Games to Play at a July 4th Barbecue
With the 4th of July right around the corner. Many may be planning for the big July 4th barbecue. While what to grill is an important item on the list, don’t forget to plan for games to play at the 4th of July barbecue.
Croquet Anyone
Croquet, sometimes called lawn golf, is a fun and easy game to learn. With teamwork, even the youngest family members can play. Your parents, grandparents or great aunt may have a long forgotten croquet set stored in the attic. If not croquet sets can be purchased at many Wal-mart stores or there is still time to buy a set on line. A great site to purchase a croquet set from is http://www.shapeupshop.com/games/croquet.html . They even have a complete foam croquet set available for the parent worried about children becoming too wicked with their swings. Croquet can be a fun and relaxing all adult July 4th barbecue game also.
Red Rover
Many may remember this game from their younger years. Coming from a big extended family, Red Rover was one of the many games I played with my siblings and cousins. All that is needed is a large empty yard space so that two teams can be lined up 10 or more feet apart. Choose 2 team captains and then start picking from family members alternately, one team at a time. Or, to prevent hard feelings have an adult assign teams. Other good team choices would be the girls against the boys, one family against the other or adults against the kids. Yes, the adults can get involved too. This is also a good teaching game. The children will learn who the weakest link is and for the next round can place that person between two stronger links. They may also learn that just because someone is smaller doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t strong. Rules will have to be set of course, such as; no biting, no kicking, no scratching, you get the idea! Each team locks arms and the team that is IT chants “red rover, red rover send ____ right over”; filling in the name of an opposing team member. If the chain is broken the runner gets to pick someone to take back to his/her team. If the chain is not broken the runner remains on the opposing teams side. This Fourth of July barbecue game can be fun, hilarious and exhausting. Be sure to have plenty of water on hand to prevent dehydration.
Stack Cups
Stacking Cups can be a fun and fast paced game. For this game you will need plastic drinking cups and a stopwatch. Every family has plastic beverage cups on hand during a 4th of July barbecue. A great fun game to play is cup stacking. Place 6 to 12 cups in front of each player. See who can stack the cups in the fastest time. Try this game in teams also. Not challenging enough? Try stacking cups blindfolded, with one hand behind your back or while doing push ups. Use your imagination and have fun with this cheap and easy July 4th barbecue indoor or outdoor game.
Horse Shoes and Yard Darts
Horse Shoes is a fun and skilled game to play but not everyone or every park has a horse shoes pit. So why not improvise? For a fun 4th of July barbecue game I like to call “yard darts” you will need a hoola hoop, a stiff belt buckled into a loop and a large butter tub lid or embroidery hoop. Place the items on the ground evenly spaced inside each other creating a bulls eye and two outer rings. Next for this Fourth of July barbecue game you will need several pairs of different color socks. Tie one sock into a knot and place it inside the other sock. You will hold the unknotted sock by the ankle band and fling the “dart” towards the mark. To play the game team members using the same color will each get a try at tossing the “dart” at the bulls eye. Assign points for each section and how many rounds will be played to determine the winner. If your yard or park has a horse shoe pit the children can practice for their right to get to play with the adults. Adult losers will have to go back to yard dart practice with the kids. What great fun this July 4th barbecue game can be!!
Water Wars
No family 4th of July would be complete without July 4th barbecue water games. Use your imagination for this one. Water balloons are great fun and can be tossed, flung, or dropped. To create a great water balloon catapult cut a square piece of felt or other flexible material. Now tie several large rubber bands together, creating 2 long strands. Tie 1 rubber band through each corner of the felt or other material. Connect two bands on each side to one of the long rubber band strands, so the same on the other side. Now connect the ends of the rubber bands to two poles stuck into the ground. Your 4th of July barbecue water balloon catapult is now ready for use. Place a balloon in the felt pouch and pull back stretching the rubber bands, release and watch your water balloon fly. You could set up two catapults opposite each other and see how many tries it takes to get the opposite side wet. Adult supervision required.
Which 4th of July barbecue games you choose to play should be determined by the age and abilities of the people present at the barbecue. Will you be inviting adults only? Is this a family event with lots of children running around? With pre-planned games to play at a 4th of July barbecue you are sure to have a fun, safe and successful barbecue. Happy Independence Day everyone!!
