One last long weekend, and then it’s back to business.
For many families, this weekend represent a final grab at family time before the hectic schedule of after-school activities and work schedules get the way of the pace of life that summertime brings.
Take some time this weekend to get outside together and play. The forecast is great (up until Sunday, anyway), and the time is right.
Even if you don’t the chance to go away for the weekend, take the opportunity to teach your kids (or your parents) some outdoor games you loved as a child – Kick the Can and Hide and Seek are longtime favourites, but ask your kids if they know how to play Sticky Red Bean or make up an active game yourselves.
The Tantramar Family Resource Centre has four Active Kids Family Activity Packs that have all kinds of simple equipment and ideas for games to play together. The kits are free to borrow – just give a call or an email, or come by during out office hours (Mon-Thurs, 9-Noon).
Playing with the family-sized parachute included in the Active Kids Family Activity Pack during the 2011 Day of Caring
Now go outside and play!
Here’s a game I made up last summer – it’s called “Hot Coffee” because I made it up at 8:30 in the morning to entertain some very energetic children!
The rules are simple: There is a “caller”, and she will yell out words that act as cues for different ways to move around. Decide with the group ahead of time what the words will be, but it’s also fun to take suggestions as you go along.
We had:
Hot Coffee – the kids ran around fast
Jumping Jelly Bean – the kids hopped around on two feet
Molasses – the kids moved in slow motion
Sugar Rush – the kids ran around and screamed
(This is obviously better played outdoors!)