70 best games for kids to play at home

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: September 12, 2023

The best games for kids contain elements that encourage creativity, skills and development. They are easy to understand, with clear rules and goals. They hold children's attention and promote positive thinking. Safety comes first, so sharp parts and complex language are not allowed.

The right game varies by age and between indoor and outdoor games. For newborns and small children, simple, safe toys and activities with gentle sounds and textures are best. For older children, games that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills provide greater challenge. Outdoor play requires sufficient space and safe toys, while indoor play is often more focused on learning and developing specific skills.

Introducing a list of the 70 best games for kids to play at home. These games have been carefully selected to help children learn and grow in a fun and safe way.

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1. Best quick and easy game

A quick and easy game is a type of game that requires minimal effort and time. It focuses on simple rules, fast gameplay and immediate rewards. Look for games that you can learn quickly, that you can play in short sessions and that give you instant satisfaction.

Balloon bouncing is such a simple game. This exercise game is a fun and energetic activity where participants must work together to keep a balloon in the air and prevent it from hitting the ground.

You can set different rules depending on the age and skill levels of the participants:

• Hands should only be used to tap the balloon.
• Feet may be used in addition to hands.
• Any part of the body, except hands, can be used.
• You can increase the difficulty by asking participants to tap the ball a certain number of times before passing it to the next person.

2. Best game for newborn babies

Games for newborns are designed to stimulate sensory development.

With Tap tap tap you sing a song with your baby on their back. Tap the bottom of their feet while singing along with the song.

Baby will love hearing your voice and the tapping will give them a new sound experience.

A game like this helps the baby develop listening skills.

3. Best game for 1 year olds

Games for 1-year-olds stimulate sensory development and motor skills. Look for colorful, interactive games with large, safe components.

Hear who's squeaking is one of the best games for 1-year-olds.

Help the baby squeeze a squeaky toy to hear the sound.

Then cover it with a blanket and squeak it again. This time, watch how they react to hearing the sound and help them pull the blanket off.

It helps babies exercise their memory and ability to locate sounds.

4. Best game for 2 year olds

Games for 2 year olds stimulate motor skills, creativity and cognitive development.

Hot and cold finding toys is a great game for this age. Grab their favorite toy, one he always plays with. For example, hide it in a basket and then let him search the room.

When he strays from it, he's cold and as he gets closer he's warm, hotter, hottest!

If he gets frustrated, you can hold his hand while he looks around.

This game improves your child's emotional skills:

• he learns patience
• perseverance
• and the realization that just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't there great to learn with a game at the age of 2.

5. Best game for 3 year olds

Games for 3 year olds stimulate development. They are simple, colorful and interactive. They promote fine motor skills, creativity and cognitive skills.

Animal movements are a fun exercise activity for 3-year-old children. This involves imitating animal movements such as waddling walrus and galloping horse.

Do one first, and then make sure that the children come up with ideas about how they can portray the animal.

6. Best game for 4 year olds

Games for 4 year olds often encourage the development of basic skills. They are simple, colorful and interactive.

With Walkie Talkie LEGO, two players each receive a set of the same LEGO building blocks.

Player 1 makes his own building and ensures that player 2 can make an identical construction by giving the correct instructions to player 2.

Both players are not allowed to see each other, the instructions are given by walkie talkie. The difficulty level can be increased with more blocks or with different shapes of blocks. For example, you can first start with Duplo and add more and more different ones, then you can increase the difficulty level and use small LEGO blocks.

This is a walkie talkie game that you can do with a simple set as necessary because the range does not have to be large and it is fun from about 3 years old with Duplo, but best fun from 4 years old.

7. Best game for 5 year olds

Games for 5 year olds stimulate creativity, motor skills and cognitive development. They are simple, colorful and interactive, with clear instructions.

One of the best games for 5 year olds is Alien. This game requires at least three players.

• The facilitator acts as the 'interpreter' while a child sits next to him or her and acts as the 'alien', an alien being visiting from another planet.
• The 'audience' (a brother, sister, boyfriend, girlfriend, dad or mom) asks the interpreter several questions about the alien, and the interpreter in turn translates the questions into the improvised language and the alien responds in the same crazy language.

It's a great game to develop early public speaking.

8. Best game for 6 year olds

Games for 6 year olds stimulate creativity, teach basic skills and provide fun. They are easy to understand, have clear instructions and do not contain violence.

Snapshot is a great game for two children, but also with a group of six or more children.

• Tell the children to form two lines, opposite each other, each with the same number of participants.
• The attendant summons an animal, profession, or sport (ie octopus, chef, football).
• Children should imitate that specific word while the attendant counts down from 10.
• If it is at 0, then the kids must freeze whatever position they were in.
• The line that remains frozen the longest wins.

9. Best game for 7 year olds

Games for 7 year olds stimulate creativity, problem solving and motor skills.

Hangman is such a popular and - especially among parents - extremely well-known game. This is a very exciting word game to play together with the family or with your friends!

A player puts the first letter of his chosen word on paper and a number of horizontal lines (where the missing letters will be placed) and the last letter.

The other players take turns guessing a letter. If it is in the word, it will be entered. If not, the gallows will be drawn.

Whoever guesses the word may then come up with a new word. If no one guesses before the gallows is ready, the player gets to think up a word again.

10. Best game for 8 year olds

Games for 8 year olds stimulate creativity, problem-solving thinking and social skills. They are easy to understand, but provide enough challenge to maintain interest.

An enormously fun game is the Advertising Game; all players write on a piece of paper 'for sale', 'for rent', 'wanted' or 'offered'. You fold the note in half and give it to the player next to you.

