Sports Fun

• Swimming. Many community centers, including your local Boys & Girls Club, have public swimming pools. Your child will find it more enjoyable if you join in the fun, too.
• Water balloon contest. Fill water balloons and have fun tossing them back and forth until one breaks.
• Bike riding. A family bike ride is good exercise and a great way to have fun as a family. Be sure to wear helmets and light-colored clothing so you can be seen by drivers.
• Frisbee golf. All you need to play is one or more Frisbees. Identify a goal, such as a tree, and take turns ‘golfing’ to reach the goal.
• Fishing. Fishing can be done in almost any body of water (except in restricted areas). Especially if you live in the city or your child has never fished, find a place to spend a relaxing hour or two sitting by the water.
• Basketball. Every town has basketball courts for public use. If you don’t play, now is the time to learn – and help your child try a new sport.
• Flag football. Get the family together for a simple game of tag football. See How To Play Flag Football for instructions.

Enjoying Nature

• Plant a garden. If you do not have a small space at home to plant a garden, you can make an indoor garden with several small pots, potting soil and seeds. Fill the pots with potting soil and add water. Make a well for the seed, drop the seed in the well and cover with more potting soil.
• Miniature boats. Children can make miniature boats using an egg carton lid, tin foil, a straw and paper. Cover the egg carton lid with foil, press the straw into the middle of the carton. Make several holes in the paper and place onto the straw to make a sail.
• Nature hike. Take a hike at a nearby forest preserve or nature trail. Take time to observe the vegetation and animals you see along the way.
• Backyard camping. If you don’t have a tent, use a tarp to sleep on so blankets don’t get wet. Have snacks and flashlights to make it more fun.
• Bird watching. Taking time to notice the different types of birds in your surroundings can be fun for both adults and children. Youth can write descriptions of the birds they see, then look them up later on the Internet.
• Star gazing. Children and teens seldom take time to notice the stars, moon and planets. Take a blanket and sit outside after dark and see how many constellations – and any planets – are visible.