Hobbies And Interests
Video Games
Although video games have sparked controversy in the past because parents are often led to believe they are too violent or keep kids stuck in the house all day, there are many modern kid-friendly video games that even promote exercise. Parents should ensure that video games for children under the age of nine are rated "E for Everyone." Some games on the Nintendo Wii system, such as Wii Fit Sports, promote active movements and will even tell players when it's time to put the remote down and go outside to play.
Outdoor Games
Tag, hide 'n' seek, jumping rope and hop-scotch are classic outdoor games children under the age of nine have been playing for decades and are still fun to play today. Group games, like baseball, soccer and basketball, are not only fun, but can also teach kids about socializing and ethics. A simple bouncy ball could also spark a brand new game with the use of a nine-year-old imagination.
Board Games
Although video games may seem like they've taken over, board games have been and will continue to be a staple for kids of all ages. Monopoly, Sorry, Candy Land, Shoots and Ladders, The Game of Life and Battleship are just a few board games that children under nine can play with family and friends.
Card Games
Card games are not only fun for kids of all ages, but they're portable and can be played on road trips, plane rides, in a hotel room or at a friend's house. Solitaire is a relatively easy game for children under nine to entertain themselves, and a regular deck of cards can be used for much more. Go Fish, Memory, War and Old Maid are all games that can be played with a normal deck of cards (although specialty decks for each game are available, also). Uno is a card game children under nine love because of its color and number combination. Using cards to build a house as tall as possible is another fun game for young children.