It seems sometimes that summer vacation can stretch on forever, and that kids run out of constructive activities all too quickly. As much fun as a wooden swing set can be, kids have a remarkable ability to find themselves bored on a summer day. What can you do to spice things up for them, and keep that backyard playset seeming fresh and interesting?
Try a few constructive games and activities. First, if your outdoor playset has multiple “stations” or different kinds of activities like swinging, climbing, and sliding, you can use it as an easy, safe “obstacle course.” Challenge the kids to complete each station a certain number of times (i.e. swing ten times, climb the rock wall and go down the slide three times, then hang upside down on the trapeze for twenty seconds). Make it into a friendly competition and encourage them to round up their friends to see who can score the best time. What better way to burn off extra energy and get great exercise at the same time?
A swing set with towers and platforms can also become an impromptu stage. Tell each child to come up with a talent that they can perform. Have them write the names of favorite TV characters on slips of paper, draw them out of a hat, and then have them act out a scene as the character they drew and see if the other children can guess who they are.
A swing set can also be a fun addition to other outdoor games. Can you figure out a way to incorporate a tower into a game of Frisbee? Could the legs of the structure be worth points in a round of croquet? Encourage your kids to come up with their own ideas, and always play safely.
Remember to have fun, and always use your imagination!
The Kid's Creations Team
