Fun Summer Games for Kids and Adults

It is important that the games you choose to play are age appropriate. Older kids will get bored, and younger children will get confused and bored. If you plan for a weekly family game night (friends can be included) your kids may carry on the tradition when they have families of their own.

Board games are always a fun way to spend an evening. The memories you are making are priceless. You will remember the laughter, the hugs and high fives, and of course arguing over the rules. Board games not only allow you to spend quality family time, but educational opportunity usually knocks on the door. Everybody learns and ultimately wins.

• Scrabble
• Candyland
• Life
• Yatzee
• Hungry Hungry Hippo

Other games are available on smart phones for times when the family has to wait; for instance if you are stuck in a long line, or are waiting for an appointment. This type of gaming is not recommended on a regular basis as it separates the child from the family, unless it is a game in need of group participation. There are many apps you can choose from.

Still yet, games like playing cards and travel board games should be in your purse or the car for when you and the kids are on the go. If you are waiting in an airport or doctor's office, try some fun learning activities. And teach your children the dying art of cardboard or paper game playing. Remember these card games?

• Rummy
• Go Fish
• Poker (for toothpicks or beans)
• Hearts
• War

Physical video games are incredibly healthy and fun for everyone. Wii or PS III have games for rent or sale at your local video store, or online.

Why not be healthy when you are playing? People used to do it all the time 30 years ago. Take in a nice game of golf. Play baseball or tennis. Box each other without hitting each other. It really is quite fascinating when you stop and think about the recent advance in technology.

Many outside games can be quite exhilarating. Here are a few ideas:

• Races (of any kind)
• Horse Shoes
• Squirt Gun Fights
• Football
• Building forts or tree houses
• Wrestling
• "Slip-n-Slide" and other water games

Please be sure to wear water shoes and lots of sun block when your are playing outside games. It is also important to keep yourself and your children hydrated, so drink lots.

READING

Start reading to your child at birth. Its never too early to start. However, when they are older, take turns reading from the same book. If it is the child’s homework, you will be sharing the responsibility (a small price to pay for his or her listening to your portion of the story, and the quality time together). I’m sure many of you disagree with me, and I’m okay with that.

There is never a bad time for reading, however bed time seems to be a great time to relax and settle in with a good book before your child goes to sleep.

A RAINY DAY MOVIE MARATHON (with popcorn)

Whether its the Disney channel, or the entire series of the Harry Potter flicks, sometimes just staying in all day and night wearing your pajamas, building a fort in the living room, and ordering pizza is a great time.

It gives the feeling of a slumber party. Be sure to have plenty of healthy snacks on hand, like veggies with at least 3 kinds of dip. A tray of cheese or peanut butter crackers, or apples with caramel and/or chocolate dip, is a fun movie snack also.

Thank you for your interest in my writing. I certainly hope the read was helpful and entertaining. I like to learn from others. So, please, say what you would like to say in the comments section; as long as you are professional.

"Be kind to one another" ~ Ellen

God Bless You ~ Margaret Sullivan