Category Archives: Kids: Tips & Activities
Bubbles are absolutely magical. When I was a kid we had an 8oz bottle and a little plastic stick with a circle. Nowadays the tools with which to blast bubbles are almost as infinite as the variety of bubbles themselves. Bubble experts who used to perform in the park now perform on variety stages around the world and have turned bubble making into art and entertainment. Their commitment to making unique configurations and stronger bubbles have helped to make playing with bubbles a hundred times more exciting. Even a tiny bubbles is a scientific wonder and now your kid can make one big enough to stand in.
A nice set of binoculars can launch an amazing hobby that can spark curiosity and fill a child’s day with wonder. Your child can learn about birds, spot squirrels or even people watch. As with all of our activities it’s great to plant a seed a day or two in advance. With my kids I’d say, “That’s an interesting bird, I wonder what kind it is.” Or “I wonder what type of shampoo the neighbors use?”
There are a wide variety of books and videos on making awesome balloon animals. The balloons that don’t pop to easily are also very hard o blow up. We recommend getting a hand or even an electric pump. Always remember that balloons are a choking hazard for younger children.
King Pong is a super fun game for 2 or more players. You’ll laugh and laugh and laugh and then do the silent-laughing thing because you’ll be out so of breath. You will need a ping pong ball and some utensils.
- Each player sets up a goal by placing two utensils parallel to each other at the edge of the table closest to them.
- A ping pong ball is placed at the middle of the table.
- The countdown begins, 3, 2, 1 and each player starts blowing trying to get the ping pong ball to roll into someone else’s goal.
Every family can make up their own rules on game play and how to score. Younger kids might have smaller goals to keep it fair. A golf ball can also be used.
Warning: This game results in an unbelievable amount of laughter!
Note: We also mentioned in a previous post that Kitchen Table Tennis is also a ton of fun and works surprisingly well. You can play by regular table tennis rules, but why not get creative and make up your own game! Make a point system based on bounces and returns off light fixtures, cabinets, walls…the variations are endless and your family will end up with a personalized family game you’ll play and laugh about for years to come. New traditions, anyone?