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10 Insanely Fun Night Games You’ll Want To Play All Summer Long

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure.

by RAKI WRIGHT

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Summer fun starts when the sun goes down. Here are 10 games kids can play when it gets dark outside. #PoweringSummerPoweringSummer-sqWith school out and being in the thick of summer, I want to ensure my 13-year-old son and six-year-old daughter don’t just veg on the couch watching TV or playing video games all summer long.

It’s important to keep reading, learning, and being active throughout the summer so they don’t lose those skills that they worked on during the school year. If you need a list of ideas to help prevent summer brain drain, I’ve got you covered!

This post is all about being active and having fun during summer vacation while staying safe after dark. I would like to thank Energizer for sponsoring this conversation.

Our backyard is the size of a large field where the kids gather to play. They always have a great time playing outside, but there is something special about night games. When it’s dark outside, that’s when the really fun games begin. Here is a list of games kids can play when it gets dark outside.

1. Stargazing

We live out in the county which is usually very dark. The kids can go out in the backyard on most nights to star gaze. This is especially fun during a meteor shower. You could have the kids try to find constellations or make pictures out of the stars. Get out your blankets and lay out on the grass.

2. Use Sky Map

Sky Map is a hand-held planetarium for your Android device. Use it to identify stars, planets, nebulae and more. Originally developed as Google Sky Map, it has now been donated and open sourced.

3. Camping

Put away the video games and pitch a tent in your backyard for a night of under the stars. By sticking close to home, your kids can feel safe and secure, be within walking distance of a bathroom, and still enjoy a wonderful family bonding experience.

4. S’mores

This traditional nighttime campfire treat consists of a fire-roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. Adult supervision required.

5. Bonfire

The adults can set up and supervise a large controlled outdoor fire. Kids can roast hot dogs and smores. Adults can get rid of brush or old paperwork. Win-win!

6. Catch fireflies (AKA lightning bugs)

In the South, we call them lightning bugs! 🙂 When you get close enough, catch your fireflies using a net. Place the fireflies you catch into a clear jar with a lid that’s been pierced to let in air. You should also place a moistened paper towel inside to keep the air in the jar humid. 

7. Flashlight wars

One person is “it.” They have a flashlight. Everyone runs away from “it” while “it” counts to 10. Then “it” runs around and tries to find everyone. Once you are caught in the light of the flashlight, you are caught. The last person to be “tagged” by the light wins and the person that was tagged first is “it” next.

8. Explore the backyard

Use headlamps to walk around or play games like hide-and-seek, capture the flag, or freeze tag.

9. Glow in the Dark games

You could create a ring toss from glow in the dark bracelets, make glow in the dark bubbles, or play glow in the dark bowling.

10. Make shadow puppets

If you have a white sheet or light colored wall, the kids can use flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns to create animals in the shadows. You can cast ballots for most creative or best illustration.

Energizer sent us a box of products and challenged us to come up with ideas to keep kids active during summer vacation with activities.

At the end of the post, there’s a great giveaway that’s sure to ramp up your night-time summer fun!

powering-summer

About Energizer’s New Line

  • Energizer® EcoAdvanced™ batteries are the world’s first AA and AAA battery made with four percent recycled batteries.powering-summer-10
  • Energizer headlights are lightweight, versatile and water resistant with pivoting functionality to direct light where you need it.powering-summer2
  • Energizer area lanterns are the safe, reliable way to provide bright 360° light long into the night, at the camp fire, or while weathering a storm.

powering-summer3

We live in a very rural area, so there are no street lights. When it’s dark, it’s DARK! The kids had a great time playing outside with the headlights and lantern.

powering-summer-4

The Energizer® Fusion LED Folding Lantern has 330 lumen output and light fusion technology panel that folds up for 360 degree delivering vibrant uniform area lighting. The sturdy stand on on the back of lantern allows for hands-free use (i.e. sitting it on the ground or on a table or other flat surface). It also has two modes: high and low plus smart dimming technology for customizable light output.

powering-summer-9

The Energizer® Vision HD+ Focus LED Headlight is highest performing of the Energizer vision headlights. It has 250 lumen output and a beam distance of 80 meters. My daughter had a little too much fun changing the light from white to red.

powering-summer-5

The digital focus feature allows users to customize the light to the desired width. So, she was able to adjust it herself, while wearing it. It’s also water and impact resistant up to 1 meter.

powering-summer-6

She thought it was really fun to chase big brother. No way he could hide now!

powering-summer-7

They ended the night with a quick game of shadow puppets on our carport.

