Materials needed

100 water balloons (more if want to play all the games)

Hose

Container or mesh bag to hold water filled balloons

Optional water balloon filler adaptor

Water Balloon Toss
This one probably comes to mind most often when we think of traditional water balloon games

Divide the players into teams of two and give each team a water balloon.

Line the teams up an equal distance apart (three feet to start is good).

Have the one player toss a balloon to her partner.

If their partner catches it they take one step back.

The players keep tossing the water balloons back and forth having the “catcher” take one step back for each successful catch.

Any team that drops or breaks their balloon is out.

The game continues until only one team is left with an unbroken water balloon.

Back to Back Water Balloon Relay Race
You will laugh out loud watching the kids as the try to gently hold a water balloon between their bodies without breaking it while racing to the finish line. The kids will love the race.

You will need two containers for this game. Establish a start line and land an empty container about 20 feet away.
Divide the kids into two teams and have each kid pair up with someone on their team.

Have the first pair of kids from each team stand back to back with their arms locked at the start line.
Place a water balloon between their backs

On the word Go, they must transport the balloon between their backs to the finish line.  Then they have to maneuver themselves so they can deposit the balloon into the empty bucket.

If any pair breaks their balloon, they return to their group

The game can continue till every pair has a turn or till the balloons run out.

The team with the most unbroken balloons in their bucket wins

Water Balloon Hot Potato

Before you inflate a balloon, poke a small hole in it using a safety pin.

Then fill it with water and tie the end to create a “time bomb” with a slow leak.

Players sit (or stand) in a circle and pass the balloon around the circle.

When the balloon runs out of water, start another one going around the circle.

You can even have several balloons going around at one time.

Add the rule that anyone holding the balloon when it runs out of water (or breaks) is out.

Pass the Water Balloon

Divide the kids into teams of two.

Mark the beginning and the end of the course.

On the word Go the first player on each team puts a water balloon under his chin and races to the end of the course and back.

When he gets back to his team, he has to pass the water balloon to the next player without using his hands

If the balloon breaks, the player has to get a new balloon and start over.

If the balloon falls but doesn’t break, the player can pick it up, put it back under his chin, without using his hands, and keep going.

The first team to finish wins.

Volley Ball

You will need a few more items foe this activity

A volleyball or badminton net (or tie a rope between to trees)

2 old sheets (4 players) or 2 large towels (2 players)

Make sure you have a lot of water filled balloons and best if not overfilled

Set up the volleyball net.

Divide the kid into two teams and have each team stand on either side of the net.

Give each team a bed sheet.
Have each team surround their sheet on all sides and hold it open.

Put a water balloon in one team’s sheet and have them try to flip it over the net.

It really helps if the players do a count down (“one, two, three… Up!) for each toss.

The other team must try to catch the water balloon in their sheet and flip it back.

If one team misses, drops or breaks the balloon the other team gets a point.

For an extra challenge, put multiple water balloons in the sheet at one time.

This game also is great fun played without the net or a rope.

Even More Balloon Games

Place a box on the floor on the other side of the room. See if you can hit the balloon across the room so that it fails into the box. You can hit it as many times as you like to get it into the box.

Toss your balloon into the air. See how long you can keep it up by hitting it only with your head and shoulders. If it touches the ground, pick it up and start all over again.

Set the balloon on the back of your hand. See how long you can keep it balanced there. You can move around as much as you want to keep it balanced

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

Talk about team work as you work together filling the balloons and playing the games

Ask the kids to think of other water games you could play in this hot heat. Encourage their creativity to make up their own game.

Suggested Movie Titles

Surf’s Up

Shark Tale

Free Willy

These movies are just suggestions.  If you would like additional information about the story or the content, you can visit www.kids-in-mind.com.

Suggested Bed Time Stories/Reading

Wide Mouthed Frog by Rex Schneider

L is for Lobster by Cynthia Reynolds

The Little Fish that Got Away by Bernadine Cook

Variety of Kool-Aid flavors or fruit juice
Popsicle sticks
Popsicle tray (most stores sell this or you can use ice cube trays)
Mixing bowls
Spoons
Pitchers and sugar (for Kool-Aid only)

Gather all the materials onto your workspace. Explain to the kids that they will be making their own flavorful popsicles. The nice thing about making your own popsicles is you control the amount of sugar. Prepare the Kool-Aid and/or fruit juices in small containers.

