Summer Outdoor Fun and Games

1. Make and fly your own kites
Nothing more satisfying than making your own kite and being able to fly it. Here's how..
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Kite-Out-of-a-Plastic-Bag

2. Kiddie barbeque
If you have one, use a mini barbeque pit. If not, you can make one out of empty tins. Just place a couple of charcoal briquettes in the kiddie barbeque pits. All the food is precooked. The idea is to let the kids have fun making believe they're really barbequeing. The real fun is being together as a family.

3. Camp out under the stars in the backyard
If you have a tent, great, if not then use old bedsheets and build a make-shift shelter. Not for small children who need to go to the loo every hour.

4. Look for seashells on the beach
Some beaches are great for se shell hunting, some are not. But the thing here isn't about actually finding for sea-shells, it's the HUNT that's exciting. When (if) you've got a bunch of sea shells, use them to make a necklace or other crafts.

5. Build a tire swing in your backyard
Get an old tire from any auto shop or if you have on in your garage, make use of it. You'll need tough rope that you can get from the hardware store. Make sure the branch is sturdy. You'll need to get Dad in on this.

6. Play crab soccer
Tiring but fun. http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/games/crabsoccer.html

7. Feed the ducks or swans at a local pond
First, make sure there are no signboards that say "Don't feed the ducks"!

8. Scary stories night
If you have a backyard, start a campfire, toast some marshmallows and tell scary stories. Alternatively, clear some space in your garage and switch off the lights.

9. Picnic in the park
Actually you don't need a park. A nice big ol' shady tree (even in your backyard) will make a really nice place for a picnic. Have a hearty meal, lie down, and watch the clouds go by as you make out imaginary animals with your kids.

10. Make your own hopscotch pattern
Hopscotch is really fun if you make your own patterns and rules.

11. Play tic-tac-toe or hangman on your driveway using chalk
There are lots of "boring" games that suddenly become exciting when you play it on the driveway. After they're done, get the kids to hose the driveway with water to wash away the chalk marks.

12. Sprinkler and hose
Simply pull out the sprinkler and water hose and let the fun begin.

Mrs. Varner