Basically Mentos and Coke meets water balloons for a high anxiety game of hot potato!. Put 3-5 mint Mentos into a dissolvable baggie and tie it off to seal it. Work the baggie into a regular party balloon or just a zip lock baggie, then empty a small bottle of seltzer water into the same. The fuse is now ticking down, so quickly blow up the balloon as you might normally do, close to its maximum level of inflation. Tie it off and then toss it to a willing participant, who will immediately pass it off to another person and so on until.. Pop! The baggie will take anywhere from 1-4 minutes to dissolve, at which point the Mentos will react with the carbonation to increase the internal pressure until the balloon pops and the unlucky participant gets soaked.
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Sky Is Falling
Kids have a ceiling fan in their room? Load it up with stuffed animals or suction darts and let her rip. You’ll be teaching your kids about centripetal force while they squeal with anticipation before the objects come raining down. “What do you think will fall first? Why is that?”
As a kid, we used to stick dartboard darts in the fan, turn it on max speed, and run for our life. I wasn’t the smartest kid… But… you could do the same except use suction cup pop-darts. Turn on the fan, grab a pillow to hide behind, and let the anticipation build!
Ribbon Ninja
Hang long socks off your hands, feet, and waistband and try to steal your opponents without them taking yours first! Or just tape a length of painters tape in the same fashion. Another variation is tying balloons to your legs and trying to stomp on everyone else’s while protecting your own.
Daddio Tip: If high emotions and competitiveness run in the blood, keep an eye out for over-aggressiveness that may lead to an actual fight. Seen it happen…
Capture The Flag
Play it indoors; Play it at night; Play it on Bikes; Play it with Super Soakers! However you play this classic game, you’re bound to have fun!
Demo Day
Watch your kids walk the aisles at Play It Again Sports. See what they are drawn to. Ask questions. They might discover a new passion or find something that will help them excel in their favorite sport. Daddio Tip: Check the return policy.
For adventure gear rentals, here are a few of the most popular options:
Peer-to-peer rental platforms:
- Turo: Similar to Airbnb for cars, Turo allows you to rent ATVs directly from owners in various locations across the US. You can browse different models, prices, and availability, and even filter by specific features like off-road capability or passenger capacity.
- GetMyGear: This platform focuses on outdoor gear rentals, including ATVs. You can find listings from both individuals and businesses, offering a wider range of options compared to solely peer-to-peer platforms.
Peer-to-peer rental platforms:
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REI: REI is a co-operative of outdoor enthusiasts that has a wide selection of sporting gear for rent, from camping and hiking equipment to bikes and skis. They have locations in most major cities across the country. You can browse their rental inventory and make reservations online.
Get Out Gear: Get Out Gear is a company that specializes in renting outdoor gear, including camping, hiking, backpacking, skiing, and snowboarding equipment. They have a large online inventory and offer delivery to most locations in the United States. You can also rent gear from their physical locations in Denver, Colorado and Seattle, Washington.
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Backcountry: Backcountry is an online retailer that also rents a wide variety of outdoor gear, including camping, hiking, backpacking, skiing, and snowboarding equipment. They have a large online inventory and offer free shipping on orders over $50. You can also return your rented gear to any of their physical stores in the United States.
Evo: Evo is a company that specializes in renting ski and snowboard gear. They have locations in most major ski resorts across the United States. You can rent gear online or in person. They also offer a variety of other services, such as ski and snowboard tuning and lessons.
Blazin’ Saddles: Blazin’ Saddles is a company that rents bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards. They have locations in most major cities across the United States. You can rent gear online or in person. They also offer a variety of other services, such as bike tours and kayak lessons.
And for traveling with kids (babies), consider renting and having all that gear you would normally schlep waiting for you at the airport or your hotel:
Baby Gear Rental Companies: Navigating the Best Options
Traveling with a little one? Packing and transporting all the necessary baby gear can be daunting. Luckily, numerous rental companies are here to lighten your load! Here’s a breakdown of some top contenders:
1. BabyQuip:
- USP: Network of local experts (“QPs”) handle rentals & deliveries, offering personalized service.
