If you have a basketball hoop (or a nearby court) and a ball, you're pretty much all set for a fun family recreational event. It's important to keep the whole family in shape and basketball gives the whole body a workout. So, gather family and friends (yes, the little ones, too) and host an amateur basketball tournament. Prior skills and knowledge are not necessary. This is all about fitness and fun.

Once you've figured out where and when you're going to play, be sure you've got everyone covered. If there are smaller kids who won't be able to reach the net with the ball, be sure to get a basketball goal they can reach. Children's size basketball hoops are fairly inexpensive. There are various sizes ranging from toddlers up to teens. Don't leave the babies out of the fun. Babies who are capable of playing with toys can be handed a soft basketball toy to play with. Depending on the baby's developmental stage, active play, such as reaching for the toy or crawling toward it can be encouraged.

Now, on to the actual game day. The weather should be nice enough for outdoor play. Be sure you let everyone know to wear the appropriate clothing for game play. Clothing should be loose-fitting, lightweight and moisture-wicking. Basketball shoes should be durable and have optimal shock absorption. Breathability and cushioning also should be factored in. Also, make sure that shoes worn during a basketball game are lightweight. Otherwise, the legs and feet will get tired before game play is done. I'm not saying everyone needs to have the same shoes as the pros, but foot protection is a must.

Once everyone has arrived and is geared up for game play, teams can be created. Be sure to also account for different age groups. Some families may decide to play these basketball games for prizes, while others may wish it to be non-competitive. Either way you will still get the same exercise, so that part is up to your family. The important part is that everyone gets the chance to play. There should be no players left on the sidelines in this one.

Tug-of-war has long been a fun, family activity. Turning it into an organized neighborhood event makes it even more entertaining. It's also a great way to fit some family fitness into the schedule. Tug-of-war can exercise all the muscles of the body. This type of game can also help foster teamwork.

It may sound difficult to organize a neighborhood game, but it doesn't have to be. First, decide where to hold the event. It might be at a park or at your home, if your yard is large enough. If you can be prepared for an uncertain number of guests, pass out fliers advertising the event with contact info. If you'd rather limit the event to a certain number of people, pass out invitations to the neighbors of your choice.

To play tug-of-war, divide people into teams, as well as age groups. Be sure you have ropes geared to the age levels. There also can be family teams, but be sure everyone knows to play a gentler version if there are younger kids present.

There should be a line drawn on the ground in chalk. A team stands on either side, with all team members holding the rope. When the game is signaled to start, each team pulls on the rope. The object of the game is to pull all members of the opposing team over the line. Whichever team accomplishes this first is the winner. If there are a large amount of participants, or if people want to play one-on-one, rather than in teams, tournaments can be held. Each winning team or person plays against the next team until there is one last winner.

To make the event more enjoyable, you can make it an all-day thing, with snacks and recreational activities in between. If the event is held at the park, kids can play on the playground, in between competitions. Other good activities for in-between include frisbee, jump rope, and ring toss. If games are going to be in the grass or the dirt, it is suggested that people wear shoes with thicker traction. If they will be on asphalt or concrete, grip is still required, but not as thick.