Coursing Around is a recent book for encouraging physical activity and creative challenges in kids through chalk-drawn obstacle courses. We wrote about it back in one of our 2009 Gift Guides (you can find all five of them here) and it has served us ever since for ongoing inspiration in creative physical exertion.

For Z, though, it is just a starting point. Are you ever just stunned at your child's total commitment to making stuff up as they go along?











Other kids' games are all such a bore!
They've gotta have rules and they gotta keep score!
Calvinball is better by far!
It's never the same! It's always bizarre!
You don't need a team or a referee!
You know that it's great, 'cause it's named after me!

[The Calvinball Theme Song]