Stilt Race

When King Birtram played, he really played—on stilts! Hardworking dads need to play, too! Make tin can stilts and have a race just like the King and Eric in The King’s Stilts by Dr. Seuss.

What you’ll need:

  • 4 large, empty, clean metal cans (must be the same size)
  • nylon cord, rope, or heavy twine
  • scissors
  • a hammer and nail or a bottle opener with a can piercer
  • paint, stickers, or other decoration (optional)

Directions:

  • Use a can piercer or hammer and nail to punch two holes on opposite sides of each can near the base of the can.
  • Run a length of rope through the holes and securely knot it inside the can. The rope loop should reach to about mid-thigh on the user of the stilts.
  • Repeat with the other can, turn them over and have your child step on the cans.
  • Give your child the ropes to hold onto and explain how to pull up on the ropes to keep cans and feet in contact while walking!
  • Encourage some practice steps on a variety of surfaces.