Trying to keep your kids entertained and engaged is definitely a struggle that parents have to learn how to overcome. If you've got some energetic and restless kids on hand, we've got the perfect solution for you. These 35 games are the perfect things to keep them distracted, all while teaching them important skills. Don't wait any longer - it's time to introduce these great games to them!
1. Hide and Seek
You can never go wrong with a good ol' game of Hide and Seek! It's a classic game where one person closes their eyes and counts while others hide. The seeker then tries to find everyone while you attempt to be the last one hiding. This game is great for physical activity and teaches kids about patience and strategy.
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2. Simon Says
One person is "Simon" and gives commands like "Simon says touch your toes". Players must only obey commands that start with "Simon says". It's excellent for teaching children about listening skills and following directions.
Steven Depolo from Grand Rapids, MI, USA on Wikimedia Commons
3. Pictionary
Using a board or just paper, one player draws while others on the same team try to guess what it is. It's a fun game that often leads to hilarious moments, especially if you've got some bad artists. This game fosters creativity and improves communication skills.
User François Haffner on fr.wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
4. Charades
Players act out a word or phrase without speaking, while others guess what it is. It's a lot harder than it looks! Charades is great for helping with non-verbal communication skills and is a lot of fun for all ages.
thefuturistics on Wikimedia Commons
5. Treasure Hunt
Hide objects around the house or garden, and give children clues to find them. This game is excellent for problem-solving and understanding instructions.
6. Board Game Night
Games like "Monopoly," "Candy Land," or "The Game of Life" are classics and are the best options for family game nights. They teach children about rules, strategy, and fair play.
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7. Building Block Challenges
Using building blocks like LEGO, challenge each other to build specific structures. It's fun for everyone involved and this activity can promote growth in creativity.
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8. Storytelling Games
Create a story together where each person adds a sentence. It can be a funny one, a serious one, a sad one, or a happy one - the opportunities are endless! This encourages imagination and language skills.
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9. Memory Card Game
Lay out cards face down, and players take turns flipping them over, trying to find matching pairs. This game is excellent for improving memory and concentration. But don't be fooled - it's a LOT harder than it seems.
Photo by KF, July 2005. on Wikimedia Commons
10. Musical Chairs
Set up chairs and play music. When the music stops, everyone must find a chair to sit in, but there's always one less chair than players. It's a fun way to teach children about timing and awareness, but also a great way to groove to some great tunes!
Artaxerxes on Wikimedia Commons
11. Duck, Duck, Goose
Children sit in a circle, and one walks around tapping heads saying "duck" until they choose someone and say "goose". That person must chase them around the circle and tap them before they manage to sit down in the empty spot.
It's a great game for physical activity and social interaction.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devon Dow on Wikimedia Commons
12. Balloon Keep-Up
It's a simple game that requires just one item: a balloon. Try to keep a balloon in the air without letting it touch the ground. You'll be surprised how fun it is to play with your kids!
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13. Hopscotch
Draw a hopscotch grid with chalk and take turns throwing a stone and hopping through the squares. It's a classic outdoor game that improves balance and motor skills.
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14. Crafting Session
Gather some craft supplies and create art together. Whether it's painting, making collages, or building models, crafting is a great way for children to express themselves.
15. Cooking Together
Pick a simple recipe and cook together. This is not only fun but also teaches kids about following instructions and basic cooking skills.
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16. Obstacle Course
Set up a homemade obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and other household items. It's a fun way to encourage physical activity and teaches kids about overcoming challenges.
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17. Jigsaw Puzzles
Working on a jigsaw puzzle together can be a relaxing and rewarding activity. It helps with problem-solving and patience, and it's great for all ages.
18. Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items for kids to find around the house or yard. This game encourages exploration and observation skills.
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19. Tic-Tac-Toe
A simple and quick game that teaches strategic thinking.
The best part? You can play it anywhere, on paper or even drawn in the sand.
Photo by Matthew Davis on Unsplash
20. Red Light, Green Light
One person is the "traffic light" and stands at one end of the room or yard. When they say "green light," others move towards them until they say "red light". It's great for teaching self-control and listening skills.
Jarek Tuszyński on Wikimedia Commons
21. Sardines
In this reverse hide-and-seek game, one person hides and everyone else seeks. When you find the hider, you hide with them. The last person to find the group is the next hider. It's a fun twist on a classic game.
Photo by bady abbas on Unsplash
22. Nature Collage Challenge
Go on a nature walk and collect various natural items like leaves, twigs, and stones. Then, have a competition at home to create the best nature collage. This activity encourages exploration of the outdoors and sparks creativity in using natural elements for art.
Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplash
23. Hot Potato
Pass an object around while music plays (preferably something soft and light like a small plushie). When the music stops, the person holding the object is out. This game is great for developing quick reflexes and is fun for all ages.
Grady Fontana on Wikimedia Commons
24. Shadow Puppets
Use a flashlight and a blank wall to create shadow puppets. This activity is great for nighttime and encourages creativity and storytelling.
25. Mother May I?
One person is "Mother" and stands facing away from a line of players. Players take turns asking, "Mother, may I take [number] steps forward"? It's a great game for learning about polite requesting and listening.
jonathan t erickson on Wikimedia Commons
26. Freeze Dance
Play music and have everyone dance. When the music stops, everyone has to immediately freeze. If you're caught moving still, you're out! It's a lively game that gets everyone up and moving.
27. Dress-Up Relay
Set up a relay race where participants must put on and take off different costumes or accessories at certain points. It's an exciting and energetic game that will get your kids super competitive and engaged.
Photo by Jessica Rockowitz on Unsplash
28. Paper Airplane Contest
Who doesn't love making paper airplanes? This game is simple - make paper airplanes and see whose can fly the farthest or perform the best tricks. It's time to get creative with your plane-making skills!
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29. Telephone Game
Sit in a circle and whisper a message from person to person. The last person says the message out loud. You'll be surprised to see how many mistakes are made along the way, leading to many funny outcomes.
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30. Guess Who?
A board game where players ask yes/no questions to guess the other player's character. It's a fun way to develop logical thinking and questioning skills.
31. Four Corners
In this game, each corner of a room is numbered from 1 to 4. One person is 'it' and closes their eyes while others choose a corner. When 'it' calls out a number, kids in that corner are out.
It's a fun game that all comes down to luck and chance!
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32. Bingo
Create or print out bingo cards with various symbols or objects. Draw or call out the items, and players mark their cards. It's a fun way to teach kids about matching and patterns.
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
33. Balloon Volleyball
Set up a 'net' (like a string across a room) and use a balloon as the volleyball. Players hit the balloon back and forth over the net. Don't forget to keep track of points to make things extra competitive!
Photo by Alyssa Stevenson on Unsplash
34. Guess the Sound
Make a collection of sounds on your phone or find sound clips online. Play each sound and have the kids guess what it is. This game sharpens listening skills and can be very entertaining.
Photo by Alireza Attari on Unsplash
35. Spoon Race
Each player balances an egg or a small object on a spoon and races to a finish line without dropping it. Just be prepared to clean up a couple egg splatters - there's no doubt in our minds there's going to be a few.
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