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Games to Keep Kids Quiet

Many children are not naturally quiet, and most of the time parents allow them the freedom to make some noise. But there are times when it's important for them to be quiet for a while, such as when someone is ill, a guest is visiting, or the family is traveling or sitting in a public waiting room. Fortunately, there are kids' games available for such occasions.

Pencil-and-Paper Games
- For children who can read, give them printed activities such as word search puzzles or encourage them to draw their own games of Dot-to-Dot, Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman. Give younger children simple printed activities such as a sheet asking them to circle all items starting with a certain letter. They also may enjoy finishing pictures that you start. Try giving them paper dolls or showing them how to make their own with a pair of safety scissors.
Art Gallery
- Arts and crafts materials can hold a child's attention for some time.
  
  Give the children a table of arts and crafts materials and let them use whatever they like to make entries for a home art gallery. Make sure they have paper, construction paper, crayons, markers, scissors and glue. Paint will likely keep them at their projects longer, but will be messier. Later, give every entry a prize of some sort (such as "most colorful" or "most creative") and hang them up in an area designated as the gallery.
Board Games
- Small children can play Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders or other board games that do not require reading ability. For older children, try more advanced games such as Pictionary or Sorry. At home, the kids will have access to your family's collection of games, but on the road, travel editions are handy. You can buy magnetic chess, checkers and Scrabble games. Travel versions of games such as Sorry and Memory are also available. Travel games can be kept in your car or carry-on bag for easy access.
Video Games
- Playing video games quietly can keep kids occupied for quite some time.
  
  Set the children up with a video game or computer game and keep the volume low. A more portable solution is a hand-held video game system with the volume low or headphones on, or a personal electronic game such as Yahtzee or solitaire with the sounds turned off. You may not want your kids tuned in to games too frequently, but if you need some peace and quiet, it's a simple setup and the kids will likely be happy to comply.

Kids Games