By, Lucy Chatman
In today's digital age, it's no secret that children spend far too much time indoors glued to their screens. But worry not, because this summer, we have the perfect remedy for family wellness and togetherness: backyard games! These simple, yet wildly entertaining games will have the whole family laughing, bonding, and enjoying the great outdoors. Best of all, you don't need to buy a ton of fancy equipment. So, let's dive in and discover five fantastic made-up games that will make this summer one to remember!
Splash Tag: On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than a game that combines laughter and water. Splash Tag is a twist on the classic game of tag, but with a refreshing twist! All you need is a garden hose or a couple of water guns. Designate one player as "It" and let the chase begin! The twist is that whenever "It" tags another player, they get drenched with water. The laughter is guaranteed as everyone runs, dodges, and tries to stay dry!
Picnic Puzzlers: Combine the fun of a picnic with a dash of brain-teasing challenges! Picnic Puzzlers is a game that tests your problem-solving skills while enjoying a delicious outdoor meal. Gather your family around a picnic table and present them with a series of riddles or puzzles. The first one to solve each puzzle gets to take a bite of their scrumptious snack. Not only will your brains get a workout, but the anticipation and joyful celebration of every solved puzzle will create lasting memories.
Bubble Bonanza: Who can resist the mesmerizing allure of bubbles? Bubble Bonanza turns the simple act of blowing bubbles into a thrilling competition. Each player is equipped with their own bubble wand and a bottle of bubble solution. The objective is to create the biggest, most beautiful bubble without it popping. Keep a tally of the bubble sizes, and award points for the largest unburst bubble. Get ready for giggles and friendly bubble battles that will have your family floating on a sea of laughter!
Silly Obstacle Course: Transform your backyard into an epic obstacle course filled with laughter and wacky challenges. Use everyday items like hula hoops, buckets, ropes, and cushions to create a series of obstacles. Players must complete the course while performing silly actions like hopping on one foot, spinning in circles, or pretending to be different animals. Time each participant, and see who can complete the course with the most style and the fewest stumbles. This game promises to keep everyone active, engaged, and in fits of laughter!
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Ignite your family's curiosity and appreciation for the great outdoors with a nature scavenger hunt. Make a list of items for players to find in your backyard, such as a smooth pebble, a colorful flower, a feather, or a squirmy worm. Split into teams or go solo, armed with baskets to collect your findings. The first person or team to find all the items wins. Encourage discussions about nature and create an opportunity to learn about the world around us while having fun and sharing laughs together.
POOL TIME FUN: Whether you have your own backyard pool or a neighborhood community pool you enjoy with your family, here are some favorite pool games fun for kids of all ages:
Floaty Flip Race: Turn your pool into a competitive racecourse with Floaty Flip Race! Gather a few pool floats or inflatable toys for each participant. The objective is to flip your floaty and race to the other end of the pool while keeping it flipped. The catch? You can only use your hands to flip the floaty, no other body parts allowed! The first one to reach the finish line with their floaty flipped wins. Get ready for splashes, laughter, and some friendly poolside rivalry!
Noodle Joust: Grab your pool noodles and get ready for a splashingly good time with Noodle Joust! Each player mounts their pool noodle steed (a pool noodle with one end in the water) and stands on a floating platform. The goal is to knock your opponents off their platforms using your noodle. Engage in epic battles of balance, skill, and laughter as you joust your way to victory. The last player standing on their platform is crowned the champion!
Dive and Seek: Combine the excitement of a treasure hunt with the refreshing coolness of the pool in Dive and Seek! Gather a variety of small pool-friendly items (such as diving toys, coins, or even glow sticks for a nighttime version). One person is designated as the "Seeker" and stays outside the pool while the rest of the players scatter the items around the pool. The Seeker then dives in and tries to retrieve as many items as possible within a time limit. The player with the highest number of retrieved items becomes the next Seeker. Get ready for a watery adventure and a whole lot of diving fun!
Remember, safety should always be a priority when playing pool games. Ensure that everyone participating is a confident swimmer and take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents. Have a splashing good time in the pool with these additional games! With these fantastic backyard games, you're all set for a summer full of family wellness, laughter, and cherished memories. Step away from the screens, embrace the sunshine, and enjoy the simple pleasures of spending quality time together. These made-up games require little to no equipment and offer boundless fun for all ages. So, gather your loved ones, unleash your imagination, and let the games begin! Happy summer, filled with laughter and outdoor adventures!
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