How to Make Up Kids Games

Make your game contain action. A game where children all sit quietly is not likely to be popular with them, even if it's what you'd prefer in your house. A game where kids have to do something is much more likely to be successful, whether it's bobbing for an apple, swinging at a pinata, or just throwing balls into a bucket.

Aim for constant involvement. A game where one kid does something and fourteen kids have to wait for their turn is probably not as much fun as a game where fifteen kids are all doing something. While not all the kids have to be doing exactly the same thing, the more involved they are in the game, the less likely they are to become bored.

Include the right amount of silliness. Young kids like being silly, so take advantage of this by creating games where people have to say tongue twisters or yell out silly words. But keep the ages of your children in mind. Older children may reach a stage where "silly" to them just means "stupid."

Keep the games short. Kids have a short attention span, so a game that takes two hours to play is probably not going to be a hit, no matter how great an idea you think it is. Ten to fifteen minutes is a much better time span for a kids' game.

Don't forget the classics. Revising a classic game is often the fastest way to get a good kids' game. Change a regular game of tag to Pirate Tag, and have the kids says, "Arrrggghhh!" when they are tagged. Or change checkers to Super Checkers, with a special piece that moves straight ahead.