Skip to main content

Let's Play

ALISTAIR BERG—GETTY IMAGES

Watching the Olympics will inspire you. Summer is a great time to challenge family and neighbors to a little friendly competition. Here are a few ideas. Don’t forget to have fun!

Ready, Set, Race

There’s nothing more classic than a running race. Decide where the race will start and finish. It can be as short or as long as you like. Who’s the fastest? Let’s find out!

Kick the Ball

YELLOW DOG PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

Kickball is a summer favorite. On a street without traffic, draw bases with chalk. Are you playing on grass? Old shirts or toys will work!

Up and Over

STOCKPLANETS/GETTY IMAGES

Grab a ball and a net. It’s time for volleyball! No net? Tie a jump rope between two trees. In a yard or park, turn on sprinklers for added fun.

Chalk Games

ROBERT KNESCHKE—EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES

You can do a lot with a piece of chalk. Draw a hopscotch court. Or host a guessing game. Can a friend guess what you’re trying to draw?

Toss It In

CAVAN IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

In the game cornhole, players throw beanbags at targets. Don’t have beanbags? Use little balls or toys. Don’t have cornhole targets? Buckets or bowls work.

Knock 'em Down

JOHN D. BUFFINGTON—GETTY IMAGES

Try lawn bowling! Find a patch of grass in a yard or park. Set up your “pins.” Empty bottles work well. Roll a ball at them. How many can you knock down?

Jump for Joy

ALYSON ALIANO—GETTY IMAGES

How long can you jump rope without getting tangled up? You can also try some jump-rope tricks. Can you cross and uncross your arms?

Off to the Races

DAVE NAGEL—GETTY IMAGES

Relay races are exciting. How fast can you run with an egg on a spoon? Pillowcases are great for a potato-sack race.