5 games to play with a skipping rope

Now that the summer is in full swing, keeping the kids occupied and happy is definitely one of the toughest challenges mums have to face right now.

Unfortunately, most youngsters get bored with toys after only playing with them for a few hours, so figuring out how to utilise them in more ways is important.

The skipping rope is one toy that does more than what it is intended for and can keep the kids amused for hours on end.

Why not give these games a try or see what you or your kids can come up with yourself:

1. Create an obstacle course

The world is your oyster when creating an obstacle course with a skipping rope! You can secure them to sticks stuck in the ground leaving them about a foot off the grass and get the kids to crawl under them or you can lay them down flat in a zig-zag shape and have participants walk on them without falling off.

2. Limbo                                                

Instead of using a stick or a pole to play limbo why not use a skipping rope. Simply have two players hold the rope at either end, lowering at each turn until the players can’t make it under without falling!

3. Three-legged race

You will need at least six participants to play this game but it will get the kids outside and moving. Get two players to stand beside each other and tie them together with their inner leg – do this for all participants and have them race each other. You might want to start off slow so that no one falls!

4. Target practice

Shape three skipping ropes into various sized circles and get the kids to kick a ball into the middle of each. Allocate a certain amount of points to targets with the winner being the player with the most points.

5. Tight rope

This one might be a little tricky but it will certainly keep the kids amused for hours while they try to master it! Start off flat on the ground, slowly raising the rope as the kids get used to it.