games to play outside without equipment
Playing outside is a great way to stay active and have fun. However, sometimes it can be a challenge to come up with games to play that don’t require any equipment. Whether you’re a parent looking for some new ideas to keep your kids entertained, or a group of friends wanting to try something different, there are plenty of games that can be played outside without any equipment at all. In this article, we will explore 10 exciting and creative games that you can play outside without the need for any equipment.
1. Tag
Tag is a classic game that has been played for generations, and it requires absolutely no equipment. All you need is a group of people and a decent amount of space to run around in. The rules are simple: one person is designated as “it” and they have to chase and tag the other players. Once someone is tagged, they become the new “it” and the game continues. You can add variations to the game, such as freeze tag, where once a player is tagged, they have to freeze in place until another player unfreezes them.
2. Red Light, Green Light
Another game that requires no equipment is Red Light, Green Light. This game is perfect for younger kids as it helps them to learn about following instructions and stopping and starting on command. One player is designated as the “traffic light” and stands at one end of the playing area. The other players stand at the other end. The traffic light turns their back to the players and shouts “green light!” which means the players can move towards them. When the traffic light shouts “red light!” the players have to freeze. If anyone is caught moving, they are out of the game. The first player to reach the traffic light wins and becomes the new traffic light for the next round.
3. Simon Says
Simon Says is another game that is perfect for younger kids. It requires no equipment and helps them to listen and follow instructions. One player is designated as Simon and they give instructions to the other players, such as “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says hop on one foot.” The players have to follow the instructions only if they start with “Simon says.” If they do the action without Simon saying it, they are out. The last player remaining becomes the new Simon.
4. Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, Duck, Goose is a fun and energetic game that can be played with a group of people. Players sit in a circle, and one player walks around tapping each player on the head, saying “duck” each time. When they decide to tap someone and say “goose” that player has to get up and chase the player who tapped them around the circle. If the “goose” tags the other player before they reach the empty spot, the “goose” has to sit in the middle. If the “goose” doesn’t catch the other player, they have to go again. The game ends when everyone has had a turn.
5. Mother May I?
Mother May I? is another classic game that requires no equipment. One player is designated as “Mother” and stands at one end of the playing area. The other players stand at the other end. Each player takes turns asking “Mother, may I take X number of steps?” (e.g. “Mother, may I take 5 steps?”). Mother can either say “yes, you may” or “no, you may not.” If they say “yes,” the player takes the steps. If they say “no,” the player has to stay where they are. The first player to reach Mother wins and becomes the new Mother.
6. Charades
Charades is a great game to play outside with a group of people. It requires no equipment and is perfect for all ages. One player thinks of a word or phrase and acts it out without speaking. The other players have to guess what they are acting out. You can play in teams or individually, and the player or team with the most correct guesses wins.
7. Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek is a classic game that requires no equipment and can be played with a group of people. One player is designated as “it” and has to close their eyes and count while the other players hide. Once they finish counting, they have to try and find the other players. The first player found becomes the new “it.”
8. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a more complex game that can be played outside without equipment. It requires a larger playing area and at least 6 players. The players are divided into two teams and each team has a flag or object they need to protect. The aim of the game is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your side without getting tagged by the other team. If a player is tagged, they have to go to “jail” and can only be released if a teammate tags them. The game ends when one team successfully captures the other team’s flag.
9. Red Rover
Red Rover is another game that requires a larger playing area and at least 6 players. Two teams stand facing each other and hold hands. One team starts by calling out “Red Rover, Red Rover, send [player’s name] right over!” The player whose name was called has to run and try to break through the other team’s line by linking arms with two players. If they are successful, they get to choose one player to bring back to their team. If they are not successful, they have to join the other team. The game ends when one team has all the players.
10. 20 Questions
20 Questions is a game that can be played outside with no equipment. One player thinks of an object and the other players have to ask yes or no questions in order to guess what it is. They can only ask a maximum of 20 questions and have to try and guess before they run out. If they can’t guess, the player who thought of the object wins and gets to choose the next object.
In conclusion, there are plenty of fun and exciting games that can be played outside without any equipment. From classic games like tag and hide and seek to more complex games like capture the flag and Red Rover, there is something for everyone. These games not only provide entertainment but also promote teamwork, communication, and physical activity. So next time you’re looking for something to do outside, try out one of these games and have a blast with your family and friends!
drawings on pumpkins
As the leaves begin to change colors and the air turns crisp, it can only mean one thing – it’s pumpkin season! From pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin pie, this versatile vegetable has become synonymous with fall. However, pumpkins are not just for eating, they also make the perfect canvas for creating beautiful drawings.
Drawing on pumpkins has become a popular trend in recent years, with people using various techniques and tools to create stunning designs on these orange globes. Whether you are an experienced artist or just looking for a fun and unique way to decorate for the season, drawing on pumpkins is a fantastic activity for all ages. In this article, we will explore the history of pumpkin carving and how it has evolved into the art form it is today. We will also provide tips and tricks for creating your own drawings on pumpkins and showcase some of the most impressive designs out there.
