Sunday, January 11, 2009

New games for your kids to play

The boys make up games all the time. I thought I'd share a few of them so you can show them to your kids! (if you dare)

The Hugging Game
There are two players. They give each other big hugs, squeezing as hard as they can. Then they proceed to try to drag their opponent to the ground, while keeping a good hug grip. Whomever can tackle the other to the floor wins.

Hand Pushing Game
Two players start at opposite ends of the room. They run towards each other and then slap hands together. Then while holding their hooked together hands up high, each one tries to push the other one backwards. Whomever is the last one standing wins.

The Bridge Game
One person balances their body across the arms of two Lazyboy chairs (or other wide arm chair) like a bridge. The other person then runs into the bridge trying to knock it down.

Race car Game
-needs 2 water bottles with straws.
Two (or more) people start at the starting line and revv their engines. The referree turns on the fastest music they can find and then the race begins. As they run laps around the house they occasionally stop for "pit stops". This is where it comes in handy for a straw in the water bottle (like a gas can). The "cars" get their fill and they're off! Game ends when the "cars" are tired or when someone gets pushed into the wall when rounding the corner

Body Slam Game
This is best played at nighttime when you're supposed to be going to sleep. Also works best when two beds are right next to each other.
Two opponents start out by jumping in their bed. Then when one shouts "Go!", you jump towards the other one thus slamming into each other mid air. Winner is the one who doesn't get caught by Mom and exiled out into the hallway to sleep.

Padded floor Jumping
This is also best played at night when you're supposed to be sleeping.
In order to set up the game all opponents need to strip their beds of all blankets and pillows and throw them on the floor in a big pile. (for bonus padding, take all the stuffed animals that can be found in the room and put them on the pile). Then the players take turns jumping off the bed into the pile. Again the winner is the one who doesn't get caught in the act.

Force Lightning Game
-requires having seen Star Wars to understand the concept of "Force Lightning"
Two or more players raise their hands towards each other and make lightning noises. Then one falls down being electrocuted by force lightning. The victim should dramatically stick out his tongue for added measure.

The Spray Game
-this game requires an adult or someone bigger and stronger than the player
The adult lays down on the floor on their back with the player laying on their chest. The player counts down from ten and when he/she gets to 0, the adult lifts the player up into the air like a geyser (like benchpressing). Then for the added effect of spraying water the adult tickles the player so that they (the player) is wiggling like crazy with flailing arms and legs. The game is done when either the adult's arms get tired or the adult gets wacked by kicking legs or waving arms.

Bowling
-this game requires a Yoga ball
Line up as many of your little people as you want (Little People, Stars Wars, Army Men, etc). Stand back and bowl them over with the Yoga ball.

Meteor Game
Same as bowling, except instead of rolling the Yoga ball, the player throws the ball at the unsuspecting people.

Basketball I
-requires a basketball hoop that the player can reach
In order to set up for this game the players need to take various Star Wars people, Army Men, or Monkeys in a Barrel, and hook them onto the mesh netting of the basketball hoop. Then the players throw whatever they can find into the basketball hoop trying to knock down the people.

Basketball II
-requires a Yoga ball
Stand back from the basketball hoop. The player throws the Yoga ball at the basketball hoop until he/she knocks it down (works best with lightweight plastic basketball hoops).

The "Mom is really mad, so run away" Game
-this game can be played with one player, but works best with 2 or more
The object of this game is not to get caught. When the mom tells the player to "Come here right now!" the player runs in the opposite direction (especially if the player is guilty of something). The mom starts after the player, only to have the player run in the opposite direction. This works best in a home where the player can go in a circle thus preventing the mom to get the player. When played with more than one player the other person can "coach" the runner by saying "Go the other way! Here she comes!" The game is over when the player gets caught. And by the way- Mom ALWAYS wins!

The Robot Game
-requires containers that are bog enough to go over player's head and arms and that is see through
All the players empty out their toy containers and place them over their heads. Then the players make robot noises and bang into each other. The winner is the one who knocks over their opponent. The fun part is when the player falls down and can't catch him/herself when they fall to the floor. This game can also be combined with the Body Slam Game and the Padded Floor Game at the same time.

The "Slam into the Couch" Game
The players take turns running full speed towards the couch. Then they launch themselves at the couch head first. Is best played with a cushy couch.


The next time your children say they are bored, show them one of these new exciting games. Guarenteed to keep everyone busy. Especially Mom because she has to stop whatever it is she wanted to get done and play referree instead to make sure no one gets hurt too badly. Anyone want to come over to play? Bring your safety helmets along!

2 comments:

Marci said...

Some variations of these games are alive and well in our home. I don't think that I will give them any extra ideas. lol! It sounds like they really keep you on your toes!

Adrianne said...

HA! I read your first game and got through the beginning line about hugging immediately thinking no way will Ryan go for that. Then I kept reading and starting laughing my head off that it turns into a takedown wrestling match! I guess all 3yr olds are the same.