloons.
3. On the word, "Go!" each team attempts hitting the opposing team with water balloons.
4. Players can't cross the line to get a better shot
5. Anyone who is hit must sit out, but can rejoin the game after one minute.
6. Play until kids run out of water balloons.
Sponge Water Race
What you'll need:
-- four buckets
-- two large sponges
How to play:
1. Divide into two teams, giving each team two buckets and one sponge.
2. Put the exact amount of water in each team's bucket and place the bucket near the team.
3. Take the empty buckets from each team and put them an equal distance away.
4. Players must soak the sponge, carry it to the empty bucket, wring it out, and take it back to the next in line who does the same. This continues until the water from the first bucket is in the second bucket.
5. The winning team could be the one finishing first, or the one having the most water in the bucket at the end of the race.
sources: www.awesome-kid-birthday-parties.com; www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com
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