Room Designer Games for Kids

Graph Paper Designer

• Give the child a piece of graph paper and geometric shapes cut out of construction paper. Rectangles can represent beds, televisions and sofas. Circles represent chairs and tables. Ask the child to see how many designs he can create within a given time period. If more than one child is playing, create a point system where the children compete to see how many different designs they can create. This game is a fun way to help children learn more about geometry as they deal with fitting the various shapes in the available space.

Magazine Design

• Magazines, weekly circulars and catalogs are all wonderful resources for pictures of furniture and decor items. Give the child a piece of paper and some safety scissors and ask him to cut out items for a room he will design all on his own. Have him paste these items to the paper to create interesting designs. If more than one child is playing, have an art competition to see who gets the most votes. Award a prize to every participant.

Virtual Design Games

• The Internet is full of virtual room design games for kids. Virtual games help kids see their creations come to life in a realistic way (see Resources). Children should never be allowed on the Internet without adult supervision. In many of the games, you can choose from various styles of beds, carpets and lamps, among other choices, to design your own virtual bedroom.

Doll House Design

• Kids can create their own doll house using a large box. Create furniture using small toothpaste, toothpick and paperclip boxes. Ask children to design a house using these everyday items. Supply fabric swatches, markers and other craft objects so children can personalize their houses. Have them explain the decisions they made regarding colors and fabric. This is a good way to discuss color theory with young children.