Summer Fun Family Field Day!

Okay, so in 100+ degree weather like we’ve had this summer, the last thing you want your kids to do is a triathlon.

However, the heat spell should be broken soon (if my Yankee Internal Thermometer is still working correctly) and we’ll be left with some nice summer days to frolic and enjoy before school begins again. In light of this, I’ve compiled some fun activities to make the most out of the rest of the season. 

For starters, try volleyball. The rules here aren’t really too important, since the point is to get exercise and have fun. You don’t even need a real volleyball – anything similar (a beach ball) will work well. Older children may want to showcase the rules for volleyball they learned in PE. That is great! But for little ones, 5 years and younger, just hitting the ball over the net may be a triumph.

I watched last weekend at a friend’s barbeque as my husband and our two kids (both under 5) “played volleyball." They had a blast! And not one rule was followed in the process. It was great, and they all had a lot of fun! Plus they slept pretty well that night too (my husband included). 

Frisbee is a fantastic workout for young and old alike. Even tug-o’-war can be fun, if players are evenly matched … you can either evenly divide groups into two groups, or have one-on-one tug-o’-war. (That was always my favorite event at Field Day when I was at Mitchell School.) 

The three-legged race always leaves all participants and spectators in hysterics, as well. It is rare that you get a duo that is so much in synch they blow away the competition, but it does happen – I’ve seen it.

Horseshoes aren’t just for the old folks. Learning to play is simple, according to eHow.

“Jump Rope Challenge” is another fun game, provided it is cool enough outside. Every competitor has a jump rope and is timed; whoever jump ropes the longest wins. In school, I remember at least one person jumping for over an hour! The kids find it fun to challenge themselves; each time hoping their time has improved. 

If you don’t have a pool to cool off, don’t despair. The hose from your garden will work just fine. Make sure the kids get into their bathing suits, and just spray that hose! Let the kids run through it and take turns spraying down each other. (Be sure they don’t point the hose where any outdoor, uncovered electrical outlets are.)  A fun ending to the long hot day would be to provide some homemade ice pops. I found this awesome “creamy ice pop treat” recipe that the kids will enjoy:

Creamy Ice Pop Treat Ingredients:

• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 package instant sugar-free vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1 cup fresh raspberries or strawberries
• 2 cups raspberry sherbet, softened (Or other flavor)
• 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions:

1. Pour 1 cup of milk into a bowl, and stir in pudding mix. Beat with an electric mixer about 2 minutes until thickened. Place the remaining milk and raspberries into a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Pour the raspberry puree into the pudding, and add the whipped topping. Stir together until blended. Stir in the softened sherbet and mix it in completely.
3. Divide this mixture evenly among 10 molds or small plastic cups. Place a wooden craft stick into each, and freeze for at least 3 hours.

When the kids are sitting around the fire this upcoming winter or in the future, they will recall fondly all of the fun they had during warmer days.