Fun Games, Building Blocks for Kids

Building blocks can be great fun for kids. Both girls and boys enjoy creating with blocks so avoid stereotyping this activity as merely a boy’s game. In fact now days they make blocks in several categories and with a variety of colors that appeal to both genders.

Blocks are an important educational activity because they not only promote creativity but they help exercise fine motor skills. There is definitely higher level thinking and problem solving going on when creating with blocks.

If you have younger children, try purchasing larger building blocks for them to use. This will eliminate the possibility of choking on smaller pieces and will also diminish levels of frustration for the child. They just don’t have the fine motor skills to manipulate small pieces and will become very frustrated and perhaps disinterested in blocks altogether.
Older kids are able to manipulate smaller pieces with ease and understand the severity of putting these small pieces in their mouths.

Don’t limit yourself to looking for traditional wooden blocks, although they are both durable and long lasting, there are several different kinds of building blocks on the market that deserve to be looked at as well.

Companies make a wide range of styles; some have really interesting and brightly colored blocks. There are blocks made of wood, foam, and cardboard. Some blocks come with the alphabet printed on them while others can be used to create colorful geometric patterns. Some building blocks for kids have nubs that fasten together like legos and yet another brand use bristles that allow the blocks to adhere to each other.

As you can see there are many types of building blocks for kids available. Try to find age appropriate styles to best suit your situation. Then sit back, or join in, and watch as your children begin building giant towers and amazing castles.

New Tossing Technique for the Washer Toss Game

I don't know about you but my family and I had a great Fourth of July, lots of fun in the sun with family and friends at the lake. We spent much of the time on the water but we always seem to carve out some time for games. One of our favorites is a washer toss game. I know I've talked about this before but I actually learned something new this weekend and I wanted to share it with you.

I have a friend whose husband grew up in Mexico and apparently they played a form of this washer toss game as they were growing up. However none of us knew that before we started playing. Well you can imagine our surprise when after watching us play several rounds (and not very well either I might add,) he pipes up and says, "I bet you I can make it from here." And he was probably about twenty yards away!

None of us thought he could do it, but he stood up and tossed and sure enough it went right into the cup! Everyone cheered!

Our Mexican friend went on to explain that they played with tuna cans and washers. They would carve out a hole in the dirt wide enough and deep enough to accommodate the tuna can. The can would then be placed in the hole so it was level with the ground. The kids would take turns tossing the washers toward the can in hopes of making it.

Everyone would start at a fairly close distance, and then those that made it would take one pace back and toss again. The process was repeated until there was only one person left.

What I thought was interesting was that he didn't throw it underhand like I see most people play here. He threw it more like a Frisbee, holding the washer with his thumb and pointer finger and tossing it by flicking the wrist.

This caused the washer to spin as it flew through the air which made it fly flatter and with greater precision. I'll be honest I haven't mastered this technique yet but I'm going to keep trying it seems to work great.

If you are interested in purchasing a washer toss game check out this large selection. They have all kinds, three hole, single hole, and team logo games.

Kids Games that Aren’t Really Games

I guess usually when we think of games we associate it with a competition of some kind. But there are several activities children enjoy that aren't extremely competitive. While competition can be a good thing so can kids games or activities that encourage creativity and imagination.

Take dress up for example. Both girls and boys love to dress up and role play. In fact one way children explore the world around them is through role play. Children love to be the mom or dad. How many times have you overheard your child repeat the phrases you use every day?

Through participation in role playing kids are able to test their words and actions. Then they can gage reactions of others and modify their behavior to produce a favorable outcome. By playing these fun kids games children are learning valuable problem solving, critical thinking, and social skills like empathy and cooperation.

Children don't need much to participate in dress up or role playing, but having some props helps to facilitate the activity. Costumes or accessories are a fun way to transform into someone else. These can be purchased or collected from relatives, garage sales, or second hand stores. Many stores carry career orientated costumes, a super idea for classroom role play.

Toy companies make several toys such as kitchen sets, strollers, gas pumps, grocery stores and carts, tables, doll accessories, Doctor accessoriesand much, much more that are conducive to the role playing environment. Again, they aren't a necessity but they sure are fun.

Fun kids games like role playing are very valuable in the development of our children. Role play stimulates creativity and reinforces morals and values. It helps develop imagination and emphasizes social behaviors we find acceptable. Shouldn't we do everything to encourage kids to participate in this fun educational activity?

To see some suggestions of role playing props or costumes check out the Fun Kids Game Store.

How do you play Ladder Ball/Ladder Golf?

