GAMES & TOYS
Alphabet Bodies
See if your kids can make all the letters of the alphabet using their bodies, keeping in mind that some letters will require two people (unless you have a child capable of contorting herself into an M). Photograph the letters with a digital or Polaroid camera, then have the kids cut them out and arrange them on poster board to create their own personal alphabet chart.
Follow the Leader
Warm up with exercises like toe touching and crab walking. Then have kids follow you (or one another) through an obstacle course: Limbo under a broom set across two chairs, slalom through scattered shoes, walk on a balance beam of string taped to the floor, toss a beanbag or small stuffed animal into a large pot using the "wrong" hand, and finally somersault across the finish line.
Bowling
Arrange a selection of empty cereal boxes, milk cartons, and paper-towel and toilet-paper tubes at the end of a hallway as targets. Then, using rolled-up socks as bowling balls, try to knock them down.
Memory Game
Put random household objects (a key, a paper clip, a fork, a hairbrush, a penny) on a tray and let the kids study it for a few minutes. Then cover the tray and have them draw or list each of the items. Add more as you go to make it more challenging.
Spin Around
Kids 18 months to 5 years old will love spinning as they turn the steering wheel.
Flying Turtle
No motors, batteries, or pedals! Just swing the handlebars from side to side to propel this cool sit-skate toy. (For kids 3 to 12 years.)
Block Stilts
Kids put their feet on the cups, hold on to the ropes, and stomp around on these mini stilts. This toy is also great for developing hand-eye coordination.
FAMILY TIME
Life-size Portraits
Tape large pieces of construction paper into a rectangle that's as long as your child is tall. Have your child lie face up on top of the paper and trace his outline (or let his sibling do it). Have him draw his clothes, face, and hair. You can use bits of felt, ribbons, and buttons for hair, eyes, clothes, etc.
Memory Lane
Kids love to look through old photo albums—even your wedding album! See if they can identify the people and places in the pictures.
Role Play
Set up a pretend restaurant. Have the kids set the table, make menus, and take turns being the maitre d', waiter, and customer.
Make Sushi
Barnes and Noble sells a great kit with all the tools. Add rice, seaweed, carrots, cucumbers, and canned tuna or smoked salmon and you have a great hands-on meal.
Think Fondue
You can really warm things up with melted cheese or chocolate. Williams-Sonoma makes a great pot.
