What are some fun, cheap play ideas at home?
“It is a happy talent to know how to play” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Where I live in Cambodia, many parents don’t have the budget to constantly purchase boardgames that cost $15 or $20. And more generally, it is a big ask to spend that kind of money on a game for which pieces may soon be lost (at least, that is the case with my kids!).
But the good news is that there are so many games you can play together at home or in a public space without spending a dollar. In fact, often a home-made, tailored version of the game is more unique and better suited to your kids’ interest.
- Hidden objects: Take 1–5 small objects (for instance a doll or small cars or a pen or a book, but anything of similar size can work) and hide them in the room while the child(ren) are hiding their eyes. Then, the children must find the hidden objects and put them in a basket/bag. To help them find the objects, you can guide them by saying “hotter” when they move more closely to a hidden object and “colder” when they move further away. Once they have found all the objects, one of the child(ren) can have his turn hiding the same objects and the parent helps look for them.
- Scavenger hunt: Create a list of things the child(ren) need to find when you go for a walk or in the house: For instance, a scavenger hunt for a walk might include: 3 types of flower, 4 types of leaves, one unusually-shaped rock, something red, something funny, something triangle, etc, a piece of trash, etc. I tend to write the objects but also draw them so my children can remember what each one is (because they are not fully able to read yet). I give them a little bag to collect the objects. Once they find each object they need to tick the list. This game is a great way to motivate children who don’t like to go for a walk. The first child who brings the full list back wins, but you can also play with only one child. If you are playing within your house you can adapt the list — for instance a blue toothbrush, a toy animal etc.
- Obstacle course: Inside or outside, use a few small objects/cushions to create an obstacle course for kids to practice their motor skills. This may include hopping on one foot, jumping far away, ramping below something, throwing a soft ball into a basket. Outside is easiest because you can even use bigger balls and obstacles, but we even played this inside during COVID quarantine and it was great fun and a good way to get the kids to spend their energy. This game is great for body coordination and guaranteed laughs.
- Charades/mimes: The parent draws a few objects/animals on small pieces of paper (for instance, a guitar, a fireman, a fish, a toothbrush, etc.) and put the pieces of paper in a basket or hat. The first child picks a piece of paper in the basket and must then mime the object or animal represented on the paper. This means he/she must act out this object/animal without making any noises or words, only gestures. The child/adult that guesses the object/animal correctly must choose another paper from the basket and mime that word. If the child(ren) knows how to read the parent can just write the name of the object/animal and doesn’t need to draw it. This game is an easy way to get the giggles started in a big group.
Make your special version of Western boardgame bestsellers for free:
In some cases, shops sometimes sell expensive versions of these games, but in fact it is easy for parents to make themselves with nothing more than pen and paper. In fact, it is better because you can adapt the game to the level of your child.
- Memory: Draw ~15 sets of similar objects (for instance 2 pieces of bread, 2 milk bottles, 2 apples, etc.), each one on a white square/flash card, with the other side of the square remaining blank. If your kids are old enough they can help draw the objects. Each participant must find as many pairs as possible by trying to memorize the location of matching objects. Upon his turn, each participant turns two squares at the same time. If correct he can keep the pair and play again. If the two squares don’t match he puts them back at the same location and it’s the turn of the next child. This game is great to develop memory and concentration skills.
- For more ideas to play in the home, read the post on ideas for Games to improve children’s numeracy and reading
