Games and Activities for Kids

Card and Board Games

• Maintain a game closet with a selection of tried and true family favorites. Rook or face cards are convenient for a variety of card games such as Speed, Go Fish, Concentration and War. Other card games require specific types of cards, such as Uno, Old Maid, Phase 10 and Pit. Cards are small and portable, making them useful for traveling.

  Board games such as Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders are appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers. Elementary school kids might prefer games such as Sorry, Trouble and junior editions of Monopoly, Clue and Scrabble. Older kids often prefer the full versions of these games, along with strategy games such as Chess, Checkers and Backgammon. A variety of jigsaw puzzles in different sizes and levels of difficulty are also part of a well-stocked game closet.

Active and Outdoor Games

• Encourage children to play active games when the weather is nice. Some childhood classics include Kick the Can, Tag, Hopscotch, Mother May I, Red Rover, Red Light Green Light, Hide and Seek, Duck Duck Goose and Capture the Flag. Sports-minded kids might enjoy a pick-up game of softball, basketball or flag football. If water is readily available, consider hosting a water fight, complete with squirt guns and a Slip 'N Slide to cool off on a hot summer day.

Arts and Crafts

• Encourage creativity by stocking a shelf with art and craft supplies for kids to raid on a rainy day. Basic supplies include scissors, glue, tape, construction paper, crayons and markers. Add pipe cleaners, pom poms, googly eyes, craft foam, yarn, decorative edge scissors, ribbons and other items to get creative juices flowing. Craft stores often stock project kits, such as those for beaded jewelry or paper crafts. Water colors and finger paints are fun for kids, but require close supervision.

Educational

• Children often enjoy educational games and activities, sometimes without realizing that they're learning as they have fun. Check local museums for exhibits geared toward children. Science, natural history and art museums all offer opportunities for kids to learn about the world around them. Planetariums sometimes produce shows geared toward children. At home, choose games that teach strategy, logic and math or spelling skills, such as Mastermind, Boggle and Battleship.