Play Kid Games
what to consider before you choose...

Want to play kid games? Be aware that there are a huge variety of kids games that don't require anything electronic, from indoor to outdoor games, games for one person or those to be played with a group. But electronic games can add another dimension, such as lights to follow or a sound if you win.

Remember that children are capable of figuring out ways to entertain themselves and you can support them in being self-directed by choosing age appropriate games to play.

Age appropriate Games for Kids to Play

Choose and play kid games that are developmentally age-appropriate for children.

• Packaging requires that manufacturers print the age group the game is most appropriate for


• Games on our site identify age group suitability

For little ones, games of chance are great. These involve the roll of a dice and moving a token.

With Preschoolers you can move towards games that challenge number, letter and word knowledge.

Planning Games for Kids to Play

Agree or advise a finish time before you start to play the game. When everyone is in agreement up front it helps reduce issues as children get absorbed in the game and don't want to stop, leading to tempers and tiredness taking over.

Stopping play while children want more isn't easy but it's also not a bad thing. Just give them a 5 minute warning. They'll look forward to the next time they can play the game.

Aside from teaching children about winning and losing, games help teach children important social skills including waiting, sharing and decision making.

Involving Family in Kids Games

There's a game to suit every situation - indoor or outdoor, family or alone, any time of the day.

Some families like to dedicate an evening a fortnight to a family games night. No TV, just fun and laughter and learning with a family game.

With family games, even the youngest child can be included. If they are too young to understand the rules and play, they can help roll the dice or move pieces, set up and pack up.

If a child is too young to fully understand the rules, try dividing up into teams or matching a younger child with an older one.