Before beginning a game the playing field needs to be set up. Ladder Ballgoals should be assembled and placed across from each other. We usually place ours about 40 ft. apart but this distance can be modified to work best for the players involved. You will also need to decide on a toss line. We usually use the front edge of the base extended as the acceptable toss line. But, you can create a line using a piece of rope or something similar.

Ladder Ballis played in rounds, each round consists of all players tossing 3 bolos. The first player must toss all 3 bolos before the next player is able to toss theirs. Winner of the round earns the first toss in the next round.

Boloscan be tossed any way as long as they are tossed individually. Most find it best to toss the bolos underhand style. Some players allow the bolosto bounce off the ground, while others prefer to play with a no bouncing rule. This should be determined before play begins.

The game is played to exactly 21 points. If a player goes over 21 their points for that round don’t count and they continue the next round with the previous point total. For example, if a player has 19 points going into a round and scores 4 points, none of the points count and the player goes into the next round with 19 points.

In case of a tie, extra rounds can be played. The winner must win with a two point lead over the other player or team. This two point lead rule only applies to overtime rounds.

Ladder Ballis really very easy to play for people of all ages. It is a fun enjoyable outdoor game that can be played just about anywhere.

To see Ladder Ballbeing played check out the previous post and watch the video of the National Championship.

Indoor Kids Games--Board Games

So far I’ve spent most of my time blogging about games and activities to get your family up and moving outside. Although it is important to keep our kids active during the summer, sometimes it just isn’t possible to be outside. For us that means it’s rainy, but for some of you that may mean it’s just too hot to be outside. That is when you want to have some indoor kids games to help keep them busy.

With all of the new interactive gaming systems sometimes we forget about the classic indoor kids games that kids will actually love. If you are looking to spend some quality time with the kids I suggest locating some of these board games I’m sure you remember playing as a kid.

For kids age six and up try Sorry. A game of luck, strategy and determination where players chase each other around the game board trying to be the first to get all of their pieces from start to home.

If you have children eight or older they might enjoy playing Scrabbleor Monopoly. Scrabble is an indoor kids game where players try to score as many points as possible by forming words from letters on the tiles and placing them on the game board creating a crossword of sorts. Monopoly is a riveting game of luck, chance, and wheeling and dealing--all of which can make some lucky player rich, rich, rich!

For kids nine and older the game of Life might be just the right fit. Life is a classic board game that breaks down an entire lifespan into a series of choices and chance.

All of these fun indoor kids games have several versions to choose from. If your kids are really into the bells and whistles, look for the electronic versions. They are still board games but have some component that is electronic. Be sure to check out all of the choices to find the one that will best fit your family to ensure an enjoyable game day.

Golf Practice Nets Reviewed

There are several styles of golf practice netsto choose from. I originally purchased our practice net because I love to golf but don’t always have time to hit the course. My kids have also taken a liking to golf. But we all know it can be an expensive sport.

The golf practice net has solved some of the problem of expense for me. Truthfully I was getting a bit exasperated taking my kids to the course when their skills were less than proficient. We were holding up other golfers and they had a tendency to tear up the course. Once I purchased the practice net I was able to encourage them to go out and work on their game right in the back yard.

Golf practice nets are made so durable these days that both the kids and I are able to hit with our irons as well as the driver without damaging the net. I also purchased a driving mat so we wouldn’t be tearing up the grass.

There are several styles and types of golf practice nets available. Some, like the one made by Trademark, are a pop up system. You simply unpack the net and it easily pops open all assembled and ready to use. I have heard that they may be tricky to fold back up though. Others include fiberglass expandable poles and require a bit more assembly.

Some names to look for when choosing golf practice nets are Wilson, Callaway, Izzo and Trademark.

For a large selection of golf practice nets click here.

Washer Toss Game Review

The washer toss game is another type outdoor tossing game that they whole family will love. It looks relatively easy especially when you see that the boards are only ten feet apart. But there is a certain amount of skill and strategy involved. Now don’t let that scare you into thinking kids can’t play, because they actually do quite well.

My family prefers the three hole washer toss game. The rectangular box is usually covered with some type of carpet. That causes the washer to slide on the surface. This is where strategy comes in. Often times you are able to get washers to slide across the carpet and into the proper hole in order to score 21 points for the win.

The disadvantage of this style of washer toss game is that it doesn’t pack up as easily as the bulls-eye style. But I have found that you can turn them right side up and use them to store or carry our supplies. That way it doesn’t matter that they don’t collapse or fold up.

