Enough academics!! Time to go outside and PLAY! Here are some great ideas to get kids moving this summer.
Fitness/Learning Trail
Get scrap cardboard, a marker, tape, and you’ll be set to make your own fitness trail. Cut the cardboard into 8” x 10” pieces. Write different body and brain exercises on each card and tape to different locations on your playground. For example:
10 jumping jacks
say a nursery rhyme
8 windmills
count backwards from 20
12 squats
name your city, state, and country
15 sit ups
name 5 insects
7 push ups
sing the ABC’s forwards and then backwards
Get scrap cardboard, a marker, tape, and you’ll be set to make your own fitness trail. Cut the cardboard into 8” x 10” pieces. Write different body and brain exercises on each card and tape to different locations on your playground. For example:
10 jumping jacks
say a nursery rhyme
8 windmills
count backwards from 20
12 squats
name your city, state, and country
15 sit ups
name 5 insects
7 push ups
sing the ABC’s forwards and then backwards
Broomstick Hockey
You will need children's brooms and a rubber ball for this game. Children hit the ball with the broom and try to get it in a box or designated area. Bowling
Take several empty liter bottles from water or soft drinks and arrange them in a triangle. Children stand behind a line and roll a ball, trying to knock down the plastic bottles. Count how many they knock down. Let children can take turns rolling the ball and setting up the bottles for each other.
Hint! Fill the bottles with water if it’s a windy day.
Bouncy Ball Lane
Draw a path on the sidewalk with chalk. Children take balls and try to bounce them on the designated line.
Goofy Golf
You will need several empty cardboard containers from fried chicken, popcorn, ice cream, etc. Turn the containers upside down and cut an arch out of the bottom similar to a mouse hole. Set the containers up on the grass and let the children practice hitting golf balls in the holes.
*You can also make a golf course with hula hoops.
*Use small brooms and tennis balls instead of golf clubs.
Paddle Ball
To make paddles, place two paper plates together and staple ¾ of the way around. Insert the hand and use like a paddle. Roll up a scrap piece of paper to make a ball.
Balloon Tennis
Bend two coat hangers into diamond shapes. Stretch the legs of panty hose over the diamonds and knot at the end. Bend up the hook of the hangers and tape it to make handles. Blow up a balloon and you’re set of a tennis match!
Can Catch
You will need a tennis ball and empty Pringle’s can for this game. Children bounce the ball and try to catch it in the can. They can place this game by themselves or with a friend.