The littlest hands actually make the best ones. This was my six-year-old making a snake. 🙂powering-summer-8

Energizer lights and batteries are the perfect accessories for all your summertime family activities. Their lanterns are versatile, powerful, and portable. Whether you’re camping under the stars or playing in the backyard, Energizer’s high-performance headlights are just what you need for summertime adventures that require two hands. And, as you’re preparing for your summertime fun, don’t forget the batteries!

For more information, visit the Energizer, Energizer® EcoAdvanced™ batteries, and Energizer lighting products.

What’s your favorite game to play at night? What do you do to keep your kids active during the summer?

How to Win an Energizer Prize Pack

PRIZE PACK INCLUDES (approximate retail value $90):

  • One Energizer® Fusion LED Folding Lantern
  • One Energizer® Vision HD + Focus LED Headlight
  • Two packs of Energizer® EcoAdvanced® AA and AAA Batteries

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends August 18, 2016 at 11:59pm EST and is limited to US residents, 18 years or older. The winner will be chosen randomly. Winner must respond to email within 24 hours or prize may be forfeited. Promotional content and prize for this promotion is provided by and shipped by sponsor. The prize may be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. Boxes please.

PoweringSummer

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RAKI WRIGHT
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Filed Under: Family Time Tagged With: Enjoying Outdoors, Game Night, Outdoors, Sponsored, Summer

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Emily says

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    These are such fun ideas! Makes me wish I was a kid again 🙂 Thanks for linking up our Merry Monday party.

  2. Jeanne Rousseau says

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    Flashlight tag, was always a huge success with the kids.

  3. Jeanne Rousseau says

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    TO keep the kids active we do regular visits to the parks!

  4. Nikki Hanna says

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    We actually have been playing Pokemon go at night lately.

  5. Cynthia C says

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    Chasing fireflies is always a favorite night time activity.

  6. Cynthia C says

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    My nieces and nephew have lots of outdoor play equipment to keep them busy.

  7. Ashley C says

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    To keep active we go to the pool ALL the time!

  8. Kim Niland says

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    Our favorite game to play at night is Pictionary. Kids stay active playing basketball with our driveway hoop.

  9. Ann Fantom says

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    We go on family bike rides to keep my daughter active in the summer

  10. Ann Fantom says

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    We like to play kick the can at dusk/night

  11. Lesley F says

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    The kids love to play flashlight tag

  12. Lesley F says

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    We play a lot of outside games, go swimming, hiking & ride bikes

  13. Debbie F says

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    Swimming in the pool at night is always a lot of fun!!
    thanks!

  14. Debbie F says

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    Bike riding, hikes, and swimming keep kids pretty active…and hungry. 🙂
    thanks!

  15. Maureen Ruble says

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    During the summer we love to head outside biking, hiking, camping and days at the springs or beach.

  16. Maureen Ruble says

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    The kids love to play hide ‘n seek outside at night with their flashlights. It is a lot of fun…even for my husband and I!

  17. LaTanya says

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    I like playing monopoly

  18. LaTanya says

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    we did summer camp and swim lessons

  19. jennifer aguero says

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    Night ball with the kids. Or catching lighting bugs.

  20. jennifer aguero says

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    I keep the kids active by involving them in sports, outdoor trips with walks, zoo, and parks.

  21. Jeanna says

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    We spend a lot of time swimming either in the pool or time at the beach!

  22. Donna L says

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    I like playing Rummiecube.

  23. Donna L says

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    I don’t have young children.

  24. Sarah Vegetabile says

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    Marco Polo in a pool!

  25. Sarah Vegetabile says

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    We love to explore nature and just enjoy being outside in the summer. Fresh air and fun

  26. Kristin McCall says

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    Hide and go seek is my favorite to play at night

  27. Austin Baroudi says

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    Hide and seek is fun at night!

  28. Kristin McCall says

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    To keeps my kids active during the summer I make them play outside for atleast 30 minutes.

