Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Using simple, everyday items found around the house, Play These Games will inspire kids and the young at heart with a spectrum of ingenious games to make and play so they’ll never be bored again!
• Gather family photos to create a personalized set of Go Fish cards
• Grab loose buttons for button golf, shuffle button, and button hockey
• Unleash your inner pinball wizard with a clothespin and cardboard box version of the arcade classic
• Get out the hula hoops and brooms for a backyard jousting tournament
• Try one of fifteen variations of the classic game of Tag
Whether it’s competitive or cooperative, for large groups or duos, the games in this clever guide are fun to create and a blast to play.
Introduction xiii
How to Use This Book xv
Materials List xvii
Balloon 1
Loony Balloons 3
Balloon Waiter 5
Balloon Ball 8
Balloon Battle 11
All on One Side 12
Indoor Tennis 14
Beahbag 17
How to Make a Beanbag 19
Beanbag Relay 21
Cornhole 23
Pip, Squeak, and Wilbur 25
Treasure Thieves 27
Beanbag Tag 29
Rabbit Warren 31
Books 36
Finishing School Book Race 38
Book-Ball-Balance Relay Race 39
Name That Book 40
Book-tionary 42
Book Scavenger Hunt s 44
House of Books 46
Buttons 47
Button, Button, Who's Got the Button? 49
Button Catapult 50
Button Toss 52
Money in the Bank 54
Button Battle 55
Button Golf 57
Shuffle Button 61
Button Hockey 64
Button Box 69
Cardboard Boxes 72
Feelie-Whatsie Box 74
Digging for Treasure Box 76
Bigfoot Box Shoe Races 77
Mini Marble Billiards 79
Micro Mini Foosball 83
There's 104 days of summer vacation, And school comes along just to end it, So the annual problem for our generation, Is finding a good way to spend it, Like maybe...." This is the beginning of the opening theme song to Phineas and Ferb on The Disney Chanel. If you have kids or work with kids there is a good chance you are familiar with this cartoon. If not, you should look it up. It's actually very entertaining for a kid's show. However you might be asking yourself what the cartoon and Play These Games have in common. Well, just like the cartoon you might be wondering what to do on your (kids) summer vacation. Heather Swain has some pretty good ideas in this book. "101 Delightful Diversions Using Everyday Items." This is one of the things I like best about this book. These games use everything from balloons, paper, buttons, books, and much much more. Even if you do need to go out and buy a few items, it won't be that expensive. Swain also introduces new variations to classic games such as tag and ping pong. Swain also gives facts about the materials mentioned in this book to go along with the games. You can play these games with just a few kids or a larger group. These games are easy to play with minimal preparations. This book would be great year round for rainy days or birthday parties. This is a great book to have to get the kids out from in front of the television/video games. The only danger in this book is having too much fun!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What do you do on a rainy day or even on a nice day when you'd like some variety in your family or friend's gathering? Heather Swain has put together 101 games that range from the simple to complex but which are guaranteed to involve everyone who want to have fun!
How about a goofy game of "Loony Balloons?" All it takes is writing paper, pen or pencil, scissors, plenty of balloons, and the ability to write goofy directions on paper, like "Rub your belly and pat your head while singing the Star Spangled Banner," which will be inserted into the balloons. The game involves bouncing the balloons until they pop when one discovers secret directions to follow. Silly but can liven up a party for sure or a boring afternoon. Trivia questions can be substituted in place of silly directions for any age group.
Or perhaps you might like a game of "Money in the Bank" where one plays with buttons representing a nickel, dime or whatever value you choose. On the other hand, maybe you love puzzles and can create your own with craft sticks, messing up the sticks after drawing your picture on the sticks and then giving your players a set (or no definite) time to reassemble the puzzle pieces.
These games also involve beanbags, books, cardboard boxes, dress-ups, felt, foam boards, paper cups, digital camera and photo printer, ping-pong balls, and so many more items that are cheap and will provide hours of planning and fun. The games range from easy to complex which obviously covers a broad age range.
This is a great book and one this reviewer intends to keep and use with my next day or evening with friends, family, and acquaintances. Eating and drinking are great at a get-together but adding one of these games will provide a memorable time for all! Unique and very nicely done, Heather Swain!
Anonymous
Posted May 11, 2012
FIRST
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Using simple, everyday items found around the house, Play These Games will inspire kids and the young at heart with a spectrum of ingenious games to make and play so they’ll never be bored again!
• Gather family photos to create a personalized set of Go Fish cards
• Grab loose buttons for button golf, shuffle button, and button hockey
• Unleash your inner pinball wizard with ...