On the note you receive, you write what is being sold, rented, searched or offered. For example 'a table' or 'my sister';).

Fold the note in half again and pass it on to the person next to you. On the new note you get, include something like 'not in perfect condition' or 'great'.

In the last round, you write a sum of money on the note.

At the end of the game, everyone opens their note and a very funny sentence comes out like: "Offered, my sister, great, for only € 2,50".

11. Best game for 9 year olds

Games for 9 year olds are designed to be both entertaining and educational. They stimulate creativity, problem-solving thinking and social skills.

Air guitar is a fun exercise activity that is perfect for this age. Pretend you're playing the guitar and rock out. You can do it with music, but without music it also works perfectly fine. Who can show the best rock moves?

Set the rules in advance, such as jumping and rocking on the couch is fun, but only if it is allowed at your home of course.

12. Best game for 10 year olds

Games for 10 year olds stimulate creativity, problem-solving thinking and social skills. They are challenging but not frustrating, with clear instructions and goals.

A fun word game to expand vocabulary and general knowledge - with a bit of time pressure - is 'most words'.

Everyone can take turns choosing a subject and a letter. For example, if the first player chooses 'sport and the letter V', everyone writes down as many words as possible on this topic, starting with the letter V.

Whoever has written the most correct words on paper wins. You must of course determine a time within which the words may be written.

13. Best game for 11 year olds

Games for 11 year olds stimulate creativity, problem solving and social interaction. They are challenging but not frustrating, with clear rules and goals.

A fun game is dot and dash. Place a number of rows of dots on a sheet of square paper, creating a square or rectangular grid. You and your opponent take turns putting a horizontal or vertical line between the dots.

The intention is to create as many squares as possible. If you put the finishing line, the square is yours!

You may place your initial in the boxes you have conquered. Whoever has the most squares at the end of the game wins.

14. Best game for 12 year olds

Games for 12 year olds are designed to be both entertaining and educational. They promote creativity, problem-solving thinking and social skills. They are not too complex, but offer enough challenge to hold attention.

A fun game is Pictionary: divide the group of players in two and each write a number of words on pieces of paper. The papers all go into a tray and are well mixed together.

The first player then grabs a piece of paper and has to try to copy the word. The players from his team must guess which word is being drawn.

If the word is guessed within the agreed time (for example, 30 seconds or one minute), this team gets one point.

15. Best game for kindergartners

The best games for kindergartners are educational, stimulate creativity and promote social skills. It is safe, age-appropriate and contains simple rules.

Building a playhouse is one of the best calm activities for preschoolers. Use blankets and pillows to build a cozy playhouse. Make it extra fun by adding toy cars and figures.

You can of course play in it afterwards. You can also create additional rules by only allowing certain materials, such as only soft things or only things made of wood. Now we have to get really creative.

16. Best creative game to play at home

Creative games for the home stimulate imagination and innovation. Look for games that allow for personal input and adjustment. They must be challenged to solve problems and come up with creative solutions. Interactivity and collaboration are also important.

Making your own board game is a fantastic activity for the whole family that not only encourages creativity, but also promotes teamwork and problem-solving skills. Here is a more detailed explanation of how to organize this fun family activity:

You need:

• A family meeting where everyone can participate in planning and designing the board game.
• Writing materials, such as pens and paper for brainstorming and writing down rules and ideas.
• Creative supplies, such as cardboard, colored pencils, markers, scissors, glue and possibly fabric, buttons, or other materials for making game pieces.
• A theme or concept for the board game (for example, adventure, fantasy, historical, or something of specific interest to your family).

Steps to make your own board game:

1. Brainstorming:
   • Start with a joint brainstorming session where each family member can share his or her ideas for the board game. Think about the theme, rules and purpose of the game. Let the imagination run wild!
2. Establishing rules and goals:
   • Together with your family you can define the rules and goals of the game. What are the winning conditions? How do the players move through the game board? How do they earn points or rewards?
3. Design the game board:
   • Use cardboard and creative materials to make the game board. This is the visual heart of your board game. Draw the board, add color and add any artwork that matches the theme of the game.
4. Create game pieces:
   • Create game pieces that match the theme of the game. These can be self-made figures, pawns or other objects that the players move around the board. Make sure they are distinctive and easy to recognize.
5. Test the game:
   • Before you consider the board game complete, it is important to test it. Play a few test rounds to make sure the rules are clear and fair and that the game is fun and challenging.
6. To make adjustments:
   • After the testing phase, you as a family can make any adjustments to the rules, the board or the playing pieces based on your experiences during testing.
7. Play and enjoy:
   • Once the board game is complete, you can play together as a family and enjoy your creation. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time and have fun.

17. Best indoor game without toys

Indoor play without toys is an activity in which participants use their imagination, creativity and physical skills to have fun. Look for games that promote interaction, cooperation or competition and do not require specific toys or equipment.

Craft activities are always fun for the whole family. Use recycled materials and create personalized gifts for friends and family. Give free rein to your creativity and create unique works of art. You can also make your own toys so you have something to play with afterwards.

18. Best family game to play inside

Indoor family games are interactive, promote cooperation and competition, and are suitable for all ages. They should be easy to understand, but also provide enough challenge to remain interesting.

Freeze Dance is a fun game to play indoors with the family. This game requires players to freeze when the music stops.

Very similar to musical chairs and also called musical statues. Here you really only need a music player and speakers.

It used to be a cassette deck that you could easily pause, now maybe just your iPhone and Spotify.

• Let the kids dance and move while the music plays. Every 45 seconds, stop the music and tell children to stay in place.
• Whoever moves has to sit down and is finished.

