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 Kids are out of school and have lots of free time on their hands. We have dozens and dozens of unique activities and project ideas for kids to do – most are free or low-cost! Check them out at Outdoor Activities for Kids and have a blast this summer!
Make sure to check out all our fun Outdoor Play products, too!
Happy Summer!
Did you know that the third week in May (May 15-21 this year) is National Backyard Game Week? Yep! Time to go outside and play!
It’s a great time to head outside with your kids and play active fun games that stimulate your brain and keep your body moving!
We’ve put together this 2011 list of our favorite games. Each “how-to” article has all the information you need to get started, including some fun variations on the games.
What are you waiting for? Gather your friends and neighbors and play games!
2011 National Backyard Games Week Games
Pass the Ball – You’ll have a ball with this fun game! The object of the game is to successfully pass the ball between players along a line. It’s not as easy as it sounds!
Patsy Ball – Test your hand-eye coordination with this fun and simple ball game! It’s perfect for kids of all ages, and can be played indoors or outdoors!
Odd Ball – Guard your goal to keep your opponents ball from leaving the circle! This game helps improve hand-eye coordination and balance, and is a lot of fun!
Leapfrog – You’re never too old to play a good old-fashioned game of Leapfrog! Here’s how!
Pickle in the Middle – This team game of tag is a backyard classic! Teach your kids how to play and have fun dodging your opponents!
MORE Backyard Games
For your convenience, here are links to our previous posts for even MORE backyard games!
Backyard Relays – Backyard relay games are so exciting! This post includes nine unique relays for you to play!
Unique Ways to Play Golf – This post includes several unique and really fun ways that you can play golf at home – without all the fancy equipment!
Our 2010 National Backyard Game Week Games – Make sure to check out our blog post for our 2010 National Backyard Game Week Games for dozens MORE fun games to play!
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Copyright © 2007-2011 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.
 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.
 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!
 Create a bright and cheerful sun catcher with this easy punch art activity!
This simple art project is fun for kids of all ages and requires materials found around the house. It’s a nice way to add a bit of sunshine to the windows in your house.
What You Will Need:
- Art Board or heavy construction paper
- Star Template (click this link to open and print the template – template will open in a new window)
- Colored Pencils, Crayons, or Markers
- Scissors
- Punch Tool (Awl) or Sharp Nail
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Fishing Line or String
- Sunny Window
What You Do:
- Draw the shape of a star on a sheet of art board or heavy construction paper.
- Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to color the star however you would like – a solid color or several colors.
- Use a scissors to cut out your star shape.
- Lay a piece of corrugated cardboard on a table, then lay your star shape on top the cardboard. The cardboard will protect your table while punching, and it acts as a cushion to allow your punch to go through the paper.
- Use a punch tool or sharp nail to punch holes in your star shape. Be creative! Punch straight lines, circles, or swirls.
- When you are happy with the holes you’ve punched, thread a length of fishing line through one of the holes and hang your sun catcher in a bright, sunny window!
Variations:
- Experiment with different size holes. Larger holes will let in more sun and the smaller holes create interesting patterns around the larger holes.
- Use the star shaped sun catchers to decorate a patio or deck for a party at night. Create a dozen or more star shaped sun catchers, then use fishing line to hang them from a string of white holiday lights around a patio. The light from the holiday lights will shine through your sun catchers and create a festive mood for a summer party.
- Use black construction paper in place of an art board for this project. The black colored paper really makes the holes stand out!
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.
 Did you know that on an average night, it is possible to view 1,500 stars in the sky? Here’s your chance to count them with this simple night sky viewer!
This activity is fun for families and can be done in any location where you have a view of the night sky.
Kids love the opportunity to stay up late, and are amazed by the number of stars they can see. Experiencing the wonders of the night sky is something kids will enjoy and remember for a very long time.
What You Will Need:
What You Do To Make Your Viewer:
- Create a viewing frame by cutting a sheet of chipboard or heavy construction paper into an 8-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ square.
