Summer games played in the backyard are fun for kids of all ages. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of our favorite relay games, along with variations.

Get outside and play!

Classic Relay Race

• All you need is a starting line, a finish line, and something to serve as a baton to be passed from player to player (a glow stick is fun to use at night!)


• To play, divide all the players into an equal number of teams. A good number is three or four runners per team.


• Line up the runners from each team along the race route. For example, if there are four players on each team, have one player stand at the start line, another stand 25 yards ahead, another 25 yards beyond, and the last player 25 yards beyond that (which should be 25 yards before the finish line).


• At the starting signal, the first runner in line on each team sprints to the second runner while carrying the baton. Upon reaching the second runner, he or she passes the baton, and the second runner dashes for the third runner, who then passes the baton to the fourth runner. The fourth runner heads for the finish line.


• The first team to reach the finish line without dropping the baton wins!


• VARIATION: For smaller spaces, use a start/finish line and a turn-around line. Players begin the relay lined up at the start/finish line, run to the turn-around line, then back to the start/finish line – then the next player in line repeats the pattern. Adjust the distance between the start/finish line and the turn-around line based on the ages and ability of the players.

Crab Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line and a turn-around line.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team crawl backward on their hands and feet from the start line to the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they stand up and run back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players tag the next runner in line, who then crawls backwards, repeating the pattern.


• The first team to successfully complete the pattern and cross the finish line first, wins!

Kangaroo Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line and a turn-around line.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team hop from the start line to the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they turn around and hop back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players tag the next runner in line, who then hops to the turn-around line, repeating the pattern.


• The first team to successfully complete the pattern and cross the finish line first, wins!


• VARIATION: Turn this relay into a One-Foot Relay! Instead of hopping on two feet, have the players hop on one foot to the turn-around line, then hop on the other foot back to the start/finish line.

Oasis Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, and one plastic cup filled with water for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team jump from the start/finish line to the turn-around line, trying to spill as little water as possible. At the turn-around line, they run back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the cup of water to the next runner in line, who then jumps to the turn-around line, repeating the pattern.


• The team with the most water in their cup at the end of the race wins!

Firefighters’ Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, a bucket filled with water, an empty bucket, and a plastic cup – one of each for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team scoops a plastic cup of water from their bucket and runs to an empty bucket at the turn-around line, trying to avoid spilling any water. At the turn-around line, they pour the water from the cup into the bucket, and then sprint back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the cup to the next runner in line, who then scoops another cup of water from their bucket, and repeats the pattern.


• The team that transfers all their water from one bucket to the other bucket first, is the winner!

Newspaper Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, and two sheets of newspaper for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team lays down one sheet of newspaper in front of them and steps onto it. They then lay down the second sheet of newspaper and step onto that, while they turn around and pick up the first sheet of newspaper. Players continue to the turn-around line, only by stepping from sheet to sheet. At the turn-around line, they continue the pattern back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the sheets of newspaper to the next runner in line, who then repeats the pattern.


• The team who successfully completes the pattern first, wins the race!


• TIP: Have extra sheets of newspaper available in case of rips and tears.

Don’t Lose Your Marbles Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, a teaspoon and a marble for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team places a marble into their teaspoon, then runs from the start/finish line to the turn-around line, trying not to lose their marble! At the turn-around line, they run back to the start line, again trying not to drop the marble.


• At the start line again, the players pass the teaspoon and marble to the next runner in line, who then repeats the pattern.


• The team to complete the pattern first without dropping their marble, wins!


• NOTE: If a marble is dropped during the race, the player who dropped the marble must return to the start/finish line and begin their turn again.


• VARIATION: Instead of using a teaspoon and a marble, use a large spoon and a raw egg! Just make sure to have plenty of eggs on hand – you’ll need them!

Sponge Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, buckets filled with water, empty buckets, and a sponge for each team.


• Line up each team’s runners behind the start/finish line. Place a bucket filled with water at this line and an empty bucket at the turn-around line – do this for each team.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team uses a sponge to soak up as much water as possible from the bucket of water, then runs to an empty bucket at the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they squeeze out the sponge into the empty bucket, and then sprint back to the start line.


• At the start line again, the players pass the sponge to the next runner in line, who soaks up water from their bucket, and repeats the pattern.


• The team that transfers the most water from one bucket to the other bucket first, is the winner!

Scooter Board Relay

• To play, you will need a start/finish line, a turn-around line, and a scooter board for each team.


• Line up each team’s players behind the start/finish line, each with a scooter board.


• At the start signal, the first players on each team sits on the scooter board and races to the turn-around line. At the turn-around line, they turn back to the start/finish line as quickly as they can.


• At the start line again, the players pass the scooter board to the next player in line, who sits down and repeats the pattern.


• The team that crosses the finish line first, wins the race!

