Preschool

It's been proven time and time again: Active parents have active kids. This doesn't mean you have to join a gym or take up weekly soccer; in fact, it's as easy as picking up a ball. Big, squishy balls, tiny bouncy balls, colourful balls, balls with holes — no matter what type you have, there's a great game to play. Here are some of the best.

Pop Bottle Bowling
Type of ball: playground ball
Players: small to medium-sized groups, ages 3+
Where: outdoors
You'll also need: 10 to 12 empty two-litre plastic pop bottles, magic marker

Choose an area about six metres long. Arrange the pop bottles at one end, and the bowlers at the other. Each player gets two chances to roll the ball and knock down the "pins." Score one point for each pin, or use markers to write point values on the pins.

For added challenge, rearrange the pins in straight lines, squares or circles.

Backyard Broom Golf
Type of ball: plastic practice golf ball or wiffle ball
Players: one or more, ages 4+
Where: backyard
You'll also need: one broom per player

Design a course. Beds around trees, flowerpots turned on their sides, even plastic pails make good holes.

Use the broom to hit the ball into each hole. Keep count of the number of strokes each player takes for each hole.

For older players, set "par" for each hole. This way, both younger and older siblings can enjoy the game at their own levels.

Originally published in Today's Parent, June 2006