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Kids' Corner Games

Aside from the usual kids' activities, like watching television or surfing the net, you can engage them in worthwhile activities that will keep them quietly occupied. Keeping your kids busy with simple corner games can be both fun and educational. These fun-filled games and activities can also help you bond and spend quality time with your kids.

Customized Coloring Activity
- Coloring is one of the many ways to keep your kids busy. To make it more fun, use Photoshop to create customized coloring pages from your family photos. Your kids will definitely be excited to color their own faces. You can also turn this into a game where the kid with the most creative artwork wins a prize. For this activity, select the photo that you want to turn into a coloring page. Open the photo in Photoshop and select the printout size from the image tab then click on the canvas size. Choose 8.5 by 11 inches to make the details bigger. Be sure to make a duplicate layer to avoid altering the original photo by selecting "Duplicate" from the layer tab. If you want the picture to appear as line art, apply a photocopy filter by going to the filter tab, selecting "Sketch" then "Photocopy." You can adjust the contrast and detail settings to emphasize the outlines of the line art image. Save then print out the file.
Word Search Puzzles
- Word search puzzles are another activity that you can turn into a kids' corner game. You can create customized puzzles from an online word search generator. Enter the words that you want to hide in the puzzle. Change the puzzle setting, as necessary, for the kids' ability and grade level. Choose a simple and large font to make it readable for everyone. Sites where you can create word search puzzles include EdCreate.com and ToolsForEducators.com.
Memory Game
- A good way to keep your kids busy, while sneaking in some education, is through memory games. You can make memory cards with pictures of different words, numbers and letters. For this activity, look for 10 photos and print out two copies, 2 by 2 inches each. Cut and glue the photos onto cardboard or colored paper. Place the cards face-down and have the kids turn over cards, one at a time, to locate the matches by memory.
Jigsaw Puzzle
- Jigsaw puzzles have always been a favorite game for kids and kids at heart. Rather than buy a store-bought puzzle, you can make your own. First, find a colorful picture, either online or scan a personal one onto your computer. Use an online jigsaw puzzle creator and upload the picture that you selected. Print out the puzzle image and paste it on a sheet of cardboard. Cut out the pieces with a sharp craft knife. Sites, such as Jigsaw Planet and Easy Jigsaw Maker, offer free online jigsaw puzzle creators.

Kids Games