For lots of fun outdoor games and toys, make sure to visit EscapadeDirect.com!

Hot, blistering summer days….

Gather your friends and cool off with a good old-fashioned water fight! There are many ways to have fun with a water fight – here are some ideas to get you started.

What You Will Need:

• Yard or other outdoor grassy area (do not play these games indoors!)


• Water Guns, filled and ready to go!


• Spray Bottles or Squeeze Bottles


• Buckets filled with water or Tubtrugs
  
• Water Balloons


• Sponges


• Large Plastic Cups


• Garden Hoses


• 2 or more Players


• Towel, one for each player


• Change of clothes, optional

Basic Water Fight

• The object of the water fight is to get everyone as wet as possible and to have fun!


• Have each player gather together all the supplies he or she would like to use for the game, filled with water of course – this is where it gets creative!


• Determine the boundries of play, if desired.


• Establish teams, or play each person for themselves.


• When everyone is armed and ready, let the play begin and drench your friends!

Water Duel

• The object of the game is to soak your opponent while you stay dry!


• Arm two players with similar water guns or squirters, then have them stand back-to-back.


• Both players walk twelve paces away from each other.


• At twelve paces, one player counts to three, then both players spin around and unleash their weapon’s payload at the other.


• The winner is the one that remained the most dry.


• If you have more than two players, have all players stand in a circle, back-to-back, then follow the steps above. Super soaker fun!

Water Tag

• The object of the game is to tag players with water to remove them from the game.


• Determine who will be “It” for the first round.


• On “Go!”, all players run within the designated area, trying to avoid being squirted or splashed by “It”. The last person squirted, is “It” for the next round.

Sponge Splashes

• Gather together several large buckets or Tubtrugs and several sponges.


• Dip the sponges in the buckets of water, then throw the sponges at your friends! If you prefer, you can also wring the sponges out over your friends. Sponges are easy to “reload” and get ready for the next splash! Beware… once you throw a sponge, you will have to get past your friends in order to get the sponge back! Have fun!

Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.

Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

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RECIPE:

Did you know that Vermont produces the most maple syrup of any state in the country? Vermont is also known for growing many different apple varieties.

This recipe uses both the maple syrup and apples found in Vermont to make a delicious recipe that will have your kids asking for more!

VERMONT Baked Apples with Maple Syrup

What You Will Need:

• 4 Apples, such as Gala apples


• 1/3 cup dried Cherries or Golden Raisins


• 1/3 cup Walnut Pieces (optional)


• 1/3 cup pure Maple Syrup


• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter


• 3 tablespoons reduced fat Sour Cream


• 3 tablespoons Gingersnaps, crushed


• Melon Baller


• 8″ Square Baking Dish

What You Do:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


• Core apples using a melon baller to make a cavity that is about 3/4″ wide and within 1/2″ from the bottom of the apple.


• Peel the top inch of the apple, leaving the skin on the rest of the apple.


• Fill the center of the apple with cherries and walnuts.


• Place filled apples in an 8″ square baking dish.


• Drizzle maple syrup over the apples, then top each apple with 1/2 tablespoon butter.


• Bake apples until they are tender – usually 45 to 60 minutes. You may want to occasionally brush apples with the juices that accumulate in the pan while baking.


• When apples are done baking, place an apple in a shallow bowl or deep plate.


• In a small bowl, mix together the apple juice liquid from the baking pan with the sour cream.


• Drizzle mixture over the apples and sprinkle apples with gingersnaps to serve.

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STATE INFORMATION LINK:

Vermont State Information – Click this link to learn more about Vermont attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!

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FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

Vermont Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

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YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

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Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.

It’s time for slime!

Our Slime Party Kit is a favorite for kids of all ages! This super cool and strange non-Newtonian fluid is a blast to mix up and play with, making it a perfect “mad scientist” party activity! And… not only is this a fun party theme, but the slime becomes a party favor that kids can take home with them! Is that cool, or what?!

The Slime Party Kit contains enough ingredients to make 15 ooey-gooey 2 ounce batches of slime, or 30 gooey 1 ounce batches — plenty of slime for all your party guests!

Like our other Party Kits, the Slime Party Kit contains supplies, party favors, and a Slime Party Guide which includes decorating ideas, suggestions for games and activities, and tips you can use to ensure a fun, successful party!

All our Party Kits are designed to be fun for kids of all ages to use, easy for parents to set up, and perfect for any location. We’ve made your party shopping easy and fast, so you don’t have to spend hours running around shopping dozens of stores. And, our low prices allow you to host a party for as little as $2 per guest! We’ve also created invitations and decorations that are ready for you to download and use! What could be easier?!

Our Party Kits are perfect for birthday parties, classroom parties, playdates, holiday parties, family gatherings, camp group activities, and more!

