Two weeks from today my kids will go back to school. And although they would love to whittle away their remaining summer days parked in front of the Wii, I'd much rather they go outside.
"You'll be in school soon," I remind them, while trying not to sound like a nag. "You are going to be sitting in your classrooms, wishing you could run around outside." They'll both grumble, but eventually acquiesce (like I give them a choice), heading out the door for some active play. The thing is, once they get out there, they have a ball, riding their bikes, drawing on our driveway with chalk and even engaging in a water fight or two.
If you need some incentive to get your kids to put down the video games, check out this comprehensive list of outdoor play toys for kids from Catherine Holecko, About.com's Guide to Family Fitness. From water tables to swords, you are sure to find something that will keep them busy until school starts. (Actually, as long as the weather is nice [read: not raining], my kids are outside from when they get off the bus until dinnertime.)
Have fun and enjoy the rest of the summer!
What is your child's favorite outdoor toy?