Summer games for kids

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Barefoot and marble-ous
This game is fun and cooperative. It works on principles of patience and ingenuity. The physical benefits are in keeping the kids moving, and the intrinsic muscles of the feet that are typically neglected will get work too!

Age: This game is appropriate for ages five through 12.

Materials needed to play:
• 4 upside-down Frisbees (flying discs)
• Approximately 50 marbles, divided into two groups of 25

Object of the game:
The object of the game is to transfer as many marbles as possible using feet only into the empty Frisbee.

How to play:
1. Divide the kids into two teams.
2. Give each team two Frisbees (lay them upside down), filling one for each team with 25 marbles.
3. Place the empty Frisbee across the field from the full one.
4. Have all players remove their shoes and socks.
5. Line the two teams up single file, and have the first person in line pick up a marble with his/her toes.
6. Have the teams move the marbles to the empty Frisbee by walking, running, crab walking, hopping, or any other method they choose -- as long as they don't use their hands.
7. If the marble drops, the child must pick it back up using only his/her feet.
8. The first team to transfer all of the marbles wins.

Rules or safety tips:
• Make sure the grass is free of any potentially dangerous objects.
• Choose to have the Frisbees a little closer for the younger children and farther away for the older ones.
• Always keep hydrated with water. (Juices should be limited to one glass a day for children because of the sugar content.) Water is important to keep muscles functioning well without cramping.

Enjoy the summer with your family, your neighbours and friends. Create physical activity pastimes that the children remember and look forward to year after year!

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