History of Pumpkin Carving
The tradition of carving pumpkins dates back hundreds of years, with its origins rooted in Celtic culture. The Celts would carve turnips and place candles inside them to ward off evil spirits during the pagan holiday of Samhain, which is now known as Halloween. When Irish immigrants came to America, they brought this tradition with them, but soon discovered that pumpkins were easier to carve and more readily available than turnips.
The first recorded pumpkin carving in America was in the late 1800s, with the practice becoming more widespread in the early 20th century. However, these carvings were not as elaborate as the ones we see today. They were simple designs, often just a face or a few shapes cut out of the pumpkin’s skin.
It wasn’t until the 1920s and 1930s that pumpkin carving became popularized as a Halloween tradition. This was due to the rise of the Jack-o’-lantern, a carved pumpkin with a lit candle inside. The term “Jack-o’-lantern” comes from the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a man who tricked the devil and was doomed to wander the earth with only a carved turnip to light his way. When Irish immigrants came to America, they began using pumpkins instead of turnips to create their Jack-o’-lanterns, and the rest is history.
The Evolution of Pumpkin Carving into Drawing
As the tradition of pumpkin carving continued to grow, people began to experiment with different techniques and tools. Instead of just cutting out simple shapes, they started to carve intricate designs, such as witches, ghosts, and other Halloween-themed images. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that pumpkin carving evolved into drawing. This was when pumpkin carving kits, which included stencils and carving tools, became readily available.
With these kits, people were no longer limited to simple designs; they could now create more detailed and precise carvings. This allowed for more creativity and artistic expression, leading to the birth of drawing on pumpkins. Artists began using the stencils as a guide, but instead of carving, they would draw the design onto the pumpkin’s skin using a marker or pen. This technique allowed for more intricate designs and a smoother finish.
In the 1990s, the popularity of pumpkin carving and drawing skyrocketed, with competitions and festivals dedicated to the art form. In 1999, the record for the world’s largest Jack-o’-lantern was broken in Boston, Massachusetts, with a pumpkin weighing in at a whopping 1,469 pounds. This event helped to further popularize pumpkin carving and drawing, with more people wanting to test their skills and create larger and more impressive designs.
Tips and Tricks for Drawing on Pumpkins
Now that we know the history of pumpkin carving and how it has evolved into drawing, let’s dive into some tips and tricks for creating your own drawings on pumpkins.
1. Choose the Right Pumpkin
When it comes to drawing on pumpkins, size matters. You want to choose a pumpkin that is big enough to fit your design but not so big that it becomes difficult to handle. Look for a pumpkin that is smooth and has a relatively flat surface, as this will make it easier to draw on.
2. Gather Your Materials
To create your drawing, you will need a few materials, including a pumpkin, a marker or pen, and a carving tool. You can also use a pumpkin carving kit, which will include stencils and other tools to help you create your design.
3. Clean and Prep the Pumpkin
Before you start drawing, make sure to clean your pumpkin thoroughly. This will ensure that your drawing stays on the pumpkin’s surface and doesn’t smudge. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any dirt or debris.
4. Draw Your Design
Using a marker or pen, draw your design onto the pumpkin’s skin. If you are not confident in your drawing skills, you can use a stencil as a guide. You can also trace your design by placing a piece of tracing paper over it and using a pencil to transfer the image onto the pumpkin.
5. Start Carving
Once you have your design drawn on the pumpkin, it’s time to start carving. Use a carving tool to carefully cut along the lines of your drawing. Take your time and be patient, as pumpkin skin can be tough to cut through. You can also use different carving tools to create different textures and effects.
6. Add Details and Finishing Touches
After you have carved your design, you can add details and finishing touches with a smaller carving tool. This will give your drawing more depth and dimension. You can also use a small paintbrush to add color or shading to your design.
7. Lighting
To showcase your drawing, you will need to add a light source inside the pumpkin. You can use a tea light candle or a battery-operated light. Make sure to place the light source towards the back of the pumpkin to create a more dramatic effect.
8. Preserve Your Pumpkin
To make your drawing last longer, you can spray the pumpkin’s inside and outside with a mixture of water and lemon juice. This will help prevent it from rotting and keep your design looking fresh for longer.
Impressive Drawings on Pumpkins
Now that you have some tips and tricks for drawing on pumpkins, let’s take a look at some impressive designs out there.
One popular technique for drawing on pumpkins is using a white pumpkin and a black marker to create a beautiful contrast. This design features a spooky, yet intricate, spiderweb with a spider in the center.
Another impressive design is this stunning galaxy pumpkin. The artist used a combination of carving and drawing to create a colorful and detailed galaxy scene, complete with stars and planets.
For a more whimsical design, this “Harry Potter ” themed pumpkin is sure to impress. The artist used a combination of carving and drawing to bring the beloved characters to life on this pumpkin.
Lastly, this intricate sugar skull pumpkin is a perfect example of how detailed and creative you can get with drawing on pumpkins. The artist used a combination of carving and drawing to create this beautiful design, complete with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Conclusion
Drawing on pumpkins has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a simple carving tradition. Today, it has turned into an art form that allows for endless creativity and expression. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun and unique way to decorate for the season, drawing on pumpkins is a fantastic activity that anyone can enjoy. So, this fall, grab a pumpkin, some markers, and let your creativity run wild!