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Outdoor Games

Classic Games To Play With Your Children

April 27, 2018 By Jane Kent Leave a Comment

Have you ever wondered how much the average parent spends on children’s toys? According to a new survey from the Toy Industry Association, most parents spend a staggering $6,500 dollars on toys over their child’s life. This works out at around $422 per year, which is seriously expensive – but are the toys worth the cost?

Maybe not. If you look back to your childhood, it is likely that you think about playing hide and seek on the street with the neighbor’s kids, rather than playing expensive, high tech games inside. That isn’t to say that there is anything wrong with the occasional expensive toy, but in general, children are just as happy playing basic games with their friends and family – and these games make it easier for father-child bonding moments. If you want to try to save money on children’s toy, here are some of the most famous classic games that you can play with your children.

Classic Outside Games For Children

The outdoors is great for children; the fresh air is great for their overall health, and spending time outside may even reduce the chance of allergies. If you want to encourage your children to play outside, suggest playing a game of hide and seek or tag with them. Children always love playing with their parents, and the physical activity is sure to tire them out in time for bed! And if you don’t feel up to an active game, no problem. You could also take your kids to the park for some kite flying or rope skipping, or you could teach them to play with a yo-yo build a daisy chain. These classic childhood games are sure to interest your children, and they all encourage mental or physical stimulation.

Classic Beach Games For Children

Children love the beach, but a trip can be fairly expensive if you are hiring beach equipment. Thankfully you can cut costs by focusing on traditional beach games instead, such as rook pooling, crabbing and collecting shells. You can also try building sandcastles and burying each other in the sand, so you should have enough activities to keep the kids busy all day.

Classic Indoor Games For Children

If you’re tired of watching your kids look at a screen, you’re not alone. Thankfully you can get them up on their feet with some traditional indoor games that you used to play as a child; you could build a den with your children, or you could introduce them to duck-duck-goose, what’s the time Mr. Wolf? or cat’s cradle. This is a great way to spend time with your children, and if you want you could try more creative games such as making paper planes or making a telephone from plastic cups and string. Another good option is sleeping lions – especially if you can’t get your kids to calm down. Traditional childhood games are just as fun now as they ever were. Go through these suggestions to see if any ideas inspire you.

15 Games to Play with Your Kids Outside

December 3, 2015 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Do you want to keep your kids active while also challenging them mentally? Outside games are a great way to accomplish both. If you are tired of the traditional hopscotch and games of “horse” around the basketball hoop, here are some unique and creative options to try:

1. Traffic Cop

Grab all of the bikes and scooters in your garage and invite some neighbors. Then, practice playing traffic cop, having the children ride as quickly as they can and stop when you blow a whistle or put up a “stop” sign with your hand.

2. Lawn Twister

Do you have an open space that you can use for a game? Spray paint a Twister board onto it, and play the classic game outdoors. You can use this idea in the winter, too — simply spray paint the snow and pile on the warm outdoor clothing.

3. Frozen T-Shirt Race

Is it hot where you live? Soak some old t-shirts and put them in the freezer overnight. Then, have the kids race to see who can un-thaw their shirt and put it on first. They will get cool fast!

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling

Take the kids outside after dark, and place some glow sticks in 10 bottles of water. Line them up like bowling pins, and give the kids a ball to try to knock them down. Simple, but the glow-in-the-dark twist makes it incredibly fun.

5. Spud

If you can get a group of kids together, play spud. This classic childhood game is sure to bring a lot of laughter as kids try to keep from collecting letters or becoming “it.”

6. Watch Your Step

Tie a balloon to your kids’ ankles. Run around the yard, trying to stop on the other players’ balloons. The last one with a balloon intact wins.

7. Four Square

Teach your kids the classic game of four square. You will be able to introduce them to something you likely did during childhood, and they will always have something to do if they are bored.

8. Tag

Don’t underestimate the amount of fun you can have playing tag, particularly if dad participates. Add variations, like freeze tag or TV tag, to engage the mind and body.

9. Monkey in the Middle

Grab a Frisbee or playground ball and place yourself in between two of your kids. Have them try to throw the ball over your head while you try to catch it.

10. Simon Says

If you need a break from running, take on the role of Simon in this classic game. As an added bonus, your kids will get some practice with paying attention and following directions.

11. Find the Snow Flag

If you have a good covering of snow, tie a white cloth to a stick and hide it in the yard. Have your kids search for it. The one who finds it first gets to hide it next. It’s harder than you might think.

12. Tug of War

This is a great game because you can play it in any weather. Make sure you have an even number of players, including the adults, and get started. In the snow, it becomes even more entertaining as you slip and slide over the ground.

13. Rainbow Tag

Take some Popsicle sticks and coat the ends with face-paint crayons in the colors of the rainbow. Hide them around the yard for the kids to find and paint their faces. The first one with all colors is the winner.

14. Snow Hurdles

Snow along with snow gear make jumping challenging. Make “hurdles” by lining up some snowballs and have the kids jump over them. You will get a good laugh by watching one another fall in the snow.

15. Freeze Dance

Get a little crazy with your kids. Grab your phone and put on some tunes, dancing your heart out in the backyard until the music stops and everyone freezes. Dance resumes when the music does.

Remember, it doesn’t take expensive toys or even a lot of prep work to make memories with your kids. Head outside and spend a little bit of time on some of these games, and start making memories, today.

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