  29. Austin Baroudi says

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    We go for daily walks and trips to the park!

  30. Cindy Peterosn says

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    Capture the Flag using glow sticks at night.

  31. Cindy Peterosn says

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    Keeping the kids active in the summer by enrolling them in organized summer sports.

  32. Sheila K. says

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    We like to play Scrabble!

  33. Sheila K. says

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    I have no kids living at home now.

  34. Jenna Hudson says

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    I like having a bonfire with smores!

  35. Jenna Hudson says

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    My kids go to the local water park to stay active!

  36. Pam H. says

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    We enjoy playing flashlight tag at night.

  37. Pam H. says

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    I keep the kids active by taking them swimming.

  38. Lauryn R says

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    My kids love backyard camping, catching fireflies, and stargazing at night. 🙂

  39. Lauryn R says

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    My kids stay really active in the Summer by all of the outside activities that they enjoy like swimming, riding bikes, playing sports, etc.

  40. Tara says

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    I love flashlight tag! I keep my kids busy and active during the summer by helping my husband and I on the farm!

  41. Liberty says

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    Favorite game to play at night is night tag!

  42. Liberty says

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    A fun way to keep kids active is swimming or going to a water park to let them run around and play in the water.

  43. allyson tice says

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    we love to place spongebob connect four in the evenings!! my kids cant get enough of that game!

  44. allyson tice says

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    i keep my kids active by changing up the activities each day! we ride bikes outside, play in the yard on the swingset and sandbox. we play cornhole, we also garden so we are laways moving!

  45. joretta foster says

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    monopoly

  46. joretta foster says

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    we go the beach

  47. Christie says

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    Loved hide and go seek and Marco polo in the pool at night.

  48. Christie says

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    We try to stay busy and enjoy the outdoors but its been so hot this summer

  49. Sheila Ritter says

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    We play hide and go seek or tag in the evenings

  50. Sheila Ritter says

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    We spend a lot of time at the park and out riding bikes. We go camping and fishing as often as possible.

  51. Heather G says

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    My daughter loves to swim and her soccer starts in the summer.

  52. Heather G says

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    I would have to say hide and seek is so much fun in the dark.

  53. SHAYNA says

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    We love to play hide and seek 🙂

  54. Julie Waldron says

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    Our favorite is hide & seek or even sitting around the bonfire telling ghost stories.

  55. Julie Waldron says

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    We go on walks & ride bike.

  56. Michelle J. says

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    Capture the flag!

  57. Michelle J. says

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    We get outside every day.

  58. Donna Kellogg says

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    Lately it has been Pokemon Go I don’t let my daughter play alone see we do it as a family. It gets us outside and enjoying nature.

  59. Donna Kellogg says

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    we keep the kids active for one so they won’t stay up all night during Mom time. And 2 two keep the brain active.

  60. Darlene Owen says

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    I love to play scrabble.

  61. Darlene Owen says

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    During the summer we love to go to amusement parks and ride our bikes.

  62. Sarah Cool says

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    I love playing life at night

  63. Sarah Sobocinski says

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    We have a play set and also a kiddie pool with lots of toys. We also have been playing pokemoney go.

  64. Trisha Burgess says

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    We love to play hide n seek in the dark!

  65. Trisha Burgess says

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    We go on walks everyday as a family!

  66. Birdiebee says

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    It is fun to play miniature golf in the dark with glow-in-the-dark golf balls.

  67. Birdiebee says

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    I keep my granddaughter busy by going to the water park, river, movies, local parks, library and museum.

  68. Laurie Nykaza says

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    Everyone loves to play Hide and seek at night!

  69. Laurie Nykaza says

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    We hangout at the pool or the beach all summer long keeps the kids busy.

  70. Debra Hall says

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    ours was always catching lighten bugs

  71. Debra Hall says

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    we spent a lot of the summer camping

  72. Whitney H says

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    We like to play hide and seek at night. Sometimes spooky, but mostly fun!

  73. Whitney H says

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    To keep my kids active during the summer, we love to swim!

  74. Tammy Woodall says

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    My favorite game to play is Bejeweled.

  75. Debbie Welchert says

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    The kids like playing nighttime tag.

  76. Debbie Welchert says

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    During the summer our kids ride their bikes, go swimming, go to the park and play basketball in the backyard.

