#134: Horseshoes

The game of horseshoes is also called horseshoe pitching.

You will need a stake and two horseshoes for each player. Players stand back and throw their horseshoe at the stake. They are trying to get a "ringer". This means, their horseshoe is hooked around the stake.




Players get 3 points for a ringer. If both players score a ringer, they cancel each other out. 1 point is awarded for the horseshoe closest to the stake. The most points a player can get in a turn is 6. That would be two ringers with the other player getting none. The first to reach 21 points, wins.

Example of scoring:
Player 1: Two ringers. Player 2: Two ringers. = Nobody gets any points.
Player 1: Two ringers. Player 2: One ringer. = Player 1 gets 3 points.
Player 1: One ringer and second horseshoe is closet to the stake. Player 2: One ringer and second horseshoe is farthest from the stake. = Player 1 gets 1 point. (Ringers cancel each other out.)
Player 1: No ringer and one of their horseshoes is closest to the stake. Player 2: No ringer and horseshoes are farthest from the stake. = Player 1 gets 1 point.
*Note: Only 1 point is awarded per turn for a horseshoe closest to the stake. For example, neither player got a ringer and say player 1 had both horseshoes closer to the stake than the other player, they still only get 1 point that turn.


Make it a family activity: Break into teams and have fun!

This activity promotes physical activity.

#133: Climb a Tree

Find a strong tree with low branches and climb!




This activity promotes physical activity and balance.

#132: Create Your Own Jigsaw Puzzle

All you need is a picture from a magazine, an old greeting card, an old postcard or photo that can be cut up and a pair of scissors.




If you are using a picture from a magazine, make your puzzle stronger by gluing the picture to the same sized piece of cardboard (an old cereal box works well) before cutting it out. Cut your picture into different shapes and sizes, then try to put it back together!


Make this a family activity: Everyone makes a puzzle, then trades with other members.

This activity promotes creativity and puzzle solving skills.

#131: Fake Tattoos

Stick on some fake tattoos.




This activity promotes individuality and self expression.

#130: Jump on a Trampoline

Safety First: Make sure you have a spotter (someone to catch you if you fall) and jump in the middle of the trampoline.




This activity promotes coordination and physical activity.

#129: Mini Golf

Grab some friends and family and go play mini golf. There are all sorts of courses both inside and outside.

Have fun!


Make it a family activity: Take the whole family.

This activity promotes physical activity and eye-hand coordination as well as correct angle calculations (math skills).

#128: Moonwalk

Instructions: Walk backwards, but don’t let your toes or the balls of your feet (the part of your foot behind your toes) leave the ground. To move, come up on the ball of your right foot. Slide your left foot back without lifting it from the ground. Keep your whole left foot on the ground as you slide it. Then switch feet.

Hint: Wear socks so you slide better.

It will look like you are walking forward, but you are actually sliding backwards. Cool!

This guy will give you a demo:



Make this a family activity: Who can do it?

This activity promotes coordination.