Inspired by the Euros? Kick off a summer of fun with these easy activities
The Euros are coming home, we hope! But while most of the nation will sit glued to the TV cheering on England and Scotland, anyone with a toddler knows that watching football this summer will be virtually impossible.
Why? Because toddlers have a lot of energy to burn! Although they may be too young to follow the football on TV, why not get them involved in the excitement another way?
From brilliant ball games in the garden (or park) to footie-themed activities you can do together, here’s how to keep everyone active and entertained while our boys do us proud in Germany.
Mastering physical skills: what to expect from your toddler
Walking: Most toddlers take their first steps and walk independently by 18 months. Running: Once they are steady on their feet, they’ll pick up the pace and can usually run at around 2 years old. Kicking: Miskicking and falling over are all part of mastering this skill, but toddlers can usually kick a ball at 2. Throwing and catching: Throwing is harder than catching. Some can do it at 3, but it can take toddlers until 4 or older to throw and catch well.
5 fun ball games to play
Try these footie-inspired ideas with your toddler this summer:
1. Goalie saves
Unleash your inner goalie by getting your toddler to kick the ball at you while you make the save of your life. The more dramatic your dive to save it, the more likely they’ll stay entertained and encouraged to keep playing!
2. Beach ball catch
At this age, the larger and lighter the ball, the easier it will be for them to catch it, so pump up a colourful beach ball and see how they get on. If they’re still too little, get them to bat at it instead.
3. Penguin football
Also known as ‘happy feet’ get them to copy you gripping the ball between your feet. Then waddle like a penguin as you try to move one foot forward, then the other, all while keeping your knees together so the ball stays between your feet. Expect lots of giggles with this one as the ball escapes!
4. Penalty kicks
Put a variety of balls (tennis balls, beach balls, balloons, footballs, bouncy balls) out in a line, and once you say go, get them to see how many they can kick and make contact with. Bonus points (or snacks!) for any that go in a makeshift goal.
5. Obstacle dribbling
Kick off those dribbling skills by getting them to move the ball around the garden, going between or over obstacles like cones, toys, and beanbags.
Let them play for as long as they like. Ideally, toddlers need around three hours of activity a day, and 10- or 20-minute bursts all count towards this goal.
Decor and snack ideas for your garden game
Bring the excitement of the Euros to your home with footie-themed decor and snack ideas:
Bunting - Nothing says celebrations better than bunting. Make your own or buy it for ease and pin it up around your home, garden, and goal nets (if you have any).
Make flags - Get crafty with your little ones by colouring in A4 card to recreate the flags of countries participating in the Euros. They may not be as perfect as flags waved in the stadiums, but you’ll have fun creating your own versions.
Round food taste test - Grab a selection of football-shaped foods (apples, bowls of blueberries, nectarines, melon, orange) and let your toddler hold them with eyes closed and guess what they might be, before having a taste! Be sure to cut up grapes if you use them.
Try new foods - Be inspired by the countries taking part and introduce some new foods to your toddler such as croissants for France, mini pizza for Italy or tortilla for Spain.
Whether Scotland knocks out the favourites or England goes all the way, enjoying this year’s Euros with a toddler will make it a tournament to remember. And hey, at least you’ll stay active and fit, whichever team takes home the trophy!