  77. Nancy says

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    Flashlight tag is a fun game to play in the summer when it is dark.

  78. Nancy says

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    We go for walks in the neighborhood, go play in different parks, play in our yard, and walk as much as we can during daily errands.

  79. beth says

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    We like to play flashlight tag.

  80. Pamela curry says

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    My kids have 4 paws, truly I like to take that time to remember they can’t tell me what hurts or where, so
    I just call them and kick them out of bed or chase them, sometimes just to be sure they still like to play and look and feel healthy. Also, it is too hot to do that during the day, I’ve no air.

  81. Pamela curry says

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    Getting a Cat to drink enough water in the heat is a major game…anything I can from sardine water to a hose.

  82. Janet Hayes says

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    You can find me online taking a go at BINGO and Poker.

  83. Tabathia B says

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    We like playing tag when outside

  84. Tabathia B says

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    We go the pool so that they can swim and to the park early in the morning or late afternoon/early evening

  85. renee says

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    We didn’t do it this year, but my kids love glow stick tag!

  86. renee says

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    We walk early in the morning at a local park before it gets too hot and miserable, and the girls play outside in the water a lot to stay active.

  87. Laurajj says

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    We love to play hide and seek with flashlights!

  88. Laurajj says

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    To keep the kids active during the summer, we love to go on bike rides and explore all the local parks!

  89. joe gersch says

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    I liek flashlight tag at night

  90. Keeley Sullivan says

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    My kids love hide and seek at night.

  91. Keeley Sullivan says

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    My daughter plays soccer pretty much year round plus runs when she has some down time. So she stays pretty active year round.

  92. Elizabeth H. says

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    We love to play Monopoly!!

  93. Elizabeth H. says

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    We play basketball to stay active.

  94. Tammy Woodall says

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    We love to make fires in the fire pit and roast marshmallows and hot dogs at night.

  95. laurie murley says

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    We play sorry all the time

  96. laurie murley says

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    we try to schedule fun things to do the week before

  97. Seyma Shabbir says

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    I love to play Clue or Battleship with my sons!

  98. Annmarie W. says

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    It’s no chore at all keeping my kids active during the summer. My daughter is a swimmer & my son takes karate. And in their free time, they are constantly in our pool or biking around the neighborhood!

  99. Stephanie Phelps says

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    we love to play hide and seek and we also love to play corn hole!

  100. Stephanie Phelps says

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    We stay active by going to the lake and to the park!

  101. Morrighan Crowe says

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    At night we arr stargazers. Hopscotch is a fun night game.

  102. Morrighan Crowe says

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    We have kept busy this summer by swimming and 4 wheeling.

  103. Dawn Monroe says

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    We showed our older grandkids how to play flashlight tag this summer. They had a blast.

  104. Laura B says

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    This summer we did alot of Ppkemon Go playing to stay active! At night, we love to catch lightning bugs and stargaze!

  105. Dawn Monroe says

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    It’s been hard to stay active this last month because it was so hot. I try to take the kids on nature walks, bike riding and swimming.

  106. Deborah says

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    We like to catch lightning bugs and take walks!

  107. Deborah says

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    We stay active by going to local parks and riding bikes in the neighborhood and playing in the backyard.

  108. Seyma Shabbir says

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    During the summer we go to the park, play soccer but if it is too hot we play xbox sports inside.

  109. Tina reynolds says

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    at night we like running around in the back yard playing tag your it

  110. Fiona N says

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    My favorite game to play at night is nighttime scavenger hunt

  111. Fiona N says

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    hiking, fishing, swimming, and gardening keep my kids active during the summer

  112. Erin L says

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    We go to the park, swim and play in the back yard!

  113. lisa kay says

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    The little one like to hide under their blanks and play with a flashlight

  114. lisa kay says

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    We have lists of things to keep them busy
    Never a what are we going to do today!

  115. Francine Anchondo says

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    We like to play hide and seek

  116. Francine Anchondo says

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    We take them swimming

  117. courtney hennagir says

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    We do a lot of hiking and take day trips to towns near us to discover new things together.It keeps us all active during the Summer and makes for some fun memories.