Let the kids pick their favorite flavors. A little or a lot of mixing is strongly encouraged. Once the kids have their flavors fully mixed, let them fill the trays or ice cube trays with their concoctions. Stick a Popsicle stick into each section of the tray and place in the freezer. Wait until the popsicles are completely frozen.

A fun thing to do is make a picnic lunch and go outside in the backyard or nearby park. After a healthy meal let the kids dig into the popsicles!

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

Have the kids tell you one thing they have enjoyed so far this summer and what they most look forward to. Use this time to let the kids do the talking. Sometimes kids will really open up when you ask a question and then let the kids answer with no interruptions. Hold your tongue till they finish and then add some wisdom to their thoughts if needed.

Suggested Movie Titles
Rango
Diary of A Wimpy Kid
Kung Fu Panda 2

These movies are just suggestions.  If you would like additional information about the story or other movies, you can visit www.movieguide.org.

Suggested Bed Time Stories/Reading
The Summer Solstice by Ellen Jackson
Lemonade Sun: and Other Summer Poems by Rebecca Kai Dotich (book of summer poems)
The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

Materials needed

1. Paint
2. Paintbrushes
3. Cups of water to dip paintbrushes into
4. Paper cups to put paint into
5. Newspaper
6. Large rock
7. Optional: If you want to make this craft ‘less messy’ you can use peremant markers instead of paint
8. Brown Lunch Bag

Have each child go outside and try to find a fairly large rock (4-6” wide is usually a good size for this craft). Make sure kids do not “borrow” any landscaping stones from your neighbor’s yard. It’s important that the kids find that special rock even if you have to go on an “outing” to the local empty field or landscaping store. Once the “perfect” rock is found, cover the workspace with newspaper and let the fun begin. Have the kids decorate the rock in his/her own way. You may be surprised on the different designs they come up with. If the children want to wrap the paperweight, give each of them a brown paper bag. Have them decorate the bag too. Dad’s really appreciate a gift made from his kids own hands. Now it is wrapped and ready to be given to dad on his special day!

Another idea is to make separate coupons for some “free” stuff. Moms may want to help a little here by making suggestions on what dad would really appreciate. Sometimes the kids come up with some really great ideas on their own, so be ready to be amazed at their wit and humor.

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

1. Share with kids why we celebrate Fathers Day (to show how we appreciate everything they do even when we don’t tell them)
2. We recognize that Father’s Day can also be a very hard day for some families. Help the kids through this by suggesting someone who really helps them out and would think their gift is unbelievably great.

Suggested Movie Titles

Since we are celebrating Father’s Day, have dad pick out one of his favorite (kid appropriate) movie when he was growing up. Get the pop corn popping and get ready for a rememorbale night.

Suggested Bed Time Stories/Reading

Daddy All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
Daddy Kisses by Anne Gutman
I Love My Daddy by Sebastien Braun
It’s Father’s Day, Charlie Brown! By Judy Katschke

Materials needed

1. Large mouth Mason jars
2. Permanent markers
3. Variety of paint colors
4. Paintbrushes
5. Stickers, confetti, foam letters, etc.
6. Dad’s favorite candy or cookies

Before doing this activity, make sure dad is not home! We don’t want him to know what the kids are making for his special day.

Gather all the materials onto your workspace. Each child can make their own jar for dad or you can buy one jar and have the kids all decorate that. Have the kids use the different materials and decorate the jar. You can the foam letters to “write” the occasion and year.

Most craft stores will have stickers specifically for Father’s Day.

You can fill the jars will just about anything that dad would appreciate. One idea we have used is a handmade coupon book. Dad will really appreciate the thought and treasure the time with kids even more. Concentrate on things that the kids can do together with their dad. In our crazy, super busy world, some quiet time together with the kids may just be the best gift you could him.

Another very cool idea is to make a list of all the things that dad does for the family. Mom can even join in to add some of her thoughts to the list. Include the list in a card. You may even see a tear or two from the one who loves his family so much.

