A Festive Backyard Field Day with Good Sportsmanship!

Jumping, hopping, racing, throwing—who doesn’t love a summer field day? A backyard filled with games, activities and kids is a fantastic excuse to get together with friends. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Use what you have and set up some good old-fashioned backyard fun. It will provide hours of entertainment. And parents, what a great way to reinforce good sportsmanship with your kids! The first step is to organize teams to help promote cooperative play. Then set up a variety of games. And finally, weave in a good sportsmanship lesson! Here are a few tried-and-true ideas to get you started: THE GAMES Bean Bag Toss – Kids love throwing anything! Use large bowls or buckets as the target and have the kids toss. Don’t worry if you don’t have bean bags—use other items as … [Read more...]

The Categories Game for Families and Kids

This thinking game can be planned most anywhere – in the car, while waiting in line, at the dinner table. The Categories Game is easy and can be adapted for most any age group. Like Family Feud, players guess answers that fit a particular category, but there's no "survey says". The round goes on and on until players run out of ideas. Try playing it with the kids on your next family road trip or while waiting for a doctor’s appointment or oil change. Best of all, no supplies are required. The Categories Game can be played anywhere, anytime. What is The Categories Game? The Categories Game will have your kids searching their brains for items that fit a certain category. Some rounds will last ten minutes and others will last for hours, depending on the category selected. When … [Read more...]

Amazing Life Lessons From Board Games

Who doesn’t love all the benefits of a good old-fashioned board game? Board games are perfect for a little indoor fun as the weather gets cooler and on rainy days. They provide hours of entertainment and are wonderful ‘educational tools’. Yes, they make everyone a little smarter! And to top it off, they offer lots of family bonding-without screens. Top Life Lessons Learned: Taking Turns – Let’s face it, it can be tough for kids to take turns. Board games teach you to be patient as you wait for your opponent’s next move. Commitment – Keep going and don’t give up! A simple game such as Monopoly teaches commitment and perseverance. Stay committed, even if times get tough. Things can turn with time! Focus & Concentration – Study the situation and focus! Operation takes a … [Read more...]

Tailgating 2.0

Our first Tailgate post was so much fun we decided to come back for more! Whether you are watching the game from your couch, the backyard or literally tailgating in a parking lot or field, here are some must-haves to have on hand… TCU Roadie Cups No self-respecting Tailgator doesn’t have appropriate Roadie Cups at the ready. These “Home” & “Away” cups show that you are ready to cheer your team on whether you are in your own parking lot or at an away game supporting your team. Broncos Tailgate Toss When you’re at the stadium Tailgating there is a lot of waiting around for the game to start. This bean bag toss game is perfect to keep you busy & the kids occupied while the burgers are cooking & you’re in pre-game mode. I’ve always loved this game & it never fails to … [Read more...]

5 Indoor Games You Can Make and Play

Baby, It's cold outside! If you are looking for new ways to entertain the kiddos in your house while they are in your house, we've got the inspiration you need! Shake off the cabin fever and have some fun doing it….. The Decorated Cookie used a cereal box (Kix) to create this tabletop mini golf game.  Let your bigger kids use their imagination and work side by side to create their own set ups.  Bluet and Clover shares a way to make good use of a tray for a fun game similar to Candyland. Legos.  You know you've got them. Probably lots of them. Maybe it's time to rethink the Legos into a new use.  Love this chess set that 100 Directions made. [sc:adsense ] Here I Am LouLou  made a magnetic game board.  Using a dry erase marker the possibilities are endless. Plus, I … [Read more...]

Super Fun, Old-Fashioned Games for Modern Kids

Remember when a friendly game of Kickball was all you needed to stay entertained for hours?  Or, how about stepping out on the front porch to swing the Hula Hoop around your hips?  Old-fashioned games are still so much fun...when we turn our video games off and put our smart phones away long enough to enjoy them.  Let's get outside and show our kids how WE used to play!! {photo credit} Pull out the sidewalk chalk, draw a Hopscotch Board, grab a rock and get to hopping! {photo credit} You don't have to have burlap potato sacks to enjoy a classic backyard Sack Race. Step into a pillowcase {as a substitution}, line up against your competitors and JUMP to the finish line! {photo credit} What you lack in coordination you can make up while having a good time with a Hula Hoop. … [Read more...]