Great Games To Play With Kids

The rain is pouring down outside, it’s dark, and you’ve put a stop to spending too much time in front of the TV or mobile devices. Or, you are looking for fun ways to hang out with the kids – and gaming is top of mind! Here are a range of boredom-busting fun games to play. 

I Spy

An oldie, maybe, but a good one nonetheless! Playing I Spy has passed countless long hours while traveling, but it is great to play to pass the time at home, too. You can make it super difficult to really get their brain going. It is easy to teach I spy to children, too, and since the rules never change (unless you make new ones), they can play with other people, too. 

There are some variations that you might like to try to make it easier for little ones to play; instead of saying ‘beginning with,’ you can say, ‘ I spy something that is fluffy/round/sharp.’ Younger children can be quicker to identify things based on shape or texture. 

Charades

Charades is a great game – it can get pretty loud, though, with all the answers shouting happening. This is a classic game, and the best thing about it is that you can play from almost any age. While movies and TV might not always work when playing with kids, it can be a great idea to do animals! Fill a bucket with the names of as many animals as you can all think of, and each team will take its turn to pick an animal from the bucket. 

The winner is, of course, the team that guesses the most right – but really, when it comes to charades, the real joy comes from playing. 

Chess

For those who have ever played an intense chess game, you’ll know that it can be all-consuming. Most chess games with children will start off simpler – because this game requires planning and strategy. Before your first game, it is a good idea to take some time to read up on the rules, especially if it has been a few years since your last match (or maybe you’ve never played at all). While you don’t need to take it as seriously as having a timer, it is important to stick to all of the main rules. 

Memory Game

This game is usually used as an icebreaker, but it can be hilarious! One person starts and names an object, and the person after them will repeat that object and add a new one. The following person must remember those objects and add a new one. The first person to forget or muddle up the order is out, and the game continues until one person remains – and they are the winner. 

Word Game

A simple word game that can test the smartest among you. Choose a letter of the alphabet, and each person needs to say a word starting with that letter. You aren’t allowed to repeat a word, and if you like, you can add a timer to each turn so that people aren’t allowed more than three minutes to think of a word. Just like the memory game, the first person who says a double or can’t think of a word is out, and the game continues until there is one person left. 

Board Games

Board games are a great way to spend a few hours, or if your child is really into games, some tabletop games can take weeks to play. Some of the most popular board games are: 

• Chess
• Scrabble
• Monopoly
• The Lord of the Rings
• Gloomhaven
• Frosthaven
• Catan

However, if you are looking for games that are going to last a long time, here are a few that last multiple hours: 

• Through The Ages: A New Story of Civilization
• Nemesis
• Diplomacy
• 7 ages
• Gloomhaven

Typically, board games like these are better suited to older children who have a little more patience and are happy to wait their turn, can add up a little bit, and like strategy. 

Simon Says 

No matter how many times you play Simon Says, you are likely to get caught out at least once! Not only is Simon Says a lot of fun, but it can be completely unpredictable when children play. While you might say Simon Says sit on the floor, a child might say Simon says hop 1000 times! Anyone who does the action without Simon Says bit at the front is out of the game! 

If quality time is a goal for you and your family, here are even more ways to hang out and have fun: 7 Amusing Activities Your Children Will Enjoy – Eighty MPH Mom.