You can view other awesome ideas by clicking below links
http://familynightactivities.com/fathers-day-crafts/fathers-day-paper-weight-craft
http://familynightactivities.com/fathers-day-crafts/fathers-day-history

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

• This is a great time to just talk to the kids about their dad. Go ahead and ask some open ended questions. This may be hard for some but can really open up communication. What do they really like about dad? If they could tell their dad one thing, what would it be. What questions would they like to ask but are afraid to? What one thing would they like to do with dad if it was totally up to them. You get the idea. So get ready for a great talk. You may be amazed at the conversation and walk away with some things to really improve your relationship with your kids.
• We recognize that Father’s Day can also be a very hard day for some families. Help the kids through this by suggesting someone who really helps them out and would think their gift is unbelievably great.

Suggested Movie Titles

Since we are celebrating Father’s Day, have dad pick out one of his favorite (kid appropriate) movie when he was growing up. Get the pop corn popping and get ready for an awesome night.

Suggested Bed Time Stories/Reading

Daddy All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
Daddy Kisses by Anne Gutman
I Love My Daddy by Sebastien Braun
It’s Father’s Day, Charlie Brown! By Judy Katschke

 Materials needed

• Plastic film canisters with snap-on lids (may be available at some photo stores or can use similar sized canisters found at Wal-Mart etc)
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Effervescent (fizzing) antacid tablets
• Water
• Flat surface to use as the launching pad

Have the kids decorate their film canisters using the construction paper, scissors and tape.  Let their imaginations soar! This Family Night Activity can be for 2 nights (one night for decorating and making the Command Center with another night for launching).

Once the rockets are decorated, go outside to your launching pad. You can really play this part up with the kids. Make sure you have a Command Center and a full ground crew to do a countdown and recovery. Roll a piece of tape (sticky side out) and place on the inside of the lid. Explain that any rocket needs “fuel” to propel itself beyond gravitation force. Attach the antacid tablet onto the tape. Fill the canister about ¼ of the way with water. Place the cap on (with the tablet attached) and place lid side down onto the launch pad. Stand back!!! The water and the tablet with react together and start forming bubbles inside and create gas pressure propels the rocket into “space”.

CAUTION: PLEASE MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS TAKEN COVER ONCE CANISTER IS TURNED OVER.

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

1. Talk to your kids about our space program back in the 1960’s when we first sent a man to the moon, how many thought “no way” but how we proved them wrong
2. Ask your kids what they want to be when they grow up. Use this time to really encourage them. Tell them that some people will try to tell them their dream is too big. But remember going to the moon was once “too” big.

Materials needed
Craft (aka Popsicle) sticks
Elmer’s Glue (or tacky glue)
Variety of craft materials (glitter, sequins, buttons, etc.)

REMEMBER TO LOOK AT OUR RECENT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AT http://familynightactivities.com/uncategorized/pine-cone-bird-feeder

Not everything can fit into a photo album and some things just will not do to store on the computer. Yet there are still many things that your kids make that you will want to save. Those things that touch your heart and you will cherish forever. Memories you would not give away for anything.

You can now save those precious memories in a very special place, the Memory Box. A place you and your kids will go back time and again. What a gift to give the next generation, your most precious memories of their parents.

This is a pretty easy craft you can do with the kids. You can make this activity age and gender appropriate be simply changing the focus of the memories.

You are going to simply start building a tower. Lay sticks in square or rectangle and overlap until you get to the size box you want. Glue as you go along. It can be small to hold a few treasured items or larger to hold a hole summer’s worth of memories.

Then make a base and glue to bottom of your memory box. Remember to make the lid slightly larger than the box so it fits on top. Patience is the key!!! We don’t want the kids to get frustrated so if they are having a hard time, you can use an empty Kleenex box or other small box. Have them glue the craft sticks right to the box.

Once the memory box is completed and the glue is really dry, let the decorations begin. You can paint, feather, button and add any other item that the kids can find to the exterior. One cool idea is to paint the outside of the box with white glue. You can add sequins and glitter to the wet glue.

Remember that the Memory Box is your kids’ creation. Let them do the work, with you there to “offer” suggestions as needed. The kids will remember you spending time together just as much as the craft.

You may want to make a special Memory Box for Father’s Day. Have the kids think of things they can do for Dad. Maybe make a coupon box to go into inside box.

While the craft sticks are still out, you can make a picture frame that the grandparents would love.

This is a great opportunity to let the kids use their imagination. Once the main activity is complete, let the kids make whatever they want. We have seen some unbelievable structures made when you simply let their imaginations go.

