“They are driving me nuts! We’ve played every game, been to all the local attractions, I’m spending a fortune…and I’m out of ideas!”
…Said a friend of mine with two young children, earlier this week.
We’re firmly into the summer holidays now and, just like my friend, I bet all your ideas are wearing thin.
So I thought I’d share one of my favourite wear-the-kids-out activities from my days as a teacher – and as a mum.
It can be adapted to lots of different situations, so I hope it strikes a chord and you’ll be able to use it yourself. Here is one of my all-time favourite energy-zapping activities that will wear your kids out – finally!
The Ultimate Obstacle Course
Surprisingly, you don’t actually need many items to make this happen. It’s all about the instructions you give for completing the course that make it interesting.
Take a couple of hoops (doormats and cushions work just as well), maybe a deck chair or two, a bucket, hard boiled egg and spoon, small book and lego ( or any building blocks), an old sheet or rug… everyday home items. They can become incredibly exhausting for young children when transformed into an obstacle course!
For example, from the start line your kids might have to
- Jump in the blue hoop (or on a doormat)
- Run around the red hoop three times (or a cushion)
- Balance the book on their head and walk slowly keeping the book on their head
- Crawl under the sheet (use the deck chairs to create a tent-like structure)
- Balance the egg on the spoon and walk to the red bucket (top tip – make sure it’s hard boiled!!!)
- Put 5 lego bricks into the red bucket
- Run back to the finish line…
PHEW! I’m exhausted just writing about it!
We’ve got colours and counting in that example – energy-zapping educational ideas!
If you’ve got older children, they’ll love the opportunity to invent their own obstacle course. Setting it up can be as occupying as running it.
Energy Zapping Kids Toys
If you’re looking for energy-zapping gifts from the store, take a look at the Space Play Tunnel, the space hopper and this Animal Moo Popper – can you imagine how much fun the kids will have trying to aim the popper into a bucket before being able to complete the next part of the obstacle course?
How do you wear your kids out during the summer holidays? All ideas very welcome. Please add your tips below.
Blog by Lisa Bradburn
Lisa is the managing director of what2buy4kids. Lisa’s wish is to make your job of finding a gift for the children in your life easier, or help you to take some of the time and frustration out of the search for that special gift for kids.
You can follow her on Twitter @what2buy4kids and Facebook
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