Croquet Game

As you are thinking of ways to get your kids up, moving, and outside this summer don’t forget the classical Croquet Game. I’m sure many of you parents, me included, remember playing with our parents. I don’t know if I thought the game was fabulous because I actually liked it, or because I was getting the chance to take part in something with my parents. Either way, just thinking about the Croquet Game brings back good memories.

The game of croquet is actually believed to have been adapted by the French around the year 1851. There are several people, not only from France but from England as well, who claim to have “standardized” the game. Even though croquet was introduced as an Olympic game in 1900 at the Paris Olympics, it wasn’t until the 60’s that the Croquet Game really took off in the United States.

With the Croquet Game players can participate as teams or individually. Usually four to six color coded mallets and balls come in a set. But if you have a large gathering, people can be split into pairs and each pair takes turns striking the ball when their turn comes around. Don’t worry if you don’t remember the rules, most croquet sets come with everything you need to get the game started—rules included.

These old fashion games often get over looked because they lack the modern day bells and whistles of today’s popular video games. But I ask you, what is more beneficial learning how to interact with a T.V screen or real people?

The neat thing about a Croquet Game is that it is multi-generational. Even Grandma can play without too much stress or strain. If you have rally young players there are also sets designed just for them made with foam. What a great way to pass an afternoon with family or friends creating many life long memories.

Ladder Ball

If you are looking for a fun outdoor game that literally everyone from five to ninety-five can play, this is it. Ladder Ball is quickly becoming the outdoor game of choice because of its ability to be packed and transported with very little effort. Most Ladder Ball sets come with a carrying case included. Ladder Ballis perfect for camping, family reunions, summer parties, and out door bar-b-ques. It does not require a large area to play, because the goals can be set up a couple different ways. In fact some manufacturers claim that you can even play indoors, although I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a large open room.

The story is that Ladder Ball originated with the American cowboys who used split rail fences and their cow wrangling Bolas (Bolos) to play the game. Ladder Ball, also known as Bolo Toss (now you know why) can be played as teams or individually. It is similar to horse shoes, but can be played in the back yard without the wear and tear on your lawn.

The object of the Ladder Ball game is to toss three bolos, which consist of two golf balls connected by nylon string, to the opposite goal trying to wrap them on one of the three bars. Each bar scores different points. Points can either be voided or subtracted if your opponents balls land on the same bar or knock yours off a bar. Play continues until one team reaches the exact score of 21. The wonderful thing about the Ladder Ball is that rules can be easily modified to fit any age or skill level.

If you are looking for fun inexpensive entertainment for most any type of gathering a Ladder Ball game might just be what you are looking for. Give it a try; you may just start a new tradition!