Summer Backyard Fun for a Crowd of Kids

Summer time offers many opportunities for kids to get together and have some fun. If the neighborhood children are at your house today or you are planning a backyard picnic, here are some ideas that guarantee that the kids will have fun in the sun!

Bountiful Bubbles!

With a wading pool, bubble wands (big and small), a hula hoop and the following bubble solution young children preschool and up will stay busy for a very long time. The solution: 4 gallons water (preferably distilled), 48 ounces dishwashing liquid (preferably Joy), 6 tablespoons glycerin, 1 ¼ gallons (or 5 quarts) good quality bubble solution. This all goes into the clean wading pool, mix well, cover with a plastic table cloth or tarp and let sit overnight to allow the ingredients to come together well. This solution stands up well with big or small bubbles. The leftover solution can be stored in an airtight container to be used again in the future.

Kitty Wants a Corner

This is a twist on 2 well know games, “Musical Chairs” and “Tag.” However, this is great in an outdoor environment as there is a lot of running involved! It’s best with 4 or more children, ages 4 & up, and lots of space (a backyard, park or playground).

One child will start as the kitty. Choose landmarks (such as trees, bushes, a sandbox, the base of the slide, a corner of a building, etc.) as the corners. Choose spots that are in the same general area and everyone can see everyone else. There should be one less spot than the number of game participants.

To begin the game, the chosen kitty stands in the middle of the play area, and yells, “Kitty Wants a Corner!’ The players all then run, including the kitty, to find a corner. The player left stranded without a corner is the new kitty.

Japanese Watermelon Picnic Game

If you like the idea of a Piñata here is a Japanese game that is based on the same concept. It is called, “Suika-wari” in Japanese. In the middle of the lawn, put down a clean sheet or blanket (You will want something that can go in the wash afterwards.) The watermelon is placed on top of the cloth. You will also need a clean sturdy stick or pole.

Each child takes a turn blindfolded. He or she gets spun carefully around several times before being pointed in the general direction of the watermelon. With the other children (and adults) cheering and giving directions, the child tries to break the watermelon open by swinging the stick or pole. Remember to give the child plenty of space to swing, so no one gets hurt. The children take turns until the watermelon is broken. Then—everyone eat!

Here are a couple of suggested books from our catalog that have many more ideas for children’s outdoor fun:

Get out!: Outdoor activities that kids can enjoy everywhere (except indoors)