Your children are on holiday and you're running out of ideas to keep them occupied? Sometimes it doesn't take much to keep them entertained.
Even bored city kids can find something to enjoy with this selection of children's play ideas. Wherever they are, they can have fun with these outdoor and indoor games.
These games are timeless, they can be played in spring, in summer when it's not too hot, in autumn when it's not raining. And in winter, you can turn to our large collection of fun games to spend the winter at home.
So take a look now at 17 ideas for original games for children.
1. Gabaky
Very similar to the rules of pétanque, gabaky is one of the all-round games that even children can play. Simply place the target 4 metres from the throwing line and aim to score a point.
The soft balls mean they can be played in complete safety, making Gabaky an ideal idea for keeping children occupied.
2. Paper games
Who can imagine that this material can become a real game that amuses children? And yes, this accessory that we don't pay much attention to allows the less young to be more creative.
Whether it's papier-mâché, postcards, masks or banners, these papers can all be used - all it takes is a little imagination.
3. Modelling clay
It's a favourite with little ones aged 3 and over, because it lets them work their hands with some very attractive shapes.
You can buy them in children's toy shops at affordable prices. But if you've got a bit of time on your hands, why not make your own and opt for an edible version?
4. Knitwear
There's nothing more fun than creative hobbies to keep little ones occupied. Knitting is a perfect idea for children aged 8 and over.
To begin with, all you have to do is teach them to knit and spin the rows.
5. The toy factory
You probably have lots of children's toys at home, but they're worn out or no longer attractive.
Why not recycle them to make a new toy? You can take everyday objects such as plastic bottles or cups, packaging or empty cardboard rolls.
Give them to your children so that they can provide you with another toy. Make sure they have accessories such as a plastic saw, fasteners, stickers and instructions for use.
6. Doll's house kit
Building a doll's house is one of those children's play ideas that never goes out of fashion. All you need is thick cardboard parts.
Start decorating them and gluing them together as you go along. You can choose the size according to your children's needs to comfortably accommodate their doll.
7. The Hideout
Children will love this game, as it allows them to feel at ease in their secret corner. Use a large tablecloth or sheet. They can play while carrying the toys.
8. Le Latuvu
If you're in a room where children need to be occupied, in a waiting room or in a shop, this game idea is ideal.
It involves naming an object or a person who is in the same room as you. You have to count to 10 and the object must be seen before then.
9. Four corners
For this game, we need 5 players: the 4 players occupying the "corners" and one player in the middle. The aim is to move from one corner to another without your place being taken by the player in the middle. The player who has no more corners moves to the centre.
10. The alphabet
This is the simplest of all children's games. Choose a theme that begins with the alphabet and name it after that letter.
They can be first names, car brands or town names.
11. James said
It's a perfect idea if you have 3 or 4 children over the age of 7. You stand back and listen carefully to what the chef says.
For example, James says: "Take two steps forward" or "Do a duck walk". If the player carries out the command without the instruction "James said", he returns to the back wall.
12. Soap bubbles
Who hasn't played with soap bubbles during family outings or in the garden? As well as being affordable, the bubble tube is very easy to use. Children can have fun popping the bubbles thrown by others.
13. Inventing chimeras
The children choose 4 or 5 words at random and write them on a sheet of paper. They try to use their imagination and write a story based on these words.
14. Comic strip
For this game idea, you need a sheet of white paper and a pencil. Let your children draw on the paper.
Once they have filled the sheet with drawings, all they have to do is make up a story based on their drawings. They then tell the story, letting their imaginations run wild.
15. A jigsaw puzzle
If you're looking for relatively quiet games for children, choose the jigsaw puzzle. It can keep them occupied for hours, just choose according to their age. What a great idea to get some peace and quiet at home.
16. Kitchen utensils
You can use the kitchen utensils and vegetables and fruit you have at home.
What could be better than having a good time in the kitchen while guessing fun games with your children? This game can be played by children aged 8 and over.
17. Sack race
Hands up anyone who has never played this game! Not difficult, is it? It's one of the most popular outdoor games for children.
Set up as many bags as there are players. A start and finish line will do the rest. The fun is guaranteed, and you can even use pillowcases.
Conclusion on play ideas for children
As you can see, there's a whole host of ideas for entertaining your children. Our selection is obviously not exhaustive. You're exhausted from your days as a parent, aren't you? Then have some family fun with these games.
If you need to recharge your batteries and relax a bit at home, suggest these many ideas for spending a pleasant afternoon with the children.
