Favorite Games for Children

Tag

• Also known as "chase," Tag is an active games A single kid is labeled "It" and this child has the task of tagging another kid. Whoever he tags becomes the new "It" and the game continues. Tag entails a great deal of running and will keep kids in constant motion. Because of this, the game will quickly exhaust most children. This can be useful if you want to have them burn off some energy.

Hide and Seek

• Hide and Seek is an evolution of Tag. Some of the same rules apply. One child is "It" and she's tasked with tagging another child. However, before she gets a chance to chase after others, she must close her eyes and count to a predetermined number, such as 30 or 50. This gives the other children a chance to hide. Once she's done counting, she opens her eyes and begin tracking them down. When she find them, a chance ensues. The first child she tags becomes the new "It." Because this game combines intense chases with periods of rest, it won't exhaust children as quickly as Tag.

Sharks and Minnows

• There are two versions to Sharks and Minnows. One can be an open field. It entails lining up most the kids on one side of the field. These kids are the "minnows." One child is left standing in the middle. He's the "shark." When he shouts, "Minnows, come to me!" all the minnows must sprint to the other side of the field. Children who reach the other end are safe. If he tags one, then that child becomes the new "shark."

  The other version requires a swimming pool with a diving board. The "shark" stands on the diving board, with her back to the pool. The "minnows" line up on one side of the pool and whenever they feel brave enough, they attempt to swim to the other side. If the "shark" hears them, she turns around and jumps in. If she tags one before the "minnow" reaches the other wall, then that "minnow" is now the "shark." However, if she turns around and there are no "minnows" swimming, then she must take a step forward on the diving board, making it harder to catch a "minnow" swimming.

Truth or Dare

• For kids who want to try something different, Truth or Dare is a constantly evolving game. Depending on what questions and dares are made, the game changes from session to session. The game starts when one player asks another, "Truth or dare?" If he responds "Truth," then the first player can ask him anything he wants. Of course, he's expected to tell the truth. If he responds "Dare," then the first player can dare him to do anything that doesn't entail harming himself or others. If the dare goes too far, he can decline. Once he tells a truth or performs a dare, he can then ask another player, "Truth or dare?" And the game continues.