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Entertaining Games to Keep Kids Busy

All parents know that every so often, multitasking with kids in tow is unavoidable. Whether it's errands after school, a surprise visit, an emergency appointment or some other fact of life, there are times when a parent practically begs his or her kids to just sit quietly and behave for a few moments. Be prepared for the unexpected, and store a tote bag with travel-size games, portable video game systems, and a list of activities to prevent those dreaded "I'm bored" act-ups when you need to keep kids busy for a bit. Make the time constructive and aim for educational games that develop skills and encourage learning.

Printable Games
- Some situations call for quiet, independent play. Print out word searches, mazes, cryptogram puzzles and fill-in-the-blanks are perfect for these moments, because children complete these games silently to themselves. Other games encourage interaction among children. Printable memory games, match games and "ad lib" print-outs engage kids in social, cooperative learning experiences --- these games require children to utilize verbal and mathematic skills. Best of all, they're fun and will keep kids not just occupied, but actively engaged.
Mini Board Games
- Major game manufacturers make travel-size versions of popular board games. Hasbro sells "Fun on the Run" versions of Guess Who, Battleship, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Yahtzee and Candyland, among others. Younger kids may enjoy carpet versions of classic board games like checkers. The checkerboard is made from a small carpet rug, and kids play with jumbo-sized red and black checker pieces. This gives younger ones that refuse to sit still some structured motion play.
Card Games
- Decks of cards are small and easy to pack into a tote and take on-the-go. Among popular kids' card games are Go Fish, Old Maid, War, Crazy Eights and Uno. But there are other things kids can do with cards, too. They can build a house of cards, learn and practice magic tricks, or play memory games with cards, depending on the time and place. Card games are versatile enough to keep kids interested and entertained, and many foster math skills and ordered thinking.
Video Games
- So much fun, they won't even realize they're learning.
  
  Hand-held, portable video game systems keep kids occupied for hours -- sometimes, more than parents would like. Despite the bad rap video games have received in the past, video game play in moderation actually helps children develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, according to studies performed at the University of Minnesota. Educational video games -- brain teasers, trivia games, puzzles and word games, to name a few -- are sold for every major game system. In addition, video games come with a detailed rating, so you can rest assured you're purchasing an appropriate title for your child.

Kids Games