- Use a ruler to measure in 3/4″ border from each side of the chipboard and draw a 7″ x 7″ square inside.
- Using a scissors, poke a hole inside the 7″ square, cut to the pencil line, then follow the pencil line and completely cut out the 7″ square. Discard the square center, and keep the outside border – this will be your viewer frame.
- Measure and cut a length of string 32″ long. The string will become the holder for your viewer frame.
- Loop the string through the viewer frame, and tie the ends of the string into a knot. This will allow you to wear your viewer like a pendant on a necklace.
What You Do To Use Your Viewer:
- To use your viewer, put the string around your neck like you are wearing a necklace. Hold the viewer frame in your hand until the string is stretched tight. The string acts as a tool to keep your viewer at the same distance from your body each time you use it.
- When you are ready to count stars, go outside to the darkest place you can find. Hold the viewer frame in front of you until the string is tight. The stars you see inside the frame represent 1/40th of the night sky. Now hold very still, and count all the stars you can see within the frame. You might want to sit or lay on the ground to be comfortable and keep steady.
- Make a note of the number of stars observed and the location of your observation (for example, “30 stars in the backyard by the fence”.)
- Repeat the steps above, counting the stars in at least four other locations, and change your view of the stars each time.
- Once you have counted stars in five separate locations, calculate the average number of stars observed. To do this, add up all the stars spotted from all five locations, and divide that number by 5.
- Multiply the number you arrived at in the previous step by 40. This new number will give you the approximate number of stars in the night sky! Pretty cool, huh!?
Variations:
- Have each member of your family make their own star viewer. Compare the number of stars observed by each family member. Were the total star counts similar? If not, why do you think that happened?
- If you have the opportunity, do this activity near a city and then again in the country. Or have your friends and family that live in other cities, states or countries do the same activity, and report their findings to you. Compare the total star counts: are the counts different between the various locations? Why is this? Which location, city, state or country had the highest star count? Why?
Conclusion:
- This activity is an excellent demonstration of how light pollution affects the number of stars we can observe and count in the night sky. Click Turn Out the Lights! by Harcourt School for more information on the affects of light pollution.
You May Also Like:
Sky Challenger – Much more than the standard star finder wheel – it’s a fantastic tool for helping children learn astronomy. Build your own star finder with the six interchangeable wheels, each full of activities and suggested games.
The Constellations, Stars and Stories – It’s not always easy to find the 88 constellations, but this illustrated guidebook will lead you through the stars and make gazing at them a more meaningful experience.
Laser Stars – Bring the beauty and amazement of the stars into your room! This incredible laser light is sure to amaze!
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.
 The sun is at it’s peak this time of year – now is the perfect time to head outside with your kids and create art… with a little help from the sun!
Here are several projects to get you started:
- Solar Wood Art – Science and Art with help from the sun! Harness the power of the sun and create a unique work of art with this woodburning activity! Adult supervision is a MUST.
- Solar Prints – Experiment with the sun and learn about the effects of ultraviolet rays, while creating works of art!
- Melting Art – Kids absolutely love this project! It demonstrates the power of the sun while creating fun pieces of art.
- Shadow Art – Make artwork using shadows created by the sun! This is really a unique art form that can be done almost anywhere outside, and is fun for kids of all ages. A must-do summer activity!
We’ll be posting fun sunny day and starry night activities all month – click the icon in the upper right corner of this window to subscribe to our blog and be alerted via email when there is a new post!
You May Also Like:
Physics Solar Workshop – Build 12 models and conduct 30 experiments to learn how solar cells transform light into electrical energy, and how motors and mechanical devices can optimize the work done by this energy.
Solar Bottle Boats – Recycle a plastic beverage bottle to build your own Speed Boat, Air Boat, or even a Surface Submarine – all powered by the sun! Get creative and create wild designs on your boats and make them into art showcases!
Sun Paint and UV Beads Kit – Use the UV sensitive paint to create art that changes colors when exposed to the sun!
