Simon Says

This is the old, tested and tried game...Its a game which always works. It works if you have one kid or a group of kids. And it works for younger and older kids. For younger ones it can also work as a learning game. You can try things like Simon Says 'touch your toes', Simon says 'count till ten' and don't forget to throw in the occasional 'Andy says'. This way you can test if they are listening to you attentively or not and forces them to listen carefully. For slightly older kids try something a bit harder...Try playing the whole game faster (ie give the instructions a bit faster).

Egg And Spoon Race

This is when you have a group of kids at your place. Give each one a plastic spoon and a plastic egg. If you haven't got a plastic egg use around 10 dried beans or a small potato. Get them to move from one end of the backyard to the other with the plastic egg on the spoon (and the aim is to not let the egg fall from the spoon).

Make a number

This is an excellent game to teach kids addition. Give them some marbles (may be around 40). If you dont have marbles give them some dried beans. Get them to make a number in all the ways they can (using the marbles/beans). Example: For number 5 they have to place 3 and 2 marbles in one group, 2 and 3 in one group, 4 and 1 in one group AND 1 and 4 in one group.

What about "car wash"

Get the kids to help you to wash the car. Give them their own bucket and sponge. They love it !!! Sometimes they do a better job than the adults...

Teddy Bear Picnic

Pack some lunch in a lunch box. Place the lunch box, water bottle and some dessert in a basket. Take a mat. And dont forget the teddy bear. My daughter always packs a plate and a spoon for the teddy bear too. Spread the mat in the backyard. And if you can play some music then go on and do that (not too loud or it might annoy your neighbours). Enjoy the picnic.