Fun Kids Games to Play at Home

Children love to play games that are new, exciting and challenging. Sometimes, poor weather or a brief illness may confine a child to his home, which frequently results in boredom and restlessness. To spice up an afternoon at home, try playing a new game with your child. A little creativity goes a long way in improving your child&'s day at home.

  1. Changing Rooms

    • "Changing Rooms" is a game perfect for rainy afternoons or winter evenings. Choose a room of your house to play in. Ask your child to focus on a certain part of the room for a few minutes, then close his eyes. While his eyes are closed, change something in that part of the room. Move a book, adjust the curtains or open the blinds. Ask your child to open his eyes and try to figure out what you changed.

    Outdoor Car Wash

    • If the weather is nice, give your child a bucket of warm water and a sponge so you can play car wash. Go outside and practice washing your child&'s toy cars or bikes. Make car wash noises and splash each other. When you are done with the car wash, try washing down your child&'s other outdoor toys or playground. This game teaches cooperation and the importance of taking care of toys, but does so in a way that makes cleaning fun.

    Car Search

    • Sit in your front yard or at the living room window and watch the cars that pass by your house. Ask your child to try "matching" cars by seeing how many red cars he can count in five minutes, or how many minivans he can count. Vary this game by trying to match drivers in addition to cars. For example, try to count how many blonde drivers you see in five minutes or how many male drivers. This game teaches your child math and recognition skills.

    Feely Bag

    • Fill a soft bag with a few household items. Use any convenient items, such as a spoon, hat, bouncy ball or shoe. Tie the bag shut with a rubber band or string. Ask your child to feel the outside of the bag and try to guess what items are inside. An alternative way to play this game is to fill a paper bag with a few items and shake the bag. Ask your child to guess what items are in the bag based on what noises the items make.

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