The popularity of video games and the appeal of 24-hour-a-day television lead many people to spend much of their time indoors. It is tempting to sit down on the weekends or after a long day of school and watch television. Make an effort to take your family and friends outside to play some fun, exciting games.
The Blob
This game involves running, so put on your shoes and get ready. Gather your children and some friends in your backyard or open field. Tell the children you are the blob and you are going to add to your size by trying to capture more blobs. Call "Go" and begin running after the others. When you catch someone, link hands. You are now both part of the blob. Run together and catch more children by tagging or circling around. The blob is able to divide itself into more blobs so long as it still has two people. The game ends when one or two children are left.
Human Bowling
Your group will enjoy playing human bowling. Grab two large stability or fitness balls and head outside. Designate a square or rectangular playing area and have two people stand on opposite ends. Tell the remaining players to stand inside the playing area. The players on the end roll the ball into the playing area, trying to hit the other players. If a player is touched by the ball, she is out and must do 20 jumping jacks on the side of the field. The last player standing in the middle wins. You can play the game with one ball if there is a catcher on the other side.
Balloon Stomp
Stomping, jumping and running make balloon stomp fun. Before the game, cut 2-foot lengths of string and blow up plenty of balloons. Tie one end of the string around the balloon and the other around each person's ankle. Ask the players to spread out. Call "Begin." All the players run around trying to jump or stomp on the other players' balloons. When the balloon pops, that player is out. The last person with an intact balloon wins.
Annie Annie Over
All you need to play Annie Annie Over is a large playground ball, a sheet to hang over a volleyball net or a shed. Position each team on either side of the net or shed. The team with the ball shouts "Annie Annie Over" and throws the ball over the obstacle. The team on the opposite side tries to grab the ball before it touches the ground. If the team is successful, the team with the ball runs around the net or shed and tries to tag the unsuspecting team. The tagged players are now part of the other team, while the free players run around to the empty side. Alternate throwing the ball over the obstacle until one team has gathered all the players.
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