It's simple and requires focus, which adults also enjoy. If you do this, you as a parent will certainly not be bored, and this way everyone will get some exercise.

19. Best family game to play outside

Outdoor family games encourage physical activity, teamwork and fun. Look for games that are suitable for all ages, are easy to understand, and require little to no equipment. The game must also be safe and provide the opportunity for healthy competition.

A scavenger hunt is an interactive scavenger hunt that can be adapted to different ages and promotes exploration and vocabulary enrichment. It is a lot of fun to set up but also fun for older children to participate, especially if they also enjoy guiding smaller children a bit.

You can alternate between harder and easier hints so that everyone can participate.

20. Best game for rainy days

Rainy day games are designed to keep you entertained for hours. They are often complex and challenging, with in-depth storylines or puzzles that require strategic thinking.

Play the weatherman is one fun game to do when it rains. Provide materials for a fantasy game in which the children can be weathermen (and women)!

Some suggestions are:

• Large cardboard box to use as a large television
• Laminated weather symbols for the “weather person” to explain the weather (use double-sided tape or adhesive tape with adhesive side out so that the symbols stick to the weather map)
• Large wall map of the Netherlands is of course completely cool!
• Microphone (or use a paper towel tube to make one)
• When they are a little older, you can grab paper and pencils to write scripts

21. Best educational game

Educational games are interactive tools designed to improve knowledge and skills. They combine learning with fun, increasing the player's motivation and involvement. Look for games that have a clear learning objective, are appropriate for the age and level of the player, and provide feedback on progress.

Mad Libs is a fun game for all ages. Players fill in the missing words in a story. They are given random words such as nouns, verbs and adjectives and fill them in the appropriate boxes in the story.

22. Best indoor game like hide and seek

Hide and seek is a game full of excitement and fun. It requires creativity and strategy. One player, the seeker, counts while the others hide. The game is usually played outdoors, but can also take place indoors, making it even more challenging.

A variation on this game is 'hot versus cold'. The rules are slightly different. The players choose a location to hide. You agree in advance which places are warm or cold. The warm spots are usually in a location that is also warm, such as indoors. The cold locations can be more remote, such as in the kitchen where you are close to the refrigerator or all the way up in the attic. You can also play it indoors and outdoors so you have even more locations.

When you are in a warm location you should vacate your spot a little by making noises, this can attract the seeker. This is not necessary or allowed in a cold location. When the seeker is successfully lured and another player can get to his home base, the hiding team wins. When the searcher has found everyone, he or she has won.

23. Best video game for the whole family

Familiar video games are interactive games designed for all ages. They promote cooperation, strategy and fun. Look for games with simple controls, adjustable difficulty levels, and opportunities for team play.

The best family video game is Super Mario Party for the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is the platform for family games par excellence, and Mario Party is a fun and crazy game that children of all ages can participate in.

Best video game for the whole family

Nintendo SwitchSuper Mario Party

With Super Mario Party you compete for victory in all kinds of small mini-games, each of which is even crazier than the other.

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9.2

Toy score

24. Best video game to play in real life

This type of game, playable in real life, combines physical activity with digital interaction. Look for games that provide an immersive experience, taking advantage of the environment. They also need to have a good balance between gameplay and physical involvement.

The best video game to play in real life is Fall Guys. We always play the Hoverboard level, where you have to jump over obstacles every time.

Take a rug for the players to stand on. Then you move different objects over the rug, just as if the rug is moving. For example, a broomstick. First you move it low so that everyone has to jump, then high so that everyone has to duck. Also think of other objects that could come along.

A very fun and active game that everyone can participate in.

25. Best game similar to Simon Says

Game types such as “Simon Says” test memory and reaction time. Player follows instructions, but only if certain command precedes. Incorrect action leads to elimination.

You can play command finger with just the two of you, but it is most fun in larger groups.

• An older child or adult serves as the pastor, standing in front of the group and giving commands that other children should follow or ignore, depending on the words the pastor uses when giving the assignment.
• If he says “Command… ..” before the command, the players must follow those directions. Those who don't are out.
• If he gives the instruction without "command…." but just immediately tells them what to do and players follow the command anyway, those players are disabled.

The game ends when there is only one player left.

It is a game that trains the concentration of children, and in general there are three difficulty levels.

1. The classic command gives four different commands: "blink", "hollow", "convex" and "flat". With command pinky you have to drum your pinkies on the edge of the table (that's why it is also called command pink). With hollow you have to place your hand with the back down on the table like a bowl, with a ball you have to place your hands flat on the table with the bottom of your hand towards the table to form a ball.
2. In the second variation you stand together and the pastor can shout what he wants and everyone has to imitate this. There is much more variation in what to imitate and you have to think carefully.
3. The third variation is more suitable for older children: whatever is said, do the opposite. When it is said, "Raise your right arm," the players raise the left. When “standing up”, the players sit down.

26. Best game to play in one small room

Small space games are designed for limited play areas. They require little movement, are often based on strategy and puzzle solving, and usually have simple rules.

A fun game to do in a small room is the search for clues (games for a group). Hide clues around the house and have players find them to solve a puzzle.

You can even turn it into a kind of escape room game by coming up with a story behind it, such as who is the murderer.

27. Best fun made up game

A made-up game is an activity without predetermined rules. It's about creativity, fun and spontaneity. Look for games that promote flexibility, imagination and interaction.

Drawing is the perfect self-made game. Everyone take a sheet of paper and draw funny and crazy things. Give free rein to your creativity and create the most bizarre drawings you can imagine. The other person must then copy it as best as possible.

