Summer fun starts when the sun goes down. Here are 10 games kids can play when it gets dark outside. #PoweringSummer
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
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!
About Energizer’s New Line
- Energizer® EcoAdvanced™ batteries are the world’s first AA and AAA battery made with four percent recycled batteries.
- Energizer headlights are lightweight, versatile and water resistant with pivoting functionality to direct light where you need it.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
She thought it was really fun to chase big brother. No way he could hide now!
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. 🙂
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
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.
View Comments (156)
These are such fun ideas! Makes me wish I was a kid again :) Thanks for linking up our Merry Monday party.
Flashlight tag, was always a huge success with the kids.
TO keep the kids active we do regular visits to the parks!
We actually have been playing Pokemon go at night lately.
Chasing fireflies is always a favorite night time activity.
My nieces and nephew have lots of outdoor play equipment to keep them busy.
To keep active we go to the pool ALL the time!
Our favorite game to play at night is Pictionary. Kids stay active playing basketball with our driveway hoop.
We go on family bike rides to keep my daughter active in the summer
We like to play kick the can at dusk/night