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Inexpensive Games for Kids

As technology advances, it is common for adults to fork over hundreds of dollars for game consoles and games for kids. Even many board games have become pricey. Parents need to realize that while kids will always want what their playmates have, the most fun and the best memories come from free and inexpensive games that can be shared with family members and friends.

Traditional Games
- While the price of some classic toys have risen astronomically, many traditional games that have been played for generations are inexpensive and still appeal to kids. Marbles, jacks, Tiddlywinks and jumping ropes appeal to children of all ages and can be played according to either traditional rules or new rules. A cheap deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment with games like Crazy Eights, Slap Jack, Gin Rummy, Kings Corner, Canasta, Euchre, Poker, Solitaire, Go Fish and War. Specialty card games such as Uno and Old Maid cost a little more than a regular deck of cards but are usually less than $5.00 (as of March 2011).
Board Games
- Board games are quickly being replaced with console or computer versions of the same games, but kids have just as much fun playing the less expensive board games with family members or friends. Enhanced versions of traditional board games that have been around for years can cost $20.00 or more, but a lot can also be found for $3.00 to $15.00. Look for board games such as Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Checkers, Chess, Monopoly, Bingo, Pictionary, Yahtzee, Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit Junior from Thanksgiving through Christmas for the lowest prices.
Free Games
- Those who claim that the best things in life are free probably lived in an area where neighborhood children played free indoor and outdoor games passed down from one generation to the next. Group games such as Tag, Hide-and-Seek and Red Rover can last for hours, while others including Duck, Duck, Goose; London Bridge; Farmer in the Dell; Ring-Around-the-Rosy; Simon Says; Mother May I? and Motor Boat are shorter but just as memorable.
Sports
- Families, neighborhood kids, community groups or school teams often play sports games including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, badminton, ping pong, tennis, kickball and dodge ball. Sporting goods stores can charge outrageous amounts for the latest models of balls, bats, gloves and skates, but inexpensive older versions work just as well. Many community and school groups provide equipment for use during team play. Find used sporting goods at yard sales, or negotiate with friends who have children older or younger than your own kids to trade outgrown items.

Kids Games