Throughout the month of June, we’ll be focusing on the outdoors to complement our reading and discussion of Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv.
Here in the States, the school year is drawing to a close and many children are beginning summer break. Freedom from school work and structured days can quickly turn to “Mom, I’m bored!” This is the perfect opprotunity to teach your children (and their friends) some of the games that filled the summer days of your own childhood with out-of-breath running, skinned knees, sweaty water breaks, and beloved memories.
Here are some reminders:
* Sandlot baseball (or soccer or football or other “organized” sports) – all they need is a little open space and a few pieces of equipment. Maybe they’ll keep score, maybe they won’t. Just make sure no one loses a baseball signed by Babe Ruth.
* Kick The Can – there are a few variations to the rules of this game. Basically, all you need is three or more players, a can (or box or even a ball), and a little space to run and hide. This article has a clear set of instructions.
* King of the Hill – find or construct a “hill.” Use eeny-meeny-miny-mo to choose the first “king.” Ultimate goal is to overthrow the reigning king sometimes using whatever means necessary. Fun for kids in Arlen, Texas, or anywhere around the world.
I discovered an amazing, comprehensive list of games at a site simply called Kids Games – such a wonderful resource! FamilyFun.com also has a section for games, and I found a lovely listing of “vintage” outdoor games in the About.Com: Grandparents section.
Share your favorite outdoor game from childhood!
Photo by broma
2) Are you making plans for the 