- Gear: Full range, including cribs, strollers, car seats, and even toys & outdoor items.
- Delivery: Airports, resorts, homes, and rentals; some QPs offer personal shopping for essentials.
- Considerations: 3-day minimum rental (flexible on case-by-case basis), delivery & service fees, potential price variations due to multiple QPs in your area.
2. Baby’s Away:
- USP: Established company with over 25 years of experience, extensive nationwide reach (34 states).
- Gear: Cribs, car seats, feeding equipment, beach packages, and more.
- Delivery: Homes, resorts, and airports; all gear safety-checked and sanitized.
- Considerations: 1-day minimum rental, delivery fee varies by location.
3. Rents4Baby:
- USP: Convenient website for choosing delivery location & gear, large selection including unique & high-end items (vacation bundles, Doona rentals).
- Gear: Cribs, strollers, car seats, plus beach & blackout bundles, even Slumberpod rentals for anywhere in the US.
- Delivery: Homes, airports, resorts, car rentals, or self-pickup; option to purchase used items after rental.
- Considerations: 3-day minimum rental, rush delivery & cleaning fees, delivery fee.
4. Traveling Baby Company:
- USP: Focus on coastal locations, delivery & pickup options depending on area.
- Gear: Various stroller brands, full-size cribs, car seats, feeding equipment, beach packages, and more.
- Delivery: Homes, resorts, and airports; all products meet safety standards and are checked for damage.
- Considerations: $35 minimum order, delivery fee, rush delivery available for extra cost.
5. Babies Getaway:
- USP: Covers all 48 contiguous states, huge selection of gear (including outdoor toys!), price matching, package deals for specific destinations.
- Gear: Cribs, strollers, car seats, everything from toys to beach gear.
- Delivery: Hotels, resorts, homes, and airports (no self-pickup); insurance option for minor damage.
- Considerations: No self-pickup, 3-day minimum rental, delivery fee.
Remember: Compare pricing, minimum rental periods, delivery fees, and additional services before booking. Choose the company that best suits your needs and destination for a smooth and stress-free travel experience with your little one!
Night Sports
Make a special memory by letting the kids stay up late to challenge you in night basketball, soccer, or flag football. Grab some glow in the dark balls and gear and seize the night!
Stars, Sweat, and Smiles: The Magic of Night Sports with Kids
Forget the sun-drenched days of baseball diamonds and soccer fields. There’s a different kind of magic that unfolds under the twinkling night sky, and it involves laughter, teamwork, and memories made under the stars. Yes, we’re talking about the joys of playing night sports with kids!
Beyond the Fun Factor:
Sure, chasing fireflies between innings and catching glimpses of shooting stars are pretty awesome. But night sports offer much more than just cool visuals:
- Boosting Energy and Focus: The cooler evening air can be revitalizing, especially after a long day. Kids often have more energy and focus during night games, leading to better performance and enjoyment.
- Creating Unique Memories: The novelty of playing under the lights adds a special touch to the experience. These shared moments under the starry canvas become cherished memories that families treasure for years.
- Building Community: Night sports often attract diverse groups of families, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Kids make new friends, and parents connect over shared experiences.
- Developing Skills: Night sports are excellent opportunities for kids to practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a fun and dynamic environment.
- Promoting Healthy Habits: Regular physical activity is crucial for kids’ health. Night sports provide a fun and engaging way to stay active, even after the sun sets.
Tips for a Stellar Night:
- Dress warmly: Layering clothes allows for adjusting to changing temperatures.
- Bring bug spray: Keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.
- Pack headlamps or flashlights: Handy for navigating in the dark and finding lost balls.
- Prioritize safety: Ensure proper equipment and well-lit fields.
- Focus on fun: Keep the atmosphere positive and encouraging, celebrating effort and teamwork over winning.
Embrace the Night:
So, ditch the afternoon routine and step out under the stars. You might be surprised at the joy and benefits that night sports bring to your family. With a little planning and the right attitude, you’ll be creating memories that will shine brighter than any stadium lights!