The other kind of washer toss game I have seen and we have played is the bulls-eye style. There are single bulls-eye and double bulls-eye as well as an octagonal bulls-eye. These are essentially a box with a cup in the middle. The object is the same, first player to 21 wins. Points are scored by either getting your washer into the box (1pt.) or the cup (3pts.)

The advantage of this style is that manufactures often make the washer toss game to clasp together for transporting.

Whichever style you prefer I know your family will love playing the washer toss game. And if you are worried about kids and throwing washers, both games can be played with bean bags instead.

To see a wide variety of washer toss games check out this selection.

Croguet Game Review

The Croquet game became really popular in the United States during the 1960’s but has actually been around in England since the mid 19th century. Many of us remember playing croquet at family gatherings and having great fun.

If you are looking to purchase a croquet game set for your family here are a few things to think about. There are several types of sets. Some are geared more toward the avid croquet player and can get quite pricy. Others are more middle of the line, and are often referred to as the “weekender” sets. Still others are designed with children in mind and include decorated wickets. You’ll want to find one that suits your family’s age and needs, yet is sturdy enough to last more than a couple of summer seasons.

Most croquet games are made for 4, 6, or 8 players. Sets will include everything you need to play the game. Balls, mallets, pegs (stakes), wickets (hoops) are standard. However if you want a carrying case or storage stand make sure you read the product description thoroughly because not all sets include them.

Croquet gamesets range in cost from kids sets for $20, to tournament sets for up to $2,000. If you are looking for a croquet set for your family, you should probably be able to find one between $50-$150. Some of the more popular brands to look for include Halex, Olympia Sports, Forest, Franklin, and Sportscraft.

Check out a wide variety of croquet games at Amazon.

Ladder Ball Review

Ladder ball also known as Ladder Golf is an outdoor game of toss. Very similar to horseshoes but you don’t have to worry about the weight of the horse shoes or having your lawn torn up. The object of ladder ball is to toss your bolos toward the rungs and get them to hang there. Very fun, any age can play. Winners are the person or team to reach exactly 21 points first.

Most ladder ballsets come with two goals and six or more bolos. However I have seen a few brands that only have one goal. So make sure you know what you are purchasing. I prefer the sets with two goals. It is much easier to play with teams if there is a goal on each end and the game moves a little quicker.

Goals are generally constructed with plastic PVCpiping. Some sets are made of a combination of woodor metaland PVC. Of course the ladder ball sets with a combination wood or metal and PVC are going to be a bit sturdier and will withstand rougher play. Unfortunately they do cost a bit more. However, when weighing the cost of replacing a goal with spending more in the first place, you may come out ahead by purchasing the more expensive ladder ballmodel to begin with.

The disadvantage of some designs created with wood or metal is that they don’t break down quite as small as the ladder ball sets constructed with PVC alone. Most ladder ball sets come with a carrying case to make transporting it much easier.

The bottom line is that there are several brands of ladder balland each is great in some way. You just have to look at how you will use it and choose the best model for you and your family. Personally I prefer the sets constructed with wood. We’ve had the plastic set and it lasted about one summer. I decided to purchase the wooden ladder ball set as a replacement and am very pleased.

Indoor Kids Games

What do you do when the weather turns bad and everyone is stuck in the house? Wouldn’t It be great if you had a reparatory of indoor kids games you could pull out to help pass the time?

Where do you start? Well, there are several publishers that have compiled books filled with indoor kids games and activities. Some include activities that can be played outside as well. Two of my favorite books are Reader's Digest Great Big Book of Children's Games (Hardcover) and the McGraw Hill Great Big Book of Children's Games (Paperback). These books have the same author but different publishers and vary slightly.

The Reader's Digest Great Big Book of Children's Games includes ideas for ball games, water games, chase games, card games and well known childhood games- some classics and many new. These indoor kids games are organized by age appropriateness. The book offers ways to play several versions of popular games as well as suggestions for make-your-own versions.

The McGraw Hill Great Big Book of Children's Gamesfeatures more than 450 indoor kids games and outdoor games as well. These are arranged according to appropriate age groups, the games run the gamut in theme and mood. There are games designed for quiet times and intellectual stimulation as well as those that contribute to physical development, such as strength and wrestling games and races and relays. This book presents parents with a vast array of games for children of all ages.

Games play a crucial role in a child’s development. Parents are always looking for fun ways to encourage this growth. These two books of indoor kids games are loaded with ideas to accomplish just that. Of course there are several other books of indoor kids gamesavailable that are also worthwhile checking out.