  118. courtney hennagir says

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    We love to play hide and seek at night! It’s super fun! PokemonGO is also a really fun thing to do at night,since it is a little cooler outside.Great after dinner activity.

  119. Marcia Goss says

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    We have a pool, so we swim a lot.

  120. Julie Lundstrom says

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    When I was a kid we used to love to play Ghost In The Graveyard at night.

  121. Julie Lundstrom says

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    I set up their kiddie swimming pool and craft projects.

  122. chickie brewer says

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    When my kids were little it was Hide and seek.

  123. TallulahJane says

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    At night we play video games as a family.

  124. TallulahJane says

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    To stay busy in summer, we play a lot of tennis – helps to keep us fit and is fun.

  125. Yona Williams says

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    At night, my favorite game to play is tag.

  126. Yona Williams says

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    During the summertime, I keep my nephew busy with art projects and playing sports with him.

  127. Leah Shumack says

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    We like playing hide and seek at night!

  128. Leah Shumack says

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    We do a lot more geocaching in the summer time! It’s a great way to keep the kids moving and these lights would come in handy when we do night caching!

  129. Heather D says

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    When I was a kid we loved Hide and Seek at night. At night we called it Ghost in the Graveyard though.

  130. Heather D says

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    I keep the kids active with lots of things. They especially love swimming and riding scooters.

  131. Danielle Jones says

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    We love to play flash light hide n seek at night time. We usually make a few teams consisting of my son and my nieces and nephews. We live in a rural area and have lots of great hiding places around our house.

  132. Danielle Jones says

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    To keep my son and neighbors kids active during the summer we often visit our state park in the evening. They have volley ball nets and walking trails and even a running track. It gets really hot during the day here, but in the evening the temperatures are mild enough to get outside and enjoy the summer.

  133. Jennifer H. says

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    We like to play Clue!

  134. Jennifer H. says

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    We get outside!

  135. John H. says

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    We like playing Clue and Risk.

  136. John H. says

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    We try to do more things outside.

  137. Renee Rousseau says

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    We like to play hide-and-go-seek at night and flashlight tag.

  138. Renee Rousseau says

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    To stay active we like to bird watch with hikes and journals.

  139. elizabeth miller says

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    We absolutely love to play flashlight tag at night. We get a bunch of the kids on our block together and often play parents versus kids.

  140. elizabeth miller says

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    To keep my kids active in the summer, we do as many outside activities as possible..the park, walks, playdates, slip n slides, the pool, games outdoors at nights on days it is too hot to be out.

  141. Laura says

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    Uno is always fun to play (even at night!)!

  142. Laura says

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    During the summer, it’s fun to spend time at the pool and beach! My nieces also enjoy going to the park!

  143. Sherri J says

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    At night, we like to catch lightning bugs. But we let them go…

  144. Sherri J says

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    I keep my kids busy in the summer with art projects. We love crafts in my house.

  145. Richard Hicks says

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    We like playing any number of card games

  146. Richard Hicks says

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    The kids play outside on their own and we take them to the pool

  147. Laurie Emerson says

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    At night we like to play either Candyland or Scrabble.

  148. Laurie Emerson says

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    To keep them busy during the summer we go swimming, bike riding and take long hikes.

  149. holly lawson says

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    We made a bucket list of fun activities and worked our way through them!

  150. holly lawson says

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    We love to play Candyland!

  151. Roxann says

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    We like to play cards at night.

  152. Roxann says

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    To keep busy we love to go swimming.

  153. AEKZ2 says

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    We like to play poker.

  154. AEKZ2 says

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    We keep busy by going to the pool, shopping, or doing art and crafts.

  155. Sue Hull says

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    I take my nieces to the marina. My daughter is grown. Thank you for the chance 🙂

  156. Sue Hull says

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    When my nieces come visit we play yahtzee and watch movies.

Trackbacks

  1. Energizer Prize Pack Giveaway | Just Sweep says:
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    […] CLICK TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY! –> […]

  2. 5 Ways to Get Active as a Family - Working Mom Blog | Outside the Box Mom says:
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    […] 10 Insanely Fun Night Games You’ll Want To Play All Summer Long […]

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Welcome! I'm Raki. I am a working mom of 2 (20-year old son and 13-year old daughter). I share tips to balance work, family, and make time for you. More...

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