You can possibly play with more and have someone judge which drawing best resembles the original.

28. Best game with 2 players

Two-player games are designed for interaction and competition between two people. They require strategy, tactics and often agility. Look for games that offer balanced odds, where every player has an equal opportunity to win.

The mirror is a great game to develop motor skills. Fun for 2 people, but with more you can send children out in pairs.

One member of the couple has to perform silly (but appropriate) moves while the other copies them at the same time, like a mirror!

Then you turn around and alternate the couples if necessary.

29. Best game from three players

A 3 player game is designed for threesomes. Balancing game mechanics is crucial to ensure that no player is left out or overwhelmed.

In the age category of 7+ there is a fun game, the telephone game.

You need three or more people to play this game. Place an A4 sheet in front of each player.

You fold the papers into four or more compartments - one for each player. Everyone draws at the top of the paper and gives the paper to the left.

Then each player subscribes to their neighbor's picture and folds it over so that only the sentence can be seen.

The papers are passed again and the next player draws something that fits his neighbor's sentence. This continues until the paper is full.

The papers are then unfolded and everyone can read a hilarious story.

Writing, drawing, humor and relaxation is all covered with these games, your kids will enjoy!

30. Best game to play with 4 players

A 4-player game designed for shared fun. Look for balance in gameplay so that everyone has an equal opportunity. Interaction between players is crucial, with room for strategy and cooperation.

Balloon hockey is the perfect game with 4 players, each in teams of 2. Play with plastic sticks or empty paper towels and a balloon. Try to get the balloon into the opponent's goal.

31. Best game for 5 players or more

A 5-player game is designed for a group of exactly five participants. Balancing gameplay, strategy and interaction is crucial. These games should provide enough complexity to keep all players engaged, but also be accessible enough to prevent anyone from feeling left out. They should also promote fair competition so that no player has an unfair advantage.

Balloon battle is the perfect game to play with five people, so that it doesn't become chaos. Blow up balloons and tie them to your ankles. Try to pop your opponents' balloons by stomping on them while protecting your own.

32. Best indoor game for small groups

Indoor games for small groups are interactive activities played indoors. Designed for groups of limited size, they promote teamwork, communication and fun. These games are often compact, require little space and are easy to set up.

Limbo dancing everyone likes! Two people hold a bar or a stick at the same height.

The participants line up and take turns going under the stick, bending their knees and leaning back.

If someone touches the stick, that person is finished.

When everyone has been, the game is made more difficult by lowering the stick slightly.

Be sure to put on swinging music during this game!

33. Best outdoor game for small groups

Outdoor games for small groups are interactive activities that you can do outside with a limited number of participants. They encourage physical activity, teamwork and strategic thinking.

For the 'Spiderman spider game'you need some fake spiders.

The intention is that the superheroes must come to the other side blindfolded, without hitting spiders!

Split the group in two. One of the heroes walks blindfolded across the grass and follows the directions of the other kids in his group.

The hero must hit as few spiders as possible (or preferably none).

34. Best indoor game for large groups

Indoor large group games are interactive activities played indoors and designed to entertain large numbers of participants. They encourage teamwork, communication and strategy.

An obstacle course is a great indoor game for large groups. It is very flexible because you can go around the track with a few at a time, you can possibly do it in a few teams and the only limitation is the amount of space you have.

Create an obstacle course with cushions, chairs and other objects that the children can climb over, crawl under and run around.

35. Best outdoor game for large groups

Outdoor games for large groups are interactive and promote teamwork. They require space, are easy to understand and quick to set up. Look for games that combine physical activity, strategy and cooperation.

Capture the Flag is most fun when you play with a large group.

• Divide the group into two teams, each team has a flag or other marker in the base of the team (or on one side of a field).
• The object of the game is to run into the other team's territory, capture their flag and return safely to your own territory.
• You can tap “enemy” players into your territory and send them to your prison.
• They can be taken out of prison by a member of their own team who walks into your territory, taps a teammate and then runs back (nicest thing to allow only one kid out of prison at a time. It is sometimes played that all people in prison holding hands and making a chain back to their own territory, making it easier for members of their team to get them out of prison).

There is also a similar game called “steal the sticks” with almost the same rules, but now multiple sticks are used instead of one flag and you have to collect them all without being tapped.

• Number of players: a large group
• Supplies: two flags or other markings

36. Best indoor old fashioned game

Old fashioned indoor games are interactive activities, often board or card games, that are played indoors without modern technology.

Take the old shuffleboard out of the closet or borrow it from the neighbors. You can play this game with as many people as you want.

• Shuffleboard is played with a shuffleboard, a wooden box with wooden discs. At the end of this box are four gates with openings through which the wooden discs fit exactly.
• The intention is that you slide the discs through the gates.
• Each player must try to slide all shuffle discs into the holes.
• Each hole earns points, some more than others. Plus you get bonus points when you have the same number of stones in each box. So think about which hole you want to aim for to collect as many points as possible!
• Add up all the points and the player with the most points wins.

37. Best outdoor old fashioned game

Old fashioned outdoor games are interactive activities that are played outside without modern technology. They encourage physical activity, social interaction and strategic thinking.

The most famous old fashioned game is sack race, who doesn't know it? This game is great for young and old!

In the past, when people weren't as well off as we are now and there was hardly any money to spend, the games should cost nothing.

These were created by being creative with the items that were available old fashioned games considered.

Just think of sack races, cookie or candy bites, nail pooping, and musical chairs.

A potato sack, who didn't have one?

Sack walking is great fun to do on the street during a neighborhood party or children's party.

