Hobbies And Interests
Online
There are many free online games for kids to play all throughout the Internet. Be sure to preview each website the child plays on, to check for inappropriate content. Websites such as Disney, Nick, and PBS are safe options, which allow kids to play along with their favorite characters and be involved in the story. There are also websites where kids can go to practice memory, logic, math and reading skills, such as math-and-reading-help-for-kids.org.
Outdoor
The best thing for kids is to get outside, get some fresh air and enjoy themselves. A wide range of free outdoor games are available. Play a favorite sports game such as soccer, volleyball, basketball or football. Play a variation of tag, either capture the flag, where you try to keep your flag from being stolen by the other team, or freeze tag, where the person who is "it" runs around and the people they touch have to freeze in the position they were tagged in. Water games, such as a water balloon fight, are always great games to play outside as well.
Indoor
If the weather is bad or you just need a day inside, there are many free games to choose from. Choose a puzzle to work on alone or in a group. Card games are always an option, such as Uno, Slap Jack, Crazy Eights or Go Fish. Another way to use a deck of cards is to build a house of cards. Create a treasure hunt for kids to search all over the house or play I Spy with household items.
Traditional
Many free games available can be played outside or inside and have been around for many, many years. Pin the tail on the donkey is a great party game along with musical chairs. Have the kids play hide and seek or a different version called sardines. This game is where one person hides and everyone else goes looking for them. When they find the one hiding, they hide along with them, until the last person finds everyone. More traditional games are rock/paper/scissors, Heads Up/Seven Up, and Red Light/Green Light.