Fun “Old Fashioned” Activities For Kids
Kids today have the world at their fingertips. They have immediate access to anything on the internet, video games, and social media. So, it makes sense that screen time is a part of their daily lives.
Remember back to the time before we had electronics? Kids had to be creative and play outside with the neighborhood gang. It was face-to-face contact with others, and it was good old-fashioned fun!
Why not go back to those days of playing outside until dinnertime or the sun went down? Why not pass the time with games that help develop children’s growth and social skills? Teach your kids how to play these old-fashioned activities and join in on the fun!
The following games are great for groups of kids.
Capture the Flag:
This game’s origin can be traced back to the Civil War where the end of the war was determined by capturing the enemy’s flag. It’s a game that the Boy Scouts have played for over 60 years. Don’t remember how to play? Find the details on how to play here.
Kickball:
Most kids know how to play this game since they often play it in P.E. classes at school. Invented in 1917, Kickball was used by teachers in Physical Education classes starting in 1920. The game was played differently back then with no pitcher and only one base. Playing the old-fashioned way might be a fun, new way kids can play the game today.Outdoor Games These games can be played with any number of kids, including one.
Marbles:
According to Rob Lammle in a mentalfloss.com article, no one is sure when Marbles originated, but they were found in the ashes of Pompeii and tombs of Ancient Egypt. Learning how to play marbles is easy to do.
Jacks:
Jacks was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2000, and is one of the oldest games played around the world under different names. It’s a fun game to play with friends or on your own, and there are many ways to play.
Hopscotch:
This was used to keep soldiers fit in Ancient Rome and was played around the world using variations of the rules. Again, it can be played with others or alone. Grab some sidewalk chalk and make your own hopscotch course, find a nearby pebble, and get hopping!Anywhere Games
These games can be played anywhere you can find a place to play. Some can be played alone, and others would need more than one to play.
Hand-clapping Games:
This used to be a popular recess game. Kids use rhythm, rhyme, and patterns to play, which is great for child development. You can find a free hand-clapping printable to help you teach your children how it’s done.
Card games
Remember these fun card games: Slap Jack, War, Go Fish, Old Maid, and Solitaire? Sit down with your children and teach them how to play all of these games, so when they find themselves needing something to do without the electronics, you can pull out a deck of cards and send them on their way.
Dice games:
Yatzee, Farkle, Liar’s Dice,and many more dice games can be found on the internet.
Dominos:
Dominos are fun to line up and knock down, but playing the game as it’s intended is also fun and educational for kids. It’s believed that Dominos originated in China and evolved from dice in the 12th century. It was also believed that soldiers played it to stay awake through the night watch during war. Search for all the ways Dominos can be played.
Pick-up Sticks:
You can use matches, sticks, or straws to play Pick Up Sticks.
Hot Lava
Is another fun game you can play indoors or outdoors. If you play indoors, you can use pillow cases, pieces of paper, different flooring like tile and carpet, and furniture (if ok with mom) to stay out of the “hot lava.” Don’t get burned by falling off any of the safe places.
Crafts/Building objects:
Kids can use anything to make and build stuff, including the infamous, Legos, but check out this fun activity: Velcro Dot Craft Sticks. Have kids get really creative with recyclable items found around the house.