Summertime is the perfect time of year for outdoor get-togethers with friends and family. But oftentimes, these social events are focused first and foremost on food. While it’s always fun to indulge in a treat and enjoy a meal with your loved ones, why not shift the focus away from the dessert table and onto the many fun activities you can enjoy together? Try these fun ideas to get everybody moving at your next backyard party!
Take a group walk. After dinner, go on a walk around the neighborhood or to a local park. Not only does this get you up and moving around, it’s also a great opportunity to talk to your friends and family! Walk briskly, but not so fast that you can’t keep up your end of the conversation.
Try a team sport. Gather family members who want to play and set up a game in the front or back yard. Be sure to play a good distance from the house to reduce the chances of a ball sailing into it and causing damage.
- Kickball
- Volleyball
- Wiffleball
- Soccer
- Touch football
Play kids’ games…whether you’re a kid or not. These fun games are easy to play and will help keep you on your feet! Kids will enjoy them, and many adults will, too.
- Tag or freeze tag
- Charades
- Hide and seek
- Horseshoes (for older kids or adults) or a plastic ring toss game (suitable for younger kids)
- Hopscotch
- Capture the flag
- Jump rope
- Marco Polo (if there’s a pool available)
- Musical chairs
- Set up a relay race
Have a dance party. Make a playlist that includes a variety of fun songs to dance to. Play it 30 to 60 minutes after the meal. Be sure to clear space on the patio or in the yard for people to boogie down.
Start a scavenger hunt. Make a list in advance of ten items participants have to find. Then, send them off into the yard or down the block to find and snap pictures of the items on the list. First one to find all the items specified wins!
For Health Advocate Members
Looking for more ways to incorporate physical activity into your summer fun? If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to our Wellness Coaching program, call your coach for more healthy tips and ideas!
