Good Fun Games for Kids

Babies

Bright colors, movement, light and learning about the world around them is what is most important for this age group. Good fun games for kids in this age group might include simple, tried and true favorites such as Peek-a-Book or Itzy Bitsy Spider. It's also important to help your child learn to follow directions. Try rolling the ball to a baby that can sit up on his own and have him roll it back to you. Teddy Bear is another direction following game. Here is the rhyme:

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn around Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch the ground Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear show your shoe Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear that will do Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn off light Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear say goodnight

You can add additional lines and rhymes that suit your child and daily routines. It's never too early to introduce your child to the learning environment of the Internet (with appropriate supervision of course). Fisher Price offers a website with games for babies and toddlers at http://www.fisher-price.com/uk/playtime/default.asp.

Toddlers

It's important to build manual dexterity skills when your child reaches toddler age. Stacking blocks, Legos, Little People Toys, and group activities can help your child. You've probably noticed that your toddler plays better alone than interacting in group activities. This is common, and games that encourage group activity can be beneficial, such as:

• Two little blackbirds
• Musical instruments from common items such as a pot and spoon
• Finger plays—make finger puppets from paper or old gloves and interact with your child

Preschoolers

Preschoolers need to continue using those small muscles in their fingers. Three to four year olds are now interacting with the world and absorbing huge quantities of information on how that world works through preschool science and every day interactions. Games such as I Spy are good fun games for a kid of this age to participate in and learn to be observant of the things around him. Other games to try include:

• Candyland
• Hide and Seek
• Simon Says
• Duck Duck Goose
• ABC Games and singing the ABC song

There are many toys to help your preschooler learn the basic knowledge he'll need as he enters his school days.

Elementary School

Your child has come a long way since those first days of infancy. He is now ready to start school, and you may be looking for new ideas for games and activities to keep him engaged in the world around him. Try some of these:

• Aggravation—This is a fun board game that the entire family can enjoy. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn.

• Journal Jar—Place topics in a Mason jar and have each family draw a slip of paper and write about the topic for ten minutes. Share what each family member has written. This is a great way to get to know your children better too.

• Indoor Camping—Too cold to camp outside? Gather some chairs and build an indoor tent. Make smores in the microwave and create memories your children will cherish.

Middle School

In today's world of electronic gadgetry, it is easier for pre-teen kids to disconnect from the world. Try to find group activity games to get your child involved with the family, such as:

• Apples to Apples
• Uno—this game is easy, fun and multiple age levels can be involved
• Jeopardy-make up your own categories and questions based on past vacations, family holiday traditions or other topics.

Don't forget to invest in some educational games for middle school as well.

High School

By the time kids reach high school, it's hard to think that they may still need games and activities. Think about some of your fondest family memories from your high school years. More than likely, they involve family game time. Here are some ideas to get your teenager involved:

• Family Olympics—Host a game day in your back yard. Invite friends and family. Have sack races, tricycling and water balloon tosses.

• Twister—Kids of all ages love this game. Host a family twist off.

• Dance offs—You can use Dance Revolution mats and a gaming system or just use music.

No matter what the age of your child, good fun games for kids will never go out of style. Keep your eyes open for additional ideas and be sure to ask your child what games he is playing at school and groups he is in. If there is a game he particularly enjoyed, ask him to teach it to you.