Activity Ideas with Small Bean Bags

Benefits of Using Small Bean Bags 

Using small bean bags for activities comes with several benefits. They are easy to handle, which makes them ideal for children of all ages. Bean bags can help develop hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Additionally, they are safe for indoor use and can be used in a variety of settings. 

Classic Bean Bag Toss

One of the most popular activities with small bean bags is the classic bean bag toss. This game is simple to set up and can be played in various ways to keep it interesting. 

How to Play

1. Set Up Targets: Place a few targets on the ground. These could be hoops, buckets or even marked spots.
2. Assign Points: Assign point values to each target based on its distance or difficulty.
3. Take Turns: Have children take turns tossing the bean bags at the targets. Keep score to add a competitive element. 

Variations 

• Colour-Coded Toss: Use bean bags of different colours and assign each colour to a specific target.
• Obstacle Toss: Create obstacles that children need to navigate around or over before throwing the bean bag. 

One of the most popular bean bag activities is a classic bean bag toss

Bean Bag Relay Race

Relay races are a fantastic way to build teamwork and get children moving. Adding bean bags makes it even more fun. 

How to Play 

1. Divide into Teams: Split the children into two or more teams. 
2. Set Up a Course: Create a relay course with specific points where the bean bag must be passed from one team member to the next.
3. Race: The first team to complete the course wins. 

Variations 

• Balancing Act: Have children balance the bean bag on their heads while running. 
• Crab Walk Relay: Have children do a crab walk while balancing the bean bag on their stomachs. 

Target Practice 

Target practice activities with bean bags can help improve aim and concentration. These activities can be as simple or as complex as you like. 

How to Play 

1. Set Up Targets: Use cones, buckets or even draw targets on the ground with chalk. 
2. Assign Points: Assign different point values to each target based on the difficulty. 
3. Take Turns: Have children take turns throwing the bean bags at the targets. The child with the most points at the end wins. 

Variations 

• Moving Targets: Create targets that can move, such as rolling balls or swinging buckets. 
• Themed Targets: Use themes like animals, numbers or letters to make the game more educational. 

Improve aim and concentration with target practice.

Bean Bag Balance Beam 

Balancing activities help develop co-ordination and concentration. Using bean bags on a balance beam adds an extra challenge. 

How to Play 

1. Set Up a Beam: Use a low balance beam or a strip of tape on the floor to create a beam. 
2. Balance the Bean Bag: Have children walk across the beam while balancing a bean bag on their heads or shoulders. 
3. Challenge: Increase the difficulty by adding obstacles or making the beam narrower. 

Variations 

• Timed Balance: Time each child to see who can balance the longest. 
• Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course that includes the balance beam as one of the challenges. 

Musical Bean Bags 

Musical bean bags is a fun twist on the classic musical chairs game. This activity is great for parties or classroom settings. 

How to Play 

1. Set Up: Place bean bags in a circle, one less than the number of children participating. 
2. Play Music: Start the music and have children walk around the circle. 
3. Stop Music: When the music stops, children must grab a bean bag. The one left without a bean bag is out. 
4. Repeat: Remove one bean bag and continue until only one child is left. 

Variations 

• Different Movements: Instead of walking, have children hop, skip, or dance around the circle. 
• Team Version: Pair children up and have them work together to grab a bean bag when the music stops. 

Learning Games with Bean Bags 

Bean bags can also be used for educational purposes. Here are a few learning games that incorporate bean bags. 

Alphabet Toss 

1. Set Up: Place alphabet cards or letters on the ground. 
2. Toss and Match: Have children toss the bean bag onto a letter and then say a word that starts with that letter. 

Number Toss 

1. Set Up: Place number cards or numbers on the ground. 
2. Toss and Count: Have children toss the bean bag onto a number and then count out that many items. 

Colour Match 

1. Set Up: Place different coloured circles or mats on the ground. 
2. Toss and Match: Have children toss the bean bag onto the matching coloured circle or mat.

Small bean bags are a wonderful tool for a wide variety of activities that can keep children entertained while helping them develop important skills. From classic games like bean bag toss to creative learning activities, the possibilities are endless. Incorporate these ideas into your next playtime, classroom session or practice to see the benefits for yourself.  

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