Indoor Football? You Better Believe It!
Both boys and girls can enjoy tossing a football outside. A foam football is very forgiving on younger hands, and there’s nothing more satisfying than learning how to throw a perfect “spiral.” Hut-hut-hike ... go out for a pass ... it’s a long bomb ... touchdown! When a mentor and a young person toss a ball together, there’s always plenty of fun in the air.
But what about when it’s raining? Or just too cold to be outside? Those are the times that are perfect for “tabletop football.” And the best thing is, there’s no equipment to buy. All you need is a piece of paper, two people, a kitchen table and a little ingenuity (and imagination). You can learn more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabletop_football.
Find a Good Time Playing “Hide and Seek.”
You must remember playing hide and seek as a child. It’s one game that makes being small an advantage! And although it can be played with a group, it’s also fun for just two. Make sure your young person knows the boundaries (look for any hiding places that could be dangerous), then close your eyes and count to 20. Ready or not, here you come!
And it’s never too cold for hide and seek, because it can be just as much fun inside. And here’s an idea you can play in just one room: take five stuffed animals, dolls or action figures and try hiding them. You’ll find children have just as much fun hiding as they do finding — they feel so proud when they “stump” you with their clever, creative hiding places!
There’s a Museum Waiting for You.
A museum is a good “indoor or outdoor” activity, because as long as you have transportation there (you’ll find many city museums are on bus routes), most of the exhibits are usually inside. Is there a children’s museum near you? Find out here: http://www.childrensmuseums.org/visit/visit.htm. How about a science museum? Click here to find out: http://www.astc.org/sciencecenters/find_scicenter.htm.
And when you can’t get out (or would just prefer to stay in) there are numerous youth-friendly websites that you and a young person can explore together. Try these:
So even when the weather is dreary, mentoring a child can be fun. And you’ll like the warm feeling that spending time together gives to both of you!
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