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)
Talk to your kids about the importance of being patient! This is a great craft for them to really understand patience.
This is a great time to talk about what memories are. Share a couple of good memories that you remember growing up. Figure out what each kid can put into their Memory Box.

Take the kids outside. Or you can take this activity to your local park. Tell the kids to take a look around and see how many birds they can see. Then ask them to close their eyes and to see if they can hear the birds tweeting.

Go ahead and try to find some wild pine cones. You may want to have a backup plan and buy some pine cones at your local craft store.

Explain that they will be making pinecone bird feeders. Place some bird seed onto the paper plate. Take each pinecone and tie a piece of string onto it. Have the children take their pinecone and smear peanut butter all over the pinecone. You can use a large spoon to spread. The kids will really appreciate if you let them dig into the peanut butter with their hands. Once the pinecone is completely covered, roll it around in the bird seed. Hang the bird feeders in the back yard and watch the birds have a feast.

There are many very good bird watching books. One is called Book of North American Birds by Reader’s Digest.

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

Talk to the kids about the amazing migration of birds from the north to the warmer south. How they go the same area every year. And then return north in the spring. How some birds form a “V” formation help each bird travel more longer without stopping to rest.

Suggested Movie Titles

Pixar Story (not for toddlers but great view for older kids)
Ratatoulle
Winged Migration (excellent choice about migration of birds over seven continients)

These movies are just suggestions.  If you would like additional information about the story or the content, you can visit www.movieguide.org

Mother’s Day is coming fast. This week for Family Night Activities you will be creating an affordable, easy, beautiful craft that any mother would love. The children will be decorating a candle for any woman in their life (mothers, aunts, grandma’s, etc) or they can simply make one to use as decorations for the home.

Sparkling CandlesMaterials needed

• Plain pillar candles (any size; votives, small or large pillar candles)
• Glue
• Sequins and/or glitter
• Permanent Markers
• Paintbrushes
• Paper bowls

Gather all your materials on the workspace. Each child will think of someone that they want to make the candle for. Have your children pick out a candle(s) they want to decorate. Pour the glue into a paper bowl and have the children take the paintbrush and ‘paint’ some glue onto the candle. The children can decorate the candle any way they would like. Put the glitter into small bowls and the children can use their fingers to pinch a small amount of glitter onto the candle (this will help with the glitter not being everywhere). If the children choose, they may also decorate the candle with the markers (depending on the age of your children because the markers are permanent). Once the children are done decorating the candle, let the candle dry overnight (it may take longer depending on how much glue was used and how big the candle is.) Wrap up the decorated candle and make a special delivery to the person the candle(s) are for.

Here are some other very simple, inexpensive craft ideas for Mother’s Day:

~By using a variety of materials, the children can make a special home-made card for that special person (great way to use the left over material from above)

~Make a coupon book (one of my favorites) to include things like setting the table, vacuuming the living room, cleaning a room, dusting, etc. Have the children think of their own ideas.

~Have the kids help you make breakfast and serve mom her favorite breakfast (maybe even in bed)

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

1. Encourage your children to think of ways their mom helps them everyday and have them write them down (can include in the home made card if you want)
2. Take your child to the store and let them pick out something special for their mother, aunt and/or grandma. Give your child a budget and help them pick out something special. Great way to teach children about how much things cost and how to make a wise choice on a limited budget (the thought REALLY does count more than the gift).

Suggested Movie Titles

Since it is mother’s day, mom gets to pick the movie this week. Pop some popcorn and make sure everyone tells mom that they love and appreciate her (no complaints about her choice of movies either)

Suggested Bed Time Stories/Reading
Are you My Mother? By P.D. Eastman
Happy Mother’s Day Mami! By Leslie Valdes
Love You Forever by Robert Muncsh
Mother’s Day by Anne Rockwell
Mother’s Mother’s Day by Loma Balian

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOM’S FROM THE STAFF AT FAMILY NIGHT ACTIVITIES. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU DO!!!

Click here for other Mothers Day craft ideas that will create lifetime memories.

Flower Pot Extravaganza

Materials needed

• Terracotta Pot (one per child)
• Variety of paint colors
• Bowls
• Newspaper (for easy clean-up)
• Potting soil and flowers

Once Mom is safely away, gather all the materials. Place the newspaper on the table. Explain to the kids that they will be making Mom a homemade present from the heart that they will really enjoy.

