More than pitching machines, this generation of batting cages are packed with tee ball kids, older kids taking lessons, new technology, and most of all, community. You’re likely to run into other dads you know and who value time together with the kids.
Filter Categories: Choleric
Squirrel Catapult
Tired of the varmints invading your yard? Have the kids help you build a trap to toss them back over the fence!
Less Aggressive Fun:
Make a game of squirrel spotting. When you see one, shout “Squirrel!” and give yourself a point. Everyone else has to stop what they’re doing and spot it for themselves in under 5 seconds or else they lose point. For more silly fun, chase after it when you spot it! For car rides, substitute for a certain kind of car, tree, or farm animal.
Thumb War
When they’re bouncing off wall, throw down a thumb war challenge. All of the sudden they’re sitting calmly, intently focused on only two things: your thumb and their thumb. That’s practically meditation.
Paper Airplanes
It’s a life skill they need to learn. Get on it.
Blindfold Tag
Did Marco-Polo even like swimming? Bring the classic pool game inside! A small to medium sized room with the breakables removed and sharp corners covered in blankets will work best. Give the seeker a blindfold or turn out all the lights for maximum chaos!
Amp it up by throwing some nerf guns in the mix.
Related activity: blindfold races! Way more entertaining than the old three legged race!
Aircraft Carrier (and other) Wild Campsites
Grab a group of dads + kids and book a campout onboard the USS Yorktown in Charleston Harbor! Maybe the most ultimate flashlight tag opportunity ever! If you don’t have plans to visit the Palmetto State, you’re surely not to far from a train with sleeper cars, a lake with houseboats, or some missile silo or treehouse Airbnb… Get those wheels turning and get out there!
Pub Crawl
Call up your kids’-friends’-dads and meetup at a kid friendly brewery. The kids will love the giant jenga, shuffleboard, Golden Tee or whatever other bar games there might be, and you’ll connect with other engaged dads over a cold beer. Not a bad outing!
DIY Water Blob
Ready to lounge in the pool but still a little too cold out? Lounge and play on top of it with a homemade water blob! Fold a 10 x 25 foot sheet of 6 mil plastic in half, iron the loose edges (or use a lot of glue), reinforce with Duct Tape, leave or poke a hole in the corner for a hose and tape that sucker in. Then, filler-up and let the pre-summer fun begin! Don’t expect many repeat uses. Food coloring can add a nice effect too. When the excitement wears down, give them a bunch of markers to draw on the blob.
DIY Putt Putt
No need for a fancy course – just apply the old H-O-R-S-E rules from pickup basketball! Bank off the fridge, under the kitchen table, and down the staircase! Note: we recommend a wiffle ball!
ALTERNATIVE: apply the same rules for non-golf trick shots around the house with a Koosh ball, teddy bear, or whatever mom is OK with…
Magic Tricks
Learn great tricks using everyday items in 30 seconds from our friend Oscar Owen: https://www.youtube.com/@oscar
Wow your kids, have them consider how its done, and then show them how. You’ll be teaching them that things are not always as they seem.
Teaching kids magic tricks isn’t just about pulling rabbits from hats (although that would be pretty cool too!). It’s a gateway to a world of learning, development, and fun that can benefit them in surprising ways. Here’s why:
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: Mastering a magic trick and successfully performing it for others instills a sense of accomplishment in kids. This confidence boost spills over into other areas of their lives, whether it’s academics, sports, or social interactions. They learn to believe in themselves and their abilities, knowing they can surprise and delight others.
Enhances Dexterity and Motor Skills: Many magic tricks require sleight of hand, coordination, and fine motor control. As kids practice and refine their movements, they develop dexterity and motor skills that can benefit them in other activities like writing, playing sports, or even playing musical instruments.
Sharpens Cognitive Skills: Learning and performing magic tricks involves memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Kids have to remember sequences, figure out hidden mechanisms, and think several steps ahead to create the illusion of magic. This mental workout strengthens cognitive abilities and helps them approach challenges in a creative and analytical way.
Fosters Creativity and Imagination: Magic is all about creating illusions and surprising the audience. This encourages kids to think outside the box, come up with creative solutions, and use their imagination to invent new presentations and routines. It’s a playground for their imaginations to run wild!
Improves Communication and Public Speaking Skills: Performing magic tricks often involves interacting with an audience, telling stories, and delivering lines with conviction. This helps kids develop their communication skills, learn to project their voices confidently, and feel comfortable speaking in front of others.
Promotes Patience and Perseverance: Mastering a magic trick takes time and effort. Kids have to practice, refine their technique, and overcome challenges. This process teaches them patience, perseverance, and the importance of not giving up easily, valuable skills that they can apply to all aspects of their lives.
Builds Social Skills and Teamwork: Sharing their magic with others creates opportunities for interaction and socialization. Kids learn to engage with the audience, make eye contact, and adapt their performances to different situations. In group magic presentations, they learn to collaborate, delegate tasks, and work together towards a common goal.
Provides a Fun and Rewarding Learning Experience: Learning magic tricks is simply fun! It’s a way for kids to express themselves creatively, entertain others, and experience the joy of surprise and wonder. This positive learning experience can motivate them to explore other interests and hobbies with the same enthusiasm.
So, next time you have a deck of cards or a couple of coins lying around, consider introducing your child to the world of magic. It might just be the spark that ignites their creativity, builds their confidence, and leaves them with a lifelong love for the art of illusion.