games people play

It's Friday, and that familiar question is on everyone's lips: What are we going to do this weekend? There are a few things to take into consideration with this weekend in particular. First, we're only a week away from Labor Day weekend when everyone will be having barbecues and beach parties. Second, this is one the last true weekends of summer. Sure, we'll be enjoying warm weather well into September, but there's something about weekends post-Labor Day — they're just different.

We've got a simple idea that combines getting together with friends, enjoying the outdoors, being active and not stealing next weekend's holiday-barbecue thunder: Play some good, old-fashioned kids' games. At first, you and your friends may be thinking that you're just too old for this. But remember how much fun you had as a kid? Taking an evening of relinquishing your adulthood could be just what you need.

Plan to meet at a park or someone's big backyard (preferably someone's in your group and not a vacationing neighbor's — don't relinquish adulthood to that extent). Once you're all there, pick a game and have a blast. Here are some of our faves:

• Tag: The fun way to burn calories. After the sun goes down, switch to flashlight tag.
• Red rover: You're stronger than you were as a kid, so certainly you can hold the chain. But then again, the players are quadruple the size.
• Capture the flag: All the fun of tag with an actual goal in mind.
• Scavenger hunt: This one lets you branch out into different parts of the neighborhood. It's also time-consuming, so it can take you well into the evening.
• Dodgeball: Excellent for those who want to live dangerously.