 Star light, star bright…. first star, I see tonight…
It’s the weekend! Get out in your backyard and have a Star Party!
Children of all ages love the anticipation of staying up until dark to watch the stars come out. It’s a magical experience, not soon forgotten.
- On a clear dark night, take your kids outside and watch the stars! For creative ideas to host your own Star Party, read our Star Light, Star Bright article. Don’t forget your insect repellant!
- While watching the stars, see if you can spot the ISS (International Space Station). You can go online and see the flight pattern of the ISS, and see when it will be passing overhead! Visit Heavens Above and enter your location.
- Watch for bright, short bursts of light in the sky. If you are lucky enough to see these bursts, they are probably Iridium flares! The website link above includes schedules of these particular satellites and when you are most likely to see their bright reflections. They really are spectacular to see!
- Count satellites and meteors. See who can spot the most during an evening of star gazing.
- Locate popular constellations in the sky. A Glow-in-the-Dark Starfinder will help. Choose your favorite constellation and read the myths surrounding it.
- Make up your own constellations. Draw them, name them, and write your own myths about them.
- Observe the constellations indoors with our Constellation Viewer. Just download our instructions to see how you can build this viewer. Includes constellation templates.
- Remember folding Fortune Teller (or Cootie Catcher) games as a kid? Here is a link to a Star Finder game from NASA.
- To learn more about the night sky, visit Seeing in the Dark, a PBS Program. This website includes lots of educational activities for families!
You May Also Like:
Sky Challenger – Play games while you learn about the constellations in the night sky! Fun for kids of all ages.
The Constellations – Stars and Stories – Read about the stories behind the constellations. A perfect read-aloud for night sky viewing.
Jar of Stars – Light up your room or party tables with these glow-in-the-dark stars. Make sure to see our ideas for other uses – so many possibilities!
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.
 Things are heating up this summer!
With the sun high in the sky, now is a great time to head outside, cook lunch in the sun and have a solar picnic!
Prepare for Your Solar Picnic:
- Make a Solar Cooker – Have your kids create a simple solar cooker with this step-by-step article. This activity is fun and easy – and kids are always amazed that the power of the sun can be used to cook their food!
- Choose a simple food that you can cook in the sun. For something really easy, choose hot dogs! With buns, ketchup, mustard, and relish – you’re all set! For a variety of flavors, try sun kabobs! Place bite-sized pieces of ham, pineapple, and cherries on a skewer – or experiment with your own flavors! Want a dessert? Cook s’mores! Graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows taste great when cooked in a solar cooker!
- Make Sun Tea – Use solar power to make a refreshing drink! Mmm good!
- Grab your sunglasses, take along a blanket to sit on, and have fun!
Additional Things You Can Do for Your Picnic:
Remember that cooking in the sun is going to take a bit longer than cooking on a stove. While you are waiting for your meal, here are some fun things you can do!
- Paint Your Own Tea Set – Paint your own cups and saucers and turn your solar picnic into a solar tea party!
- Solar Science – This cool kit includes a simple solar cooker that you can cook and experiment with! Perfect for setting up more than one solar cooker.
- Solar Oven – Need a larger solar oven with more horsepower? This simple kit is perfect! It can cook a steak in 20 minutes!
- Solar Print Paper – Turn your solar picnic into a party! Use this magical solar paper to create unique party invitations.
- Sun Paint Kit and Solar Beads – As your food is cooking, experiment with the sun’s UV rays with this handy science kit.
- Mega Marbles Sun Game Net – Play a game of marbles while waiting for your lunch to cook! The marbles in this set look like the sun – how fun!
- The Sun In Me, Poems About the Planets – While enjoying your picnic in the sun, read aloud from this diverse collection of poems from many cultures that celebrate the beauty and fragility of our Earth.
We’ll be posting fun sunny day and starry night activities all month – click the icon in the upper right corner of this window to subscribe to our blog and be alerted via email when there is a new post!
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