Undoubtedly, children's entertainment has evolved over the years. From board games and video games to today’s captivating array of gaming apps, today’s youngsters are spoilt for choice.
But have you ever thought about revisiting traditional games? Often, these have stood the test of time for a reason. In fact, classic children’s games are a wonderful way to foster enjoyable interactions between generations.
The benefits of classic games
Remember playing hide and seek? What about tag or hopscotch? These timeless games, although classic, never lose their charm. They are handed down from one generation to the next, bringing a variety of benefits to kids of every age…
✅ Physical growth: Most classic games began life before digital technology, and therefore require little to no sophisticated equipment. Playground games in particular mainly call upon physical activity — developing motor skills whilst offering children heaps of fun! Remember to check out our recent post on how dynamic play nurtures motor skills development.
✅ Creative sparks: All games come with rules — yet older games can offer endless variations, sparking creativity in diverse ways!
✅ Social skills: Nurturing social interaction is crucial for boosting children's social development — particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Whether with family, classmates, or within the local community, traditional games are an effective way of bringing youngsters together.
✅ Inclusion: Children can embrace diversity by playing the games of different cultures and traditions.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Read on to discover how much fun your little one could be having with these timeless games…
12 timeless games for kids
Here's a selection of twelve classic games that have stood the test of time. Cherish them with your little ones and watch their skills develop!
1) Hopscotch
This traditional playground game improves children's balance and counting skills. How? It starts by using chalk to create a pattern of ten numbered squares on the ground, before tossing a stone onto the grid. By hopping (on one or two feet), children aim to avoid the stone — honing their coordination skills whilst counting their progress along the grid. Add an entertaining sense of jeopardy with an additional rule: stepping on a line means you’re “out”!
2) Tag
Tag not only develops children’s agility, coordination, and gross motor skills — it also boosts their ability to think quickly through rapid decision-making and split-second reactions. Another playground favourite, suitable for two players or more!
3) Dodgeball
This lively game improves children's fitness, agility, and social skills. It fosters teamwork and sportsmanship — whilst instilling confidence and resilience — through active play.
4) Hide and Seek
Hide and seek offers numerous benefits beyond entertainment. It promotes spatial awareness and enhances physical activity by encouraging children to move, run, and explore their surroundings. It also nurtures patience and creativity as players devise new hiding spots!
5) Skipping games
Skipping games don’t just enhance cardiovascular health and balance, they also promote teamwork and social interaction. Ideal for fostering friendships, they’re particularly suited to the singing of rhymes, providing a delightful way for children to have fun — whilst improving their coordination and concentration skills.
6) Whispers
The perfect party game for five or more players (the more the merrier)! Get your little ones to stand in a line or circle. Ask one child to start the game, by whispering a message to their neighbour. This continues from one child to another, with the final player saying it out loud. Comparing the original and final messages often leads to side-splittingly funny results! This game develops listening, concentration, and memory skills.
7) Tic-tac-toe (noughts and crosses)
Ideal for rainy days, Tic-tac-toe is a classic game loved by all ages. Just like noughts and crosses, players take turns to mark either 'X' or 'O' on a grid, with the aim of achieving three in a row for victory. These straightforward rules make it very accessible — fostering logical thinking, concentration, and motor skills development in the process!
8) Marbles
In this fun precision game, the aim is to knock marbles out of a designated area. This is normally a circle, but why not encourage children to get creative? Ask them to outline an area shape of their own by using playground chalk, and to pour marbles inside it — remember to keep the largest marble outside the area as “the shooter”. To play, ask your little one to flick “the shooter” marble into the area shape — any marbles that are knocked out of it are theirs to keep! Take it in turns… the player with the most marbles wins!
9) Pass the ring
Choose a child to hide a small object, like a ring, between their hands. Other players form a line, mimicking the chosen player’s hand position. The chosen player then walks down the line and secretly passes the ring to another player. Afterwards, the rest of the group guesses who now holds the ring. It’s a classic party game!
10. Circle games
Circle games promote social interaction, communication, and teamwork. From singing games to storytelling activities, they have the power to fire creativity and imagination. A popular choice for parties, they’re sure to strengthen bonds and make memories!
11. Charades
A classic party game where players act out words or phrases (without speaking) for others to guess. It enhances non-verbal communication skills and creativity amongst children and grown-ups alike, making it a timeless favourite!
12. Flying a kite
Kites offer children boundless fun! So why not craft your own? Please remember that when it comes to flying your kite, you can help to make it safe by choosing open areas, away from electricity pylons and cables. As with all of these activities, it’s essential to play games in secure settings and to choose activities that are suitable for the age of the participating children.
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Written by
The Sandbox team, in collaboration with toucanBox