Spread out the paint on the newspaper. Place the pot on one hand. Take the other hand into the paint on the newspaper. Then go ahead and make a hand print on the outside of the pot. Mixing colors is allowed and even encouraged. Remember to let the kids be creative. After all, it’s their heart felt creation for their Mom.

If the kids would rather paint a picture, supply them with paintbrushes and they can paint a picture. Let dry and then plant the flowers inside the pot. Wrap up and give to Mom on Mother’s Day!

Another idea is to use a large pot that everyone can add a hand print and/or picture with their name.

A great addition to the above Mother Day craft is to make a personal video card. Gather everyone together and start a list of why each family member appreciates Mom. Think of a short introduction and you are now ready to start making the movie. Don’t stress out about the quality and try to make it too prefect. Trust me, you will make a hit with Mom just by talking from the heart. Make sure Dad participates in the video too.

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

Talk to the kids about the plans for Mothers Day. Maybe breakfast in bed. Plans to take care of all the household chores for the day. Be creative and Mom will cherish this day for many years.

Suggested Movie Titles
Let mom pick out the movie or surprise her with the video.

These movies are just suggestions.  If you would like additional information about the story or the content, you can visit www.kids-in-mind.com.

Suggested Bed Time Stories/Reading
Are You My Mother? By P.D. Eastman
Happy Mother’s Day, Mam! By Leslie Valdes
Love You Forever by Robert Muncsh

Materials: poster board, scissors, cut out construction shapes (stripes, circles, zig-zags), tape, markers, blindfold

Gather all the materials. Draw a large oval shape on the poster board and cut out and tape on the wall at the kids height. This activity is like pin the tail on the donkey, but we are changing it to pin the decorations on the Easter egg! Blindfold the child (you may spin them if you wish), hand them a piece of construction paper with tape on it and have them tape it onto the egg. Continue until all kids have had a chance. Keep on the wall for some extra Easter décor!

Tuesday Glitter Eggslosion

Materials: Hard boiled eggs, Elmers Glue, Paintbrush, Variety of colorful glitter, plates

Hard boil some eggs, at least 2 per child. Once cooled, have the children paint glue all over the egg and roll into the glitter. Have them get fancy and try to make stripes or designs with the glitter. Let dry!

Wednesday Outside Fun

Materials: Chalk and a nice day!!

On a nice day, go outside and let the kids decorate the driveway and sidewalk with Easter decorations! Have them draw eggs, baskets, bunnies, etc. If you are having people come over for an Easter celebration, the will love seeing the chalk designs coming up to your door.

Thursday Name tags

Materials: Egg shaped cookies, frosting, piping tool

Have the children help you make cookies and form them into egg shapes. Once baked and cooled down, the children will decorate them. If you are having people come over for a party, the kids can write names on each cookie, then place them on the table for the party. If you are not having people over, have the kids make one for each member of the family, then place them out for a dinner. This is a great thing to look forward to after dinner.

Friday Egg Creation

Materials: Hard boiled eggs, spoons, bowls, measuring cups. Varity of different mixings: mayonnaise, mustard, olives, paprika, relish, etc.

The kids will be getting their creativity going by making their own deviled eggs. Hand each child a bowl, show them how to cut the egg in half and scoop out the yolk. Let the kids start mixing different ingredients together and then fill their eggs. Be brave and enjoy the creations!!

Suggested Conversation Starters (these are just ideas and can be altered depending on the ages or developmental stages of your kids)

1. Ask the kids what they like and know about Easter. Don’t forget to tell them what you like about it too!
2. Really open up the conversation by talking about dreams. Not the kind you have while asleep but the kind you think about for the future. Pick a couple of subjects and let their dreams stream out. Subjects may be something like these: what I want to be when I grow up, my dream vacation, who I would most like to be like when I grow up, etc.

Suggested Movie Titles

Make it a special night and go see the movie, Soul Surfer.

These movies are just suggestions.  If you would like additional information about the story or the content, you can visit www.movieguide.com.

Suggested Bed Time Stories/Reading

The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
The Golden Egg by A.J. Wood
Happy Easter! By Michelle Knudsen