For the game you only need jute sacks (at least two), but it is even more convenient if you also have pawns to set a course.

The rules of this game are as follows:

1. Two groups are created and a course is set,
2. you can preferably use pawns that the players have to jump around.
3. The two groups line up and the first sack runner in each row receives a large burlap bag. The first sack runners have to stand in here and they leave immediately to complete the course while jumping.
4. Falling over means starting over.
5. The entire course is followed and when the sack runner is back at the start, he gets out of the bag and hands the bag to the next.

The group that has completed the course the fastest one by one is the winner!

38. Best indoor competition game

Indoor competitive games are interactive activities that you play indoors, often in teams or individually, with the aim of winning. They require strategy, skill or knowledge and provide some form of challenge.

Rock, paper, scissors is best for bickering siblings. You have to play it as a couple and you can do it wherever you are.

• Children stand face to face and form a hand into a fist.
• They add up to three and on the count of three the players simultaneously make one of the three gestures: a stone (fist closed); paper (open hand, palm down) or scissors (index and middle fingers outstretched, palm down).

The game is over when one player overpowers another:

• stone beats scissors (which then becomes blunt)
• scissors beat paper (paper can be cut
• and paper beats rock (paper can cover the rock and turn it off).
• Are both players using the same gesture? Then you have to count down again.

You can of course play this best of three times, or best of five. However much you want.

39. Best outdoor competition game

Outdoor sports competition games are interactive games, played in the open air, where participants compete to win. They promote physical activity, strategic thinking and teamwork.

Did you ever like 'forehead ball' heard?

In this game, children are supposed to race in pairs with a ball between their foreheads.

If the ball falls, the team must start over.

Is the game too easy? Then use a book (or an egg!).

40. Best indoor party game

Indoor party games are interactive activities designed for groups of people in an indoor environment. They encourage social interaction, entertainment and competition.

A great option is to blind tasting.

Prepare things like jam, soy sauce, lemon, peanut butter, yogurt and let kids guess what they taste blindfolded.

It's a very simple game, but children often get very excited about it!

41. Best outdoor party game

Outdoor party games are interactive activities that you play outside during parties. They are designed to bring people together, have fun and compete in an informal setting.

If the weather is nice and you have outside space for a fun party game, then you can use the '3 leg race' to do.

How does it work?

Make groups of two kids and tie one leg of each child to his or her buddy's (using a rope).

The children are now racing against each other. That will make for a lot of fun scenarios!

42. Best reading game

Reading type games are interactive games that promote reading skills. They combine entertaining gameplay with reading challenges. Look for games that offer a balance between reading and playing, with a focus on word recognition, reading comprehension and vocabulary expansion. Also pay attention to the difficulty level, so that it matches the reading level of the player.

Word Square is a challenging game for two or more players on squared paper. Each player draws a four-by-four or five-by-five square on a sheet of paper, making sure the other players cannot see the box.

The players take turns calling out a letter. While each letter is called out, players must write the letter somewhere on their grid. The goal is to make as many four-letter words as possible.

All letters may be repeated more than once. When all boxes are full, the players count how many four-letter words they have made vertically, horizontally and diagonally. The player with the most words wins the game.

43. Best indoor ball game

Indoor games with balls are interactive games, played in a closed space. They often require agility, strategy and teamwork. Look for games that are safe for indoor play, with balls that won't cause damage to furniture or people.

Ball stew is a super fun DIY idea! All you need is a cardboard box and balls.

Cut or cut circles in the cardboard box, through which your child can push the balls.

To make it even more fun, you can give each hole a color, where your child is supposed to push the ball of a certain color through the hole of the same color.

You can also make the holes of different sizes and adjust the balls accordingly, so that a child understands which ball will or will not fit through a hole.

A child learns a lot of things at the same time!

Playing with a shape set is a great way to help toddlers learn basic shapes, hand-eye coordination, and color recognition.

Through the game they gain skills such as problem solving and spatial reasoning.

As they maneuver the balls through different holes of different sizes and colors, they develop fine motor skills such as hand-eye coordination.

In addition, they can better understand and recognize shapes when they compare the size and shape of the ball with the hole it should go into

Shape sets also help toddlers with visual discrimination and cognitive development.

If there are older children, you can also make a few holes slightly larger so that they can try to throw the balls in from a distance.

44. Best outdoor ball game

Outdoor games with balls are interactive activities in which players use a ball to score points or achieve goals. They often require physical skills such as throwing, catching, hitting or kicking.

Tin tossing is a great game, because what does a child like more than knocking over towers?

Stack up some old cans like a pyramid and have your child throw a ball at them.

Organize a competition and give a prize to the child who knocked over the most cans!

This game is also fun with bottled water, provided the weather is nice outside.

Hand-eye coordination is developed when the child throws the ball at the cans and watches it go to its target.

In addition, the understanding of cause and effect is further strengthened when the child notices that his actions cause something else – in this case, knocking over the cans.

This helps them solve problems and think logically in scenarios, providing a strong foundation for future learning.

Depending on the number of cans lined up, toddlers can also work on their early math skills by counting the number of cans and keeping track of who knocked over more during a game

Can throwing is an engaging activity that encourages physical activity while also teaching fundamental skills such as coordination, balance, problem solving and early math concepts.

It's an easy way for kids to practice these important developmental lessons while having fun!

45. Best no touching game

'No touching' games are games in which physical contact with objects or people must be avoided. Look for elements of agility, timing and strategy.

Jumping rope is such a game where you are not allowed to touch the rope.

It's fun to jump alone, but it's even more fun to have a long rope and jump with some friends.

