2
BACKYARD OR
BASEMENT
OBSTACLE COURSE
WHAT YOU NEED:
Items to be used as
obstacles
Rules for safety
HOW TO PLAY:
Cut these cards out and earn Switch Points
every time you do one of the activities.
Set up the items in the obstacle course so that they flow from one
to the next (for example, you have to jump over a couch cushion
and then skip around the couch and then crawl under a table, etc.)
Make sure that everyone understands the rules (such as you have
to skip around the couch, you can’t touch the cushion when you
jump over it, etc.). Challenge your friends or time yourself to see
who can get through the course faster!
2
SIMON
SEZ
WHAT YOU NEED:
A couple friends
An imagination
WHAT YOU NEED:
A safe place to swim
HOW TO PLAY:
One person closes their eyes and yells “Marco,” and the other
players answer “Polo.” The goal is for the person with their eyes
closed to try to catch the others by moving to where their voices
are. Once the person with their eyes closed touches another
player, that person closes their eyes and is “Marco.” Make sure to
check with the lifeguard before playing any games in the water.
2
STRENGTH
TRAINING
WHAT YOU NEED:
2 cans of vegetables, fruit, beans,
or soup that are the same size
HOW TO PLAY:
HOW TO PLAY:
This game is like the one you played when you were younger,
only better. Try to trip up your friends by leading them in a dance
by playing Simon Sez to music. Get them to try new dance moves
by incorporating movements from your favorite sports (such as
skateboarding, basketball, gymnastics, or tennis).
2
YARD
BOWLING
WHAT YOU NEED:
10 items to use as “pins” (ex: rinsed out
plastic milk, juice, or soda containers)
Ball (kickball is best, but basketball,
soccer ball, or even softball would work)
HOW TO PLAY:
You make up the rules! Depending on the size of the “pin” and the
ball, the game will change. The idea is to set up the “pins” in a
triangle shape at one end of the driveway, sidewalk, parking lot, or
playground—anywhere that is cement and where you will be safe
from traffic. Try to knock as many pins down as you can in one or
two turns.
SWITCH ACTIVITY CARDS
2
MARCO
POLO
2
ICE
SOCCER
WHAT YOU NEED:
Large area of ice away from other people
Soccer (or other) ball
HOW TO PLAY:
Play soccer on the ice rink with or without skates. Use hockey
goals, if available, or make up your own. Make sure to stay clear
of other skaters, and use pads and other safety equipment, if
possible.
3
BOCCE
BALL
HOW TO PLAY:
WHAT YOU NEED:
1 small ball
2 larger balls for each player (tennis,
baseball, or softball size)
Each player will need to make his/her balls noticeably different
from the others (using different types of balls, different colors, or
writing names on the balls would help). Decide on someone to toss
the small ball out in front of you. Each player in turn tosses one of
their balls at the small ball. Whoever throws her/his ball closest to
the small ball wins the round. This game is usually played on a
grassy field, but you can also play indoors in a parent-approved
area.
Using the cans as bar bells, do 20 arm curls on each arm—you
can alternate arms or do them at the same time. Do 20 repetitions
of other exercises. 1) Start with your arms at your sides. With your
palms facing the floor, lift your arms in front of you and up to
shoulder height, keeping your arms straight. 2) Do this again, but
move your arms out to the side instead of in front of you. 3) Lift
both hands above your head, and bend your arms behind your
head, one at a time, so that the can almost touches your shoulder
behind your ear. Then raise it back above your head. Teach your
friends the exercises, and do them together.
2
CROQUET
GOLF
WHAT YOU NEED:
Golf ball (or other small ball)
Croquet goals (anything that the
ball can fit underneath)
Club or mallet
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up the goals around the yard (or a safe inside space) so that
you have to get your ball through each of them around the entire
course to win. You can practice your golf putting while trying to get
the ball through the goals instead of into a hole! Like golf, though,
the fewer strokes it takes to complete the course the better!
2
LIMBO
SKATE
WHAT YOU NEED:
Jump rope or other rope
Skateboard or roller skates
HOW TO PLAY:
How low can you go? Start the rope high, and move it lower each
round. Try to get under the rope without touching it while on the
skateboard or roller skates. Before you start the game, make sure
that everyone understands the rules.
3
ATHLETIC
AEROBICS
HOW TO PLAY:
WHAT YOU NEED:
Your favorite music
Make up an aerobics routine to teach to your friends or family
using moves from your favorite sports. Maybe you make your
“students” pretend like they are scoring a goal in hockey or kicking
a soccer ball. Time it to the music, and make sure to be clear
about your instructions so others can follow along.