Indoor Play
HORSE in the House
HORSE is a fun basketball game for all ages that’s easy to plan indoors with the Hanging Basketball Net from B. sports! Here are the basic rules:
- One person starts by shooting a basketball shot from anywhere on the court. It can be a free throw, a layup, a jump shot – any kind of shot they want.
- If the first player makes the shot, the next player must try the same shot from the same spot.
- If the second player misses the shot, they get the letter “H”. The first letter of the word “HORSE” (choose a longer or shorter word to adjust play time).
- Then it’s the next player’s turn to shoot any shot they want. If the other players miss that shot, they each get the next letter, which is “O”.
- The game continues like this, with players taking turns shooting creative shots. Each time a player misses a shot, they get the next letter of the word “HORSE”.
- The first player to spell out the whole word “HORSE” is out of the game. The last player remaining wins!
The great thing about HORSE is that you can make up crazy, silly shots to try and trick your friends. The best part is that missing silly shots can be just as fun as making one! Don’t forget, you can always lower the net to make things easier for younger kiddos.
The Floor is Lava!!!
Turn indoor playtime into an imaginative adventure with a classic game of The Floor is Lava! All it takes is some couch cushions, pillows, blankets, or anything else kids can safely step on to keep them off the floor. You can take it to the next level by including the sensory Balance & Build Set!
The goal of the game is simple: the floor is lava, so don’t touch it! Kids must get from one safe “island” (sofas, cushions, step-stone, etc.) to another by hopping and jumping.
- Have your toddler(s) start on one of the safe “islands” and not the lava floor.
- Take turns picking different safe spots to jump or step to, making sure their feet never touch the lava floor.
- You can make it a little challenging by keeping the safe islands spread out, so kids must stretch or take a lil’ leap to get to each new spot.
- You can up the stakes for older kids by pretending to be a “lava monster” and chasing them as they play!
Remember, the floor is lava!
Outdoor Play
Striker Shootout
Play like kids’ favorite footballers and soccer stars with a penalty shootout – just like at the World Cup!
What You Need
A modestly sized play area (backyard, basement, driveway, etc.), the B. sports Soccer Set, and two or more players.
If there are only two players, they can take turns being the kicker and the goalkeeper.
How to Play
- The striker starts from the penalty mark and tries to score on the goalkeeper.
- Teams take turns kicking, going back and forth!
- The team that scores the most penalty kicks out of 5 attempts wins.
If the score is tied after 5 kicks each, it’s time for sudden death!
- Sudden death means they keep alternating one kick per team until one team scores and the other misses.
To modify for younger kids, try playing without the goalkeeper and practice aiming and scoring.
Sharks & Minnows
This game for younger kids is a great fit backyard play or with a larger group at a park. It plays best with more participants, so save it for playdates or birthday parties.
What You Need
An open play area with two lines marked with cones or equally clear sign.
How to Play
- Pick 1-4 kids (depending on group size) to start as the “sharks.” Everyone else begins as “minnows.”
- The sharks stand in the middle of the play area and call out, “Fishy, fishy, fishy!”
- The minnows line up on one of the border lines and call back, “You can’t catch me!” Then the minnows run across the play area to the opposite line and try to avoid being “tagged”.
- If minnows are caught, they become sharks and try to tag other minnows in the next round.
- The game ends when there are only one or two minnows left, they become the new sharks in the next game!
If you’re worried about too much contact, Sharks & Minnows can also be played with flags, just like Flag Football.
Bonus Play Ideas
- Hide tiny treasures around the house or in the backyard to have a scavenger hunt.
- Pump up the tunes and play a game of freeze dance. When someone hits “pause” everyone holds still until the music restarts!
- Get creative and set up a family-friendly outdoor obstacle course, then have a race!
- Lean into messy play – put shaving cream in a cookie sheet and sculpt it with spatulas!