For some reason, parachutes scream “summer fun”! This might be because of all the bonding fun in summer camps or school, since there’s nothing like being able to wave a big huge parachute around on a warm day. Luckily, you don’t need to be at summer camp to be able to play with a parachute – we’ve got the perfect one for you and your little ones to have some bonding time of your very own!

There are so many ways you can play with a parachute, even if you don’t have a huge group of kids like in a classroom or summer camp. Getting the family together and letting out your inner child is what we’re all about, and parachutes are the best way to do just that!

Mommy (or Daddy!) and Me Parachute Fun!

Playing with a parachute is one of the easiest and fun ways to play with your children – somehow, every child knows exactly what to do with one, and the fun is endless. Even just simple running underneath one as it’s coming down gives children a great thrill rush of adrenaline. If you’re looking for a great way to spend some time with your kiddos now that the weather is warming up, keep on reading for a great DIY and some game ideas!

Kaleidochute 12FT Parachute

First thing’s first – you need a parachute! Our 12′ “Kaleidochute” Parachute provides gigantic fun for kids of all ages. The size of this parachute allows for great cooperative group play, making it perfect fun for the whole family. Parachute activities help build muscle tone, and are the perfect item to pull out for instant fun at birthday parties, picnics or schooltime fun. There are over 100 different games children can play using our “Kaleidochute” Parachute!

Our parachutes also help develop perceptual, cognitive, motor and academic skills. This parachute is made of polyester, and is super durable to ensure years of fun to come. Our 12′ “Kaleidochute” Parachute is a must have item for every child and classroom, as it even comes with its very own carry bag for easy storage and portability.

DIY Yarn Balls

Incorporating balls with parachute play is the best, most fun way to get some exercise in while playing. Making these DIY Yarn Balls will not only save you money on having to constantly purchase balls for your parachute, it’s also a great way to keep your kids busy before playtime. Making different colors will allow for teams for competitive games, as well!

What You Need

• Paper mache balls
• Spray adhesive
• Yarn

How You Make It

1. Take a paper mache ball and spray the adhesive around the surface
2. Before the adhesive dries, start to wrap the yard around it
3. Keep wrapping until the ball is completely covered in yard
4. Use adhesive spray to stick the end of your yarn to the ball
5. Wait for the adhesive spray to completely dry
6. Playtime!

Parachute Games

Now that you’ve got your parachute and balls, it’s time to play! We rounded up a few of our favorite parachute games from KidActivities, or you could check out this old blog for even more parachute games.

Mushroom

1. Have everyone evenly spread out in a circle, while holding the edge of the parachute
2. Pull the parachute taut and then lower it between knee level and the ground.
3. On a signal, have everyone raise the chute upwards. This will cause it to fill with air and rise up like a giant mushroom!

Tip #1: To get it as high as possible, all participants take a couple steps towards the center as the chute rises.
Tip #2: Practice together, so the children can learn cooperation and working together as a group
Tip #3: Put your DIY Yarn Balls on top and see how high they go!

Treasure Under The Sea

1. Place a variety of ‘treasures’ (in this case, the DIY Yarn Balls) into a treasure box under the parachute. The treasure box can be something as simple as a shoebox – as long as it’s something that takes a second to open and close while under pressure!
2. On a signal, have everyone make waves with the parachute by waving their arms up and down and holding an edge of the parachute
3. Send divers to retrieve called out items one by one from the box. This can be different colors of DIY Yarn Balls, so make sure you have a variety in there
4. If they don’t make it to the end before being touched by the parachute, they’re out!

Shoe Shuffle

1. Give everyone a number so that there are a couple of “teams”
2. Have all of the Number One children or parents remove a shoe and throw it under the parachute
3. Lift the parachute once, twice, then on the third lift all those missing a shoe go into the middle, retrieve their shoe and return to their place
4. Continue with the other numbers
5. For a variation with the balls, have them throw their ball in the middle instead of their shoe. Mark each ball so that they have to make sure they get their own back, not just any that was thrown in the center!

Shake Hands/Ball Trade

1. Have all the players hold the parachute way up high above their heads
2. Call out two names and have these two players run underneath the parachute, shake hands, then run back out before the parachute comes down
3. Continue doing this until all the players have had a chance to run under the parachute
4. A variation is to have the players trade DIY Yarn Balls instead of shaking hands

Let Us Know!

What games do you play with your parachute? What are your best memories growing up and playing with a parachute? Did you make the DIY Yarn Balls? Let us know in the comments below, or tag us on Instagram using @pacificplaytents!