Kids Will Love It! Fun Games for Your Barbecue
With the current boom in outdoor activities, many families are probably heading out together for camping and barbecues.
Having a lively barbecue with your friends’ families is a lot of fun, isn’t it?
Here are some games and recreational activities that kids can enjoy in those situations.
If you’re going as a family, the kids will likely be the main focus—so be sure to research and prepare activities they’ll enjoy before you head out.
We’ve included plenty of ideas for things you can only really enjoy outdoors, like games that use lots of water, so be sure to use this as a reference!
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- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
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Kids Will Love It! Fun Games for a Barbecue (1–10)
Frisbee
One of the activities many people enjoy when they head outdoors is playing with a Frisbee.
Plenty of folks even play with their pets.
As for Frisbees, there are actually many different types on the market.
For example, some are made of soft materials so kids won’t get hurt, and some even have parachutes attached.
By the way, the trick to throwing straight is said to be the same no matter which Frisbee you use: if the wind is blowing from the right, throw from the left; if it’s blowing from the left, do the opposite.
Keep this in mind the next time you play Frisbee.
hammock
Besides playing and eating, taking it easy in nature is one of the real joys of the outdoors, isn’t it? That’s why I recommend a hammock.
You might be surprised how many people haven’t actually tried one.
You’ll probably start by buying a hammock, and the important thing to know is that there are two types.
One is the common hanging type.
The other is the freestanding type, which comes with a frame, so you can set it up without having to look for trees.
Be sure to choose the type that suits the place you’re going.
Frisbee tongue catch
If you’re going to do it, many of you probably want to play in a spacious area.
That’s why I’d like to introduce “Frisbee Tongs Catch.” As the name suggests, you catch a thrown Frisbee using tongs.
This game actually originated on the YouTube channel of the comedy duo Einstein.
I think you’ll enjoy it even more if you watch the two of them play and then give it a try yourself.
Also, since you’ll be moving around while holding tongs, please be careful to avoid injuries.
Kids Will Love It! Fun Games to Play at a Barbecue (11–20)
Treasure Hunt
Since you’re going outdoors, many parents probably want to create special memories for their kids.
One idea I’d like to suggest is a treasure hunt.
First, hide a treasure chest at your outdoor destination.
It’s a good idea to fill it with toys or snacks.
Then make a treasure map and search for it together with your child.
The key is how well you can create a realistic treasure-hunt atmosphere.
If you also include a few puzzle-solving elements in the map, it will be even more exciting.
jump rope
I believe that if there’s an activity where adults and children can unite toward a single goal, it will deepen their bonds even more.
That’s why I’d like to recommend jump rope.
Kids almost always have one, and many adults use it for health, too.
How about tying a few ropes together and trying a long-rope jump? If you set a target number of jumps and take on the challenge, it’ll be even more exciting.
By the way, a useful tip is to have the taller people be the ones turning the rope.
Give it a try!
Bug catching
When it comes to outdoor activities, many people think of catching insects.
This is especially true in urban areas where the variety of insects has declined, so I hope you’ll give it a try when you head outdoors.
Another fun point is that you can see different kinds of insects depending on the season.
However, some insects like bees and horseflies can be dangerous, so adults should keep a close watch to prevent stings.
Also, one of the appeals of insect catching is that you can keep enjoying it even after you’ve caught them.
Through raising insects, it’s also a great opportunity to teach the importance of life.
Badminton
One sport that even small children can enjoy is badminton.
There are many types of rackets and shuttlecocks, and you can even find them at 100-yen shops.
However, regular badminton has a drawback: when it’s windy, the shuttlecock won’t fly well.
That’s why outdoor badminton was developed.
It’s designed for play outside, so it’s fine even when the wind is blowing.
It’s also engineered to travel farther, making it perfect for playing in wide-open spaces.