That's where jump rope rhymes come into being. They turn a simple exercise into a fun game of competing against yourself and others.

• Number of players: One for single jumping, minimum three for a longer rope
• Supplies: a short or long skipping rope

46. Best outdoor active game

Outdoor games are interactive activities, played in the open air. They encourage physical movement, teamwork and strategic thinking.

Foursquare is played on a square field that is further divided into four smaller squares, numbered one through four.

• Each of the squares has one player, with the player with the most points at number one, lowest at number four.
• You bounce the ball between the players and bounce once on the other person's court before that person catches the ball.

There are tons of additional rules to choose from. The person in square 1 may choose the rules (limping, starting outside the box, can be anything).

Anyone who breaks the rules must move down the rankings or be eliminated with another player rotating to box four if you have more than four players. This way everyone can participate in this fun outdoor game.

• Number of players: Four, unless you take turns
• Supplies: sidewalk chalk for the course, and a cue ball

47. Best indoor active game

Indoor active games are interactive activities designed for indoor spaces. They encourage physical movement and mental engagement.

Pillow tossing is an entertaining and interactive activity suitable for both children and adults. The idea behind pillow toss is to create a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere while being physically active. Here are some steps to further explain this activity:

1. Build pillow forts:
   • Start by gathering some soft pillows. These can be intended for the couch, the bed or specifically for this activity.
   • Divide the participants into teams or let them work individually.
   • Have participants use their imaginations to build pillow forts. These fortifications can be as simple or complex as they want. Think of piles of pillows, pillow towers, walls, and so on.
2. Throw pillows at each other:
   • After the pillow forts are built, it's time to have fun!
   • Participants can throw pillows at each other in a friendly competition.
   • The aim is to throw pillows over the opponents' pillow forts and earn points for each successful hit.
   • Make sure rules and safety guidelines are followed to prevent accidents, such as no hard throws and no throwing pillows at the face.

A fun indoor game for 2 or more people.

48. Best outdoor water game

Outdoor water play is an interactive activity, often played in warm weather. The game uses water as a central element for fun and cooling.

For the 'toy cars race'you need a number of toy cars and water guns.

Each child gets one of each and starts at the starting line.

Children have to get the cars to the finish line by aiming at them with their pistols.

Place a bucket of water so the kids can always refill their water guns.

49. Best indoor water game

Indoor water games are interactive games that use water as a central element. They are designed for indoor spaces, taking safety and water management into account.

The best thing to do indoors is washing a toy car in a tub. Use a large tub or any type of container you have. It is best to do this in a large container so that you do not have to fill it to the brim. Otherwise it may well go over something.

Put some soapy water in the tub so that it foams nicely. Now the cars can go through the car wash for a nice cleaning. Of course, it also works with any other type of toy that needs a wash.

Tip: place a towel under the tub to catch any (unavoidable) splashes.

50. Best fun task game

Fun task game is a game type where players complete tasks or missions for fun. Look for games that encourage creativity, problem solving and strategic thinking.

A fun task is to format your stickers in Sticker Stalker. Give each player a sticker sheet with 5 stickers. Now you can continue the party with other games and some food, but give everyone one task: make sure you have put all your stickers on someone without anyone seeing you do it.

If you get caught trying to put a sticker on, you have to take one of the stickers from that person to make it more difficult for you. The first person to use all the stickers wins a prize.

51. Best silly game

A 'silly game' is a type of game that is characterized by its absurdity and humor. The aim is mainly to entertain players through unusual, illogical or ridiculous scenarios and gameplay elements. Look for unconventional game mechanics, exaggerated characters and situations, and humorous content in these games.

It 'dress up bag game'will make for crazy situations!

Fill a bag with crazy clothes (big underpants, a bra, overalls, etc).

Turn on the music and let the children pass the bag to each other.

When the music stops, the child holding the bag has to pull out a piece of clothing with their eyes closed and then put it on.

The game continues until everyone is wearing something.

Then you can let the kids dance to the music, still wearing the crazy clothes of course!

52. Best game to play when bored inside

The best game to play when bored indoors is interactive, challenging and stimulating. It should hold your attention, stimulate your thinking and test your skills. Look for games that offer a balance between relaxation and mental effort.

Balancing is a fun game that is active so that you get some energy and can be played with all kinds of things. In balloon balancing, for example, you try to balance a balloon on your hands or other parts of your body without it touching the ground. Who can keep the balloon in the air the longest without touching it?

You can use all kinds of objects that you see lying around and also combine several at the same time to make it increasingly difficult.

53. Best game to play wih nothing

Games to play without the need for anything are activities that do not require any physical attributes. They rely on mental skills, creativity and interaction.

Storytelling is one of the easiest activities to do without needing anything. Sit in a circle and take turns telling a funny sentence. The next person must then tell the next sentence. Let your imagination run wild and come up with the most absurd and comical stories.

54. Best game to play while sitting

Seated games are designed for comfort and long-lasting entertainment. They require minimal physical effort but maximize mental engagement.

The texture game is perfect for sitting down. Collect different objects with different textures and let children touch and explore them. After a while you can also play it blind where everyone has to guess what the object is.

55. Best indoor circle game

Circle games are interactive activities designed for groups. They promote team building and social interaction. In these games, participants stand or sit in a circle and follow instructions or rules.

I'm going on a picnic and I'm taking along is fun to do with your family, but also the perfect game for a group of eight or more kids.

• Everyone forms a circle and the first starts with: “I'm going to have a picnic and bring (name of a dish) with me”.
• The child next to them has to repeat what he or she just said and then add a dish.
• The next player continues in the same way and each time, each adding their own dish so that it becomes more and more.
• The challenge is to remember what everyone brings.

