Play a game with a bean bag.

Bean bags are fun to carry around.They can be used in a number of different games.The game of cornhole is a favorite game in the Midwest.Kids can play bean bag games in many different ways.The skill level of whoever is playing the games can be adjusted.

Step 1: A cornhole set is a purchase.

Many sporting goods stores and big-box stores sell manufactured cornhole sets.The simpler route is buying a set.You can make your own cornhole game if you don't want to buy a set.Cut 2ftx4ft pieces of cardboard for makeshift boards if you want to make a quick game.There is a hole six inches in diameter near the end of each board.The hole end should be off of the ground by six or eight inches.

Step 2: The boards need to be set between 27 feet and 45 feet.

The distance is determined by the skill level and preference of those playing the game.The boards should be set in a straight line.The boards should be 45 feet apart, but casual players can choose to be closer to 30 feet.The boards should be set 10 feet apart for younger players.

Step 3: Pick to play singles or doubles.

Two or four players are playing cornhole.In a singles game, players stand at the same board and throw to the other board.One player from each team stands at the board and throws the ball back and forth.Each team should have a bean bag color.Each player should have four bags of the same color.Each team should have four bags of the same color.

Step 4: The bags should be thrown at the other board to get the hole.

Pick one player to start the first round and alternate so that each player on the other side throws one bag at a time.The throw doesn't count if players stay behind the front of the board.The score for that round should be counted after all eight bags have been thrown.The bags that hit the ground do not count.The bag hanging on the edge of the board does not count.Points are given for bags that land on the board, and players aim to get bags in the hole.

Step 5: Score the whole round.

Every bag that a player gets on the board, they get one point.A player gets three points for every bag they get in the hole.If you want to subtract the lower number from the higher number, add up each team's total.The points that remain after the lower player's score is subtracted are given to the player with the higher score.One team uses blue bags while the other uses red bags.Two bags on the board and two bags in the hole give the blue team eight points.The red team got one on the board and one in the hole for four points.The blue team gets four points for subtracting four from the red team.

Step 6: Someone ends the game with exactly 21 points.

Continue to add each round's score to the total.Someone has 21 points at the end of the round.If a round ends with a player or team scoring over 21 points, they must go back to 11.The bags are thrown away from the board by players who know their opponent is over 21.

Step 7: A bean bag toss can be done on a ladder.

Write 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 on sheets of paper on a ladder in the backyard.Each step of the ladder has a piece of tape on it.Kids can toss bean bags between the steps.They score points as they play.Get a bean bag to land on one of the steps.One child can try to beat their own score each time, or multiple children can play to see who gets the highest score.Depending on how many steps the ladder has, make more or less point cards.

Step 8: You can use bean bags to play tic-tac-toe.

A tic-tac-toe grid can be made with chalk, tape, or rope.With two different colors of bean bags, players can toss their bags into spaces on the grid.The players are trying to get three in a row.A challenge to the game can be added by making a line a few feet from the grid.

Step 9: A bucket is used for bean bag basketball.

Put the bucket on the ground.The child needs to stand five to ten feet from the bucket to throw the bean bag.To see how many can be made in the bucket, use three or four bean bags.Multiple children take turns to see who gets the most bags in the bucket.They can use their non-dominant hand, close one eye, throw it over their head at the bucket behind them, or stand at farther distances.If you don't have a bucket, use a box or container that can hold bean bags.

Step 10: A bean bag toss game is a good practice for reading.

Take a set of flashcards and lay them out on the ground.Kids can try to land a bean bag on a card.Pick up the bag and read the word on it if it lands on a card.This is a great way to practice reading skills.You can modify the game by changing the cards.You can make flashcards with math problems or pictures.