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Games are undoubtedly among children’s favorite activities, especially when shared with peers or parents. In fact, children whose parents actively engage in play tend to be happier. Through games, children experience, learn, have fun, communicate, and grow. Moreover, play serves as an effective tool for socialization.
Now, brace yourself: none of the activities described below involve sitting comfortably on the sofa while passively watching your children play. Instead, the goal is to share the joy of playing and have fun together!
This list is thoughtfully structured with games requiring the least physical effort placed at the end. This arrangement serves two purposes: to help you continue as your energy inevitably wanes, and to minimize any potential feelings of guilt.
(If you’re already feeling tired, don’t worry – start with number 6!)
Furthermore, this approach ensures you can engage with your children at various energy levels, promoting consistent interaction and bonding. Remember, the quality of time spent together often matters more than the specific activity chosen.
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as dancing with children! Start by curating a playlist that matches your children’s tastes and energy levels. You might opt for a classic like the “Bird Dance” or a catchy tune from a popular cartoon (our household favorite is “I Like to Move It” from Madagascar). Alternatively, introduce them to the unbridled joy of dancing to oldies – I’ve often come home to find my husband and two daughters enthusiastically twisting to “Let’s Twist Again”!
While choreographed routines might be too structured for children’s games, free-form dancing is undeniably fun. This activity goes beyond mere entertainment; it provides physical exercise, develops a sense of rhythm, enhances coordination, and encourages self-expression. Most importantly, it’s an excellent way to bond with your little ones through shared joy and laughter.
First of all, if you have not already done so, you should try it out at least once in your life. Indeed, I assure you it’s a hoot! Initially, I tried it after being misled by those wonderful videos of an athletic and slender mom who effortlessly trained her daughter. However, for us, it was a disaster! Nevertheless, it was perhaps one of the most enjoyable days of my life.
A timeless ally of parents: when you can’t think of another game, hide and seek always works. Indeed, I think that among the games to play with children, it is consistently the most effective. Moreover, it’s a versatile game that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, hide and seek not only entertains but also helps develop important skills such as problem-solving and spatial awareness. Therefore, it’s no wonder that this classic game remains a go-to choice for parents and children alike.
I admit that explaining it to children is not easy. In fact, at least for us, it wasn’t! Initially, I needed the collaboration of their father. However, in the end, maybe it was more fun to play when we didn’t respect the rules! Surprisingly, our unconventional approach led to even more laughter and enjoyment.
This game has two versions. Firstly, you ask your kids to find objects that share characteristic(s). For example, you might say, “Find as many blue things as you can” or “Find something green and fluffy.” Secondly, you can hide an object in the room. To help your kids find it, tell them if they are “warmer” (closer to the hidden object) or “colder” (further away from it). Interestingly, both versions encourage observation skills and spatial awareness.
Here, at this point, I guess you’re a little tired. As Forrest Gump might say, “I think maybe it’s time for a little break.” So why don’t you sit back, relax for a moment, and take out a pen and paper?
Moving on, let me tell you about another game. My daughter loves this one! It’s essentially a kids’ DIY version of Pictionary. First, you’ll need some drawing materials. You can use a small whiteboard, but sheets of paper are equally fine. Then, the game begins: you need to draw something (don’t worry, it doesn’t matter if the drawings are not perfect) and your child has to guess what it is. After that, it’s their turn! This back-and-forth continues, creating a fun and engaging activity for both parent and child.
All you need for this activity is playdough, salt dough or, better yet, pastry (which can then be used to make cookies or biscuits). First, just smoosh the dough. Next, cut it into shapes. Then, let your child touch and explore the texture. Finally, don’t be afraid to make a mess (or a “smess,” as my little one says!). Indeed, the messy play is often the most enjoyable part for children.
I assume by now that you are mildly tired, but not too much. Given this, you might choose a set of books of stories or rhymes and interpret them as if you were the characters in the story. For instance, if I were reading Little Red Riding Hood, I could imagine myself as the wolf, the gran, or Little Red Riding Hood and tell the story from a different perspective.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a version that requires even less energy, try replacing the names of the characters with those of your friends or family. I assure you that you will have fun! Moreover, this approach can add a personal touch to familiar stories, making them fresh and exciting for both you and your children.
When you just can’t take it anymore, this is the only game I can suggest to you! It was taught to my husband by his mother and had been handed down from generation to generation before that. Now, I’m sharing it with you… I’m pretty sure that in this game, you will always win!
Whatever gaming activities you choose, don’t forget the rewards! Whether they followed the rules of the game or not, or whether they won or not, kids always need bonuses. Therefore, be sure to congratulate them warmly!
As for the rest, there are no rules. Or rather, there is only one: have fun! This implies not being too strict in running the game. It doesn’t matter if the final result is a complete disaster; the only important thing is that it is a pleasant way to spend time together.
If your choice is for activity number 9, apps for kids, they should be stimulating and fun. Read the funny stories from Smart Tales with your child. Choose a story about an ocean or a forest and help with interactive logic and counting activities.