I know this one from the past with “I'm going on vacation and taking with me”, but I also really like the variant with the picnic and it is a bit easier for 6-year-olds to remember food alone than all possible things on vacation, but try them both agree!

56. Best game for a family day

A family day game is a type of game designed for group interaction. It stimulates collaboration, communication and strategic thinking.

Egg Run, or Potato Run, is a game that should not be missed at a fun family party.

What Do You Need?

• Eggs or potatoes
• and some spoons.

The messy element of this game should not be missing, which is why the game with eggs is so much fun.

However, if you are afraid of filth, you better go for potatoes. It is best to play this game outside.

You can play the game with two equal groups, in relay form, or one against one.

1. Set a course, then the two players take the end of a spoon in the mouth with an egg or potato placed on the hollow part of the spoon, which is outside the mouth.
2. They should try to complete the trail as quickly as possible with the spoon in their mouth, without dropping the egg or potato.
3. Whoever reaches the finish line first, without dropping the egg or potato while running the course, is the big winner!
4. You can also make the rule that the person who has completed the course the most times within a certain time, without dropping the egg or potato, is the winner.
5. If you have smaller children, you can also make them hold the spoon with their hands first.

57. Best game to play on a cold day

The best game for a cold day is one that can be played indoors, with no physical activity required. These types of games should be engaging and immersive so that you forget about the cold outside.

When it's cold outside, you want nothing more than to be busy indoors. An activity that radiates warmth and conviviality is baking! Bake treats together (activities for the whole family): Choose a simple recipe and bake delicious cookies, cupcakes or cakes together. Let everyone have a task and enjoy the result together.

58. Best outdoor picnic game

Outdoor games for picnics are interactive, encourage physical activity and promote social interaction. They are portable and easy to set up in an open space.

Nail Pooping: A fun game, if only for the hilarious name! The game requires coordination and concentration.

For the game you will need:

• strings,
• nails
• and beer bottles.

The nails should be attached to the ends of the strings. Do not make the strings too long or too short.

The nails must be able to dangle between the legs.

1. The players all get a rope tied around their waist and the string with the nail hangs on it again. That string hangs over your bottom.
2. The players line up and spread their legs, a beer bottle is placed between their legs and they have to try to 'poop' the nail in the bottle.
3. The person who 'poops' the nail in the bottle first is the winner.

You can also specify a time limit, for example by asking to get the nail into the bottle as often as possible in 3 minutes.

The one who can do that most often within the allotted time.

59. Best indoor picnic game

Indoor picnic game is an activity that you play indoors during a picnic. Look for games that require little space, are easy to set up, and are fun for all ages.

You can play ring throwing in various ways. The goal is to throw the rings around the obstacles as often as possible.

For this game you need rings and one or more oblong obstacle (s) around which the rings have to be thrown.

As obstacles you could use cones, sticks, pawns, or just soda bottles.

Make sure the rings are big enough for the obstacles.

Place five water-filled soda bottles or other obstacles and have each player throw five rings around the obstacle from a distance.

Whoever throws all five rings around the obstacle first is the winner. This game involves precision and also some luck of course!

60. Best game you can make yourself from cardboard boxes

Homemade games are creative projects where you design the rules, goals and game mechanics yourself.

If you have a fairly large space and a lot of cardboard boxes, you can create an exciting maze.

Playing with mazes is an old and traditional game that children will never tire of.

There is also nothing more fun than finding the right way through the maze, to eventually arrive at the exit where there may be a hidden treasure.

This game is also good for concentration.

Making a maze is easy. You just need some boxes, a pair of scissors or a knife, some tape to secure the boxes together, and maybe markers or other materials to decorate the maze.

Ideally, you take the boxes apart, flatten them and then connect them together.

It will take a bit of trial and error, but it is guaranteed to be a fun challenge for (you and) your children! The children will crawl their way through the maze.

To make it extra exciting, give your children a flashlight or a different kind of light (for example a bicycle light) to find their way through the maze.

If the boxes are spacious enough, you can also hide objects in them, for example, so that children can score extra points when they find the objects and take them to the exit.

Be sure to create a number of dead ends and place a prize at the exit. Simple but fun game which you can make entirely from cardboard boxes.

61. Best game to play in line

Queue games are designed for short-term entertainment. They require minimal involvement, are easy to pick up and put down, and often have simple, repetitive gameplay.

Guess the item is great for queuing. A player chooses an object in his mind and the other players have to guess what it is by asking questions.

62. Best game with things that go together

This type of game is all about combining elements. Look for games that require you to connect items, colors, shapes, or concepts.

For 'glass slipper' game you need: left shoes and one right shoe that matches one of the left shoes.

Hide all left shoes around the house. The right shoe is the hardest to hide.

Now you tell the story of Cinderella and show the left shoe of which the right one is so well hidden.

Whoever finds this right shoe wins.

63. Best game with one winner

A single-winner game is a competitive game where multiple players compete to be the only one to prevail. Important characteristics are individual skill, strategy and sometimes luck. Players must outdo their opponents to become the sole winner.

Indoor Golf (alternative activity such as bowling): A miniature version of golf that can be played indoors. Players use a putter (this can be anything) to hit a ball into a hole on a specially designed course.

Only the one with the fewest tricks can win.

64. Best creative hopscotch idea

Hopscotch is a fun game, but if you have played it too much, the fun is lost a bit. So come up with your own variant.

