Good Games for Boys & Girls

Cards

• Playing cards is an enjoyable pastime for both boys and girls. If your child has a basic understanding of colors, numbers or shapes, she can play a card game. Some basic games for preschoolers include Go-Fish, Slap-Jack and Old Maid. If your children are in elementary school, Gin Rummy, Hearts and King’s Corner are appropriate. For older kids who are in junior high and high school, the card game Bridge can be an entertaining choice. It is played with four people, two teams of two. Other games for older kids are Cribbage and Poker.

Outdoor Games

• There are many outdoor games both boys and girls will enjoy. For kids who enjoy the thrill of a chase, there are variations of the games Tag and Hide and Go Seek. If playing on teams is more their style, teach them about Capture the Flag, Kick Ball and Dodge Ball, or let them try flag football, basketball or soccer. For children who prefer silly games, suggest Red Light Green Light; Duck, Duck, Goose; Red Rover Red Rover; Mother May I; Simon Says and Statue Maker. Create obstacle courses or relay races in the yard for team challenges, or try some street hockey, badminton, bocce ball and croquet. If you have a blindfold and a yard free of major obstacles, give Blind Man’s Bluff a try.

Indoor Games

• When the weather does not cooperate and the kids are stuck inside, encourage them to play games rather than turn on the television, computer or video game. Boys and girls alike often enjoy a competitive board game such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Life, Checkers or Backgammon. Younger kids tend to enjoy silly games like Operation; Hungry, Hungry Hippo; Don’t Break the Ice and Candy Land. If your kids prefer more active games, introduce them to Charades, Pictionary or Guesstures. You could also break out the game Twister, or introduce the kids to an impromptu dance-off.

Water Games

• Most children enjoy playing in the pool on hot summer days. There are engaging water games that both boys and girls like to play, such as Marco Polo and Octopus. The kids can do diving games with dive rings, or have contests for the best jump off the board or the smallest splash. Water polo or water volleyball are good choices if you have the right equipment. If you don't have access to a pool or body of water, break out the water guns and water balloons.