Family-Friendly Cards Against Humanity
Most family games are too complicated for the little ones or lack the boatful’s of laughter you want. This one hits the mark for kids as young as 5.
Push ‘Em, Pull ‘Em, Haul ‘Em, Drag ‘Em
Drag your kids around with purpose! A cheap toboggan, tow belt, and a few kids for weight makes for a great strength and conditioning activity! Get the same workout that a $300 training sled would provide, while having fun with the kids and instilling values of healthy living. A thick plastic tarp or flattened box will also work, just be sure there aren’t rocks or sticks in the drag path.
It goes beyond just getting physical activity in together. Here are some key values to consider:
Health and Fitness:
- Promotes healthy habits: Exercising together sets a positive example for your children, making physical activity a natural part of their lives from a young age.
- Combats childhood obesity: Regular physical activity helps kids maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life.
- Boosts energy levels: Exercise releases endorphins, improving mood and energy levels for both you and your kids.
Bonding and Family Time:
- Shared experiences: Creating shared memories through physical activities strengthens family bonds and fosters positive communication.
- Quality time: Setting aside dedicated time for exercise shows your kids they’re important and creates opportunities for genuine connection.
- Reduces stress and improves mood: Physical activity acts as a stress reliever for both adults and children, leading to happier and more relaxed family interactions.
Life Skills and Development:
- Teaches important values: Through exercise, kids learn teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and the importance of setting and achieving goals.
- Boosts self-esteem: Mastering new skills and overcoming challenges during exercise builds confidence and self-belief in kids.
- Improves cognitive function: Regular physical activity is linked to improved brain function, memory, and focus, benefiting academic performance and learning.
Fun and Enjoyment:
- Discover new activities: Explore different sports and activities together, finding options that everyone enjoys.
- Laughter and shared fun: Physical activity can be lighthearted and playful, leading to shared laughter and enjoyment for the whole family.
- Creates positive associations: By making exercise fun and engaging, you help your kids develop positive associations with physical activity that they’ll carry throughout their lives.
Remember:
- Focus on fun and participation: Encourage your kids to enjoy the activity, not just achieve perfect results.
- Choose age-appropriate activities: Select activities that match your children’s physical abilities and interests.
- Be positive and encouraging: Celebrate your children’s efforts and progress, fostering a love for physical activity.
- Make it a family affair: Involve siblings, partners, or grandparents to create a larger support system and encourage participation.
Kid Lift
Don’t skip out on family time to get your workout in – use the kiddos as weights!
You’ll be surprised how strong your core will become when slinging 50 pounds of dynamic weight! Beyond the obvious physical benefits, it’s about building healthy habits, strengthening bonds, and setting them up for lifelong success.
Family Bonding:
- Shared quality time: Exercising together is a fun way to spend quality time with your kids, creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds.
- Role model behavior: When parents prioritize exercise, they set a positive example for their children, encouraging them to adopt healthy habits for life.
- Open communication: Engaging in physical activity can create opportunities for open communication and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Mental and Emotional Health:
- Boosts mood and reduces stress: Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can improve mood, reduce stress, and combat anxiety and depression.
- Increases self-esteem and confidence: Mastering new physical skills and achieving fitness goals can boost kids’ confidence and self-esteem.
- Improves focus and concentration: Physical activity enhances blood flow to the brain, which can improve focus, concentration, and learning abilities.
- Develops social skills and teamwork: Exercising together can teach kids valuable social skills like communication, cooperation, and teamwork.
- Better sleep: Physical activity can improve sleep quality, which is crucial for overall health, growth, and cognitive function.
Overall, the value of exercising with kids extends far beyond the physical benefits. It’s an investment in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while fostering stronger family bonds and setting them on the path to a healthy and happy life.
Lawn Twist
Build core strength and take advantage of a nice day outside! Make your own ‘Twister’ board outside on the grass. Take turns calling out which color to place a given hand or foot on, and don’t let your back or tummy touch the ground. When interest dies down, turn the kids loose with the spray chalk for a fun new take on traditional sidewalk chalk.