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Games for Kids That Are 9

When children are nine, they are at a stage where games are still fun, but they are not interested in what they consider little kids' games. Finding the right kind of game can be tricky. While still young enough to enjoy silliness, nine-year-olds are reaching the age where they need to be challenged. Fortunately, there are plenty of games available that combine fun and thinking. Electronic games are popular, but the tried-and-true classics can also hold their interest.

Board Games
- The attention span of a nine-year-old tends to be between 30 and 60 minutes, but that does not mean they can't participate in thoughtful games. "Apples to Apples Junior" is a version of the adult word game geared for children that requires thinking, but often results in laughter. Another kids' version of an adult game, "Cranium, Jr.," requires young players to use different skills, from drawing and acting to solving codes and puzzles. "Qwirkle" is a tile game where the players must use logic in connecting shapes and colors. The classic game Battleship offers the excitement that a nine-year-old wants while requiring critical thinking to win the contest.
Video Games
- Video games are a staple in most households with kids.
  
  Today's technology makes video games a fact of life in most households with children. Many of the sports games allow the player to create their own teams and some, such as "Pro Evolution Soccer," let your child put their own face on a player. For a nine-year-old girl who is not into sports, there are several games where she is a fashion designer, creating outfits and clothing lines. Games such as "Pokemon" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" require logic and memory while entertaining with contests and races.
Online Games
- The Internet offers many sites with games appropriate for a 9-year-old.
  
  As with video games, online computer games are a staple of the 21st century. You can find websites with education-based games that appeal to a nine-year-old. Funbrain.com features "Math Baseball," "Mad Libs" and "Proton Don." PBS Kids offers games such as "Star Gazing" and "Railroad Repair." There are over 100 free games at the Alfy Games website that include sports and learning games. The Nickelodeon website has games featuring their various characters, including iCarly and The Naked Brothers Band.
Card Games
- Show kids how to play card games with real cards!
  
  If your game console or computer should go on the fritz, don't worry! Card games can still keep a nine-year-old occupied. Your child may be a whiz at computer solitaire, but show him how to play the game the original way. The game War is a fast-paced competition that a nine-year-old can handle.
Outdoor Games
- When you have several nine-year-olds to entertain, tag or hide-and-seek are good ways to keep them occupied. Kickball is another option if you have a large enough group. For a smaller group, try Simon Says.
Birthday Party Games
- Treasure and scavenger hunts are classic games that nine-year-olds still enjoy. Creating teams keeps the kids interacting while competing. For the active nine-year-olds, try an obstacle course using trampolines and slides. Add humor and difficulty by making them run the course backwards. Charades is another traditional game that can be geared towards this age group.

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