List of children's games facts for kids

This article lists many fun games that kids play. These are often called "traditional children's games." They are different from store-bought board games or video games. Instead, they are games you learn from friends, usually played with simple things like a ball or marbles.

Traditional games are special because they are passed down from one child to another, often just by word of mouth. You don't usually need written rules to play them. These games are mostly for kids aged 7 to 12, but younger and older kids enjoy them too! Most traditional games involve a mix of things like physical skill, thinking (strategy), luck, repeating actions, being creative, or even feeling dizzy (vertigo).

History of Kids' Games

People started paying more attention to traditional games in the 1700s. They realized these games could teach us about different cultures and what people value. For example, the modern Olympic Games were partly inspired by the idea of bringing "All games, all nations" together. Even today, some countries use traditional games to celebrate their unique culture and history.

Tag Games

These games are all about chasing and tagging!

Hiding Games

These games involve hiding and seeking!

• Hide-and-seek
• Sardines

Games with Equipment

These games use different items like balls, ropes, or other props.

Jumping Games

These games involve lots of jumping and hopping!

• Ampe, from Ghana
• Double Dutch (jump rope)
• Jumping Jacks
• Jumping rope (Skipping rope)
• Jumpsies (also known as Chinese jump rope, elastics, or gummitwist)
• Leapfrog

Hopping Games

• Hopscotch
• Langa (game)
• Squid (game)

Memory Games

These games test your memory and listening skills.

• Chinese whispers (Telephone)
• Concentration
• Here Comes an Old Soldier from Botany Bay (Old Soldier)
• I packed my bag
• Kim's Game

Parlour Games

These games are often played indoors, sometimes in a living room or "parlour."

• Hunt the Thimble (Hot and Cold)
• Huckle buckle beanstalk (Hot buttered beans)
• I spy
• Truth or Dare?
• Wink Murder

Hand Games

These games use your hands, often with clapping or specific movements.

Other Traditional Children's Games

Here are some more classic games kids love to play.

See also

• Game
• List of open-source video games
• Outline of games
• Papers-and-Pencils games
• Street games