Here's a fun variation on hopscotch that trains your memory. Label each hopscotch box with a category, such as cheeses, animals, games, toys, and so on. When a child lands in a box, they name something that fits that category, such as “elephant” for animals. If you repeat something that has already been said or don't know an answer, you lose your turn. The goal is to complete the hopscotch course without errors.

65. Best checklist game

Checklist game is a game type in which players complete tasks from a predetermined list. Look for elements like clear goals, progress indicators, and rewards upon completion.

A fun game is to give each child a checklist with different objects on it. Now they have to go through the house to find everything on the list, after which they can cross it off. The one who gets everything first wins.

66. Best beat the parents game

'Beat the Parent' games are interactive board games where children compete against their parents. They test knowledge, strategy and speed. Look for games that offer a balance between child- and adult-oriented questions or challenges. The goal is fun, competition and family bonding.

The best thing is to come up with something where everyone has equal opportunities. Where there is no advantage to parents being bigger or stronger. You can come up with all sorts of things to do this with, such as balancing things or aiming things into something. Choose something that you are almost certain you are better at than your parents.

Beat the parents is also a literal game from Spin Master.

Best game to beat your parents

Spin MasterBeat the Parents

Fun Trivia game where the children can actually beat the parents

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8.7

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67. Best game similar to bowling

Games like bowling are interactive games where players throw balls to knock down pins.

Gang bowling is fun for six-year-olds and can also be played alone, but with more people it is also fun. All you need is a long, empty hallway.

• Loot the recycle bin for six medium to large water or soda bottles.
• Add enough water to give them some weight and place them at the end of the hall: three in the back row, two in the middle row and one in the front is best, just like in real bowling.
• Place your child across the hall with a ball in hand. Just testing which ones, smaller bottles or those less full of water is already perfect with a tennis ball, but it is more fun with a slightly larger ball that adds some weight.
• Each player throws twice (except for those who strike in the first round! If all goes well, your six-year-old can already understand this and see it as a win).
• Each knocked over pin is worth one point.
• The game is over when each child has thrown ten rounds.
• The highest score wins.

Variation: Stick glow sticks in the water bottles and turn off the lights for some glow-in-the-dark fun

68. Best board game

Board games are interactive games that you play on a game board. They require strategic thinking, planning and sometimes teamwork.

My tip to get you started is Ticket to Ride Europe. A super fun board game with trains for the whole family. And what child doesn't like trains? It is one of the first strategy games that is fun for younger kids.

Best board game for the whole family

Days of WonderTicket to Ride Europe

What a nice setting the makers have come up with, and everyone can participate. Certainly from 8 years, but with a little help also a smaller brother or sister.

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9.1

Toy score

But of course there are more fun board games, also for adults.

69. Best straw game

These are games where straws are central. Look for activities that use straws for actions like blowing, sucking, or building. These games often test dexterity, strategy and sometimes even breath control.

Tug of straw is a great game where two players sit opposite each other at a table. Place a straw in the center of the table so that it lies across the players. Each player takes their own straw and at the starting signal they try to blow the table straw to the other player. The person who can blow the straw across the table and get it into the other player's hands wins.

70. Best listening game

Listening games are interactive activities that focus on listening skills. They require concentration, attention to detail and the ability to process auditory information. In these games you have to listen to clues, instructions or stories and respond to them.

A fun listening game is the rhyming game. Make a story where you always use a certain opening sentence, for example “li la loma”. The intention is for your child to complete the story:

• “Li la loma, soon we will go to…. (Grandma)"
• “Li La lauto, we're going with the… .. (car)”
• “Li La Leten, then we go…. (food)"
• And so on.

To make it more difficult, you say a word and your child can come up with a (possibly self-invented) rhyme for it.

For example, start with your name and as a rhyme your name with a 'p' in front (Cindy - Pindy). That will be fun!

What are the 10 types of games?

There are usually 10 types of games that you can distinguish, which you can find below.

1. Board games: These games are played on a board and often contain pieces or pawns. Popular versions include Monopoly and Chess.
2. Card games: These games are played with cards. Depending on the game, players can draw, discard or bet cards. Examples are Poker and Bridge.
3. Strategy games: These games require thinking and planning. They can include both board and card games. A well-known strategic game, for example, is Risk.
4. Pencil and Paper Games: These games are simple and only require a pencil and paper. Think of games like Tic Tac Toe.
5. Guessing Games: These games revolve around guessing words, objects or concepts. For example, a popular guessing game is Charades.
6. Online games: These games are played on the internet, often with other players. They can include all kinds of games, from strategy games to sports games.
7. Garden games: These games are played outside on the lawn. They can be physically active and are often played at parties or family gatherings. Think of games like horseshoe throwing.
8. Educational Games: These games are designed to make learning fun. They can cover a variety of topics, from math to history. An example is the game Trivial Pursuit.
9. Role-playing games: These games let players play a character in a fictional world. They can be played both on a board and online. A well-known role-playing game is Dungeons & Dragons.
10. Outdoor Games (Sports): These games are played outside and are often physically active. They can include team sports such as football, or individual sports such as running.

What is the best way for families to play together?

Families play best together by choosing activities that everyone enjoys. It's important to make a list of ideas and make sure everyone is excited about the chosen activities. Playing games is a great way to bond and spend time. It also helps develop skills such as teamwork and communication.

To make sure that the whole family participates in playing, it is important to be open to everyone's ideas and ensure that activities are suitable for all ages.

How can toys contribute to playing games?

Toys can contribute to playing games in various ways. First, toys can help children learn new skills. Second, toys can improve the quality of play by adding extra activities or challenges. Toys are not necessary to come up with fun games, but they can give it an extra dimension.

Both children and adults can enjoy playing with their favorite toys.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.