Stuck indoors? What are your favorite things to do when you're cooped up inside?
During the summer we sometimes need a break away from the sun. During the winter we are often indoors a lot during the rainy season. We are always looking for ideas to add to our activity “tool belt” to pull out at a moment’s notice.
A few years ago my creative sister-in-law brought the most amazing homemade skeeball game to our house for our Family Olympics. We’ve been wanting to try it again and this summer we finally did it!
This easy ball launch activity only requires a few things and can keep kids moving and busy for hours! You can also sneak in a little learning too!
How do you make this easy ball launch activity?
- Materials Need for the Ball launch activity:
- Cardboard box
- Colorful Ball pit balls
- Markers
- Painters tape
- Paper
- Plastic laundry baskets (I love these cheap ones from the Dollar Store)
- Scissors
How to set up the Ball Launch:
- Start by labeling each laundry basket with a number (1-10 or 1-5 depending on how many baskets you have). Secure the paper labels onto the baskets with painters tape.
- Cut your cardboard box into pieces and tape pieces together to create a ramp. Have your kids use their problem solving skills to make their best ramp. It is ok to adjust it and change it as you play!
- Next, set up your baskets in whatever formation you want them placed in front of the ball launch ramp.
Now you’re ready to play!
In order to play, each child takes a turn rolling one or more balls up the ramp! The goal is for the balls to land inside the baskets. The higher numbered baskets count for more points! You can play again and again. If your kids like competing, you can keep score… otherwise, just roll for fun!
I love how kids of all ages can play this. Even I wanted to jump in!
In order to play the launch game, each child takes a turn rolling one or more balls up the ramp! The goal is for the balls to land inside the baskets. The higher numbered baskets count for more points! You can play again and again. If your kids like competing, you can keep score… otherwise, just roll for fun!
How to sneaking in learning:
This activity exposes kids to colors in simple ways. As they use the different colored ball pit balls, you can take the opportunity to mention the name of the ball they picked up or rolled. If they get a ball in a basket you can say, “wow! You got the green ball in the basket.” Each time you casually mention the color name, it slowly solidifies that information in your child’s head.
This activity also allows kids to explore science concepts that relate to ramps- like speed and gravity. You can teach physics at the beginning stages and help kids realize what can happen when a ball goes up and down a ramp.
Do you have any other favorite activities that are easy to set up and involve balls?
Here are 4 of our favorite toddler activities using balls:
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