Let’s get your party started!

Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

---

RECIPE:

Did you know that in 2001, Green Jell-O was declared the “Official State Snack” of Utah? Utah farmers mostly raise livestock such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, and turkeys. Because of the dry climate, irrigation has to be used to grow wheat, potatoes, apples, and peaches.

Here is a quick and simple recipe for Utah’s official snack!

UTAH Green Jell-O

What You Will Need:

• 1 cup Water


• 1 6-ounce package Lime Gelatin


• 1/2 cup Sugar


• 2 tablespooons fresh Lemon Juice (optional)


• 1 cup Crushed Pineapple, un-drained


• 2 cups Whipping Cream


• Small Saucepan


• Medium Sized Bowl


• 9″ x 13″ Glass Pan

What You Do:

• Bring water to boil in a small saucepan.


• Put gelatin and sugar in a medium sized bowl, then add boiling water and stir until the gelatin is dissolved.


• Add lemon juice and stir in crushed pineapple.


• Refrigerate mixture until it is slightly syrupy.


• Remove mixture from refrigerator and fold whip cream into gelatin mixture.


• Transfer mixture to a 9″ x 13″ glass pan, then refrigerate several hours until firm.


• Serve and enjoy!

---

STATE INFORMATION LINK:

Utah State Information – Click this link to learn more about Utah attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!

---

FREE STATE PRINTABLES:

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

Utah Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

---

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

---

Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

Copyright © 2007-2010 Escapade Direct LLC. All rights reserved. All content on this site is property of Escapade Direct LLC and may not be used without our written permission.

Want a fun way to cool off on a hot day?

Here are some great ideas for outdoor water play – something children of all ages will enjoy! These activities are great for children because they are open-ended and provide opportunities for creative learning experiences.

Click Play With Water for lots of fun ideas to help get you started!

Water toys, and games in the grass… perfect for a Summer day!

Summer is a time for kids to run in the sun and splash in the water. We’ve assembled our “surf and turf” collection of water toys and backyard games for your kids, to help them enjoy these last warm days of summer.

Click August Surf and Turf to see all our featured products for this month. Make sure to see the creative ideas and extra website links provided on each of these product pages for even more fun ways to use the products — an Escapade Direct exclusive feature!

Here is a sample of this month’s Featured Products:

• Underwater Soccer Ball Pool Toy – This unique, water-filled soccer ball is a blast to kick around in the pool! A great workout, too!
• Scoobarang Underwater Boomerang – This bright yellow boomerang is fun for kids and adults, and it really does come right back to you!
• Girder and Panel Hydrodynamic Deluxe Set – Take water play to a whole new level with this dynamic building set! Kids love to watch the water flow through the pipes and valves, while they control where the water goes.
• Water Pump and Bucket Play Set with Color Tablets – This cool clear bucket and pump make water play exciting! Add the color tablets for even more fun!
• Aqua Launch Water Balloon Slingshot – What’s a summer without water balloons?! This deluxe slingshot set allows you to launch water balloons up to 50 feet! Now that’s backyard fun!
• Dip Stix Giant Bubble Maker – Made by the world record bubble blower, this incredible set is fun for all ages! Make sure to click this link to watch a video of all the bubble tricks you can do – they really are amazing!
• MOOV Street Kit – This high-quality wooden construction set allows kids from ages 5 through 12 to build their own vehicles that they can actually ride on! Ingenius!
• Ezy Roller Riding Machine – This super fun ride-on is great for kids and adults! Just get on, push the bar back and forth with your feet, and you’re off and rolling!
• Original Stomp Rocket – 3…2…1…. BLAST OFF! You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to set up this easy-to-use rocket kit! It’s a blast to see kids stomp their rockets up to 100 feet in the air!
• Original Djubi Set – This really is the ultimate game of catch! Just hook the djubi on the racket, pull back, and fling! The djubi balls are fun to catch, and fling back. A fun outdoor game for all ages! Click this link to watch a video of Djubi in action!
• Dirtbag Classic Footbag – This handy hacky-sack is a great way to exercise while having fun! Create your own tricks and play alone or with a friend.
• Backyard Play Pack – Ropes, Strings, and Twirly Things – We’ve put together this set of backyard fun for anyone who likes to jump rope, twirl, and play rope games. Classic fun!
• Backyard Play Pack – Rockets, Balloons, and Flying Things – Get ready to experience flight… in your backyard! Fly kites, airplanes, and rockets!
• Backyard Play Pack – Let’s Go Retro! – This classic set of retro toys is fun for kids of all ages! Blow colorful bubbles, play ball and backyard games, and create a game or two of marbles! Retro fun!

Visit August Surf and Turf for more information about these featured products, and for even more cool things to play with!