How to Spontaneously Create a Kids Game

Are you stuck somewhere, with kids in tow, with nothing to do? Has the birthday party reached a lull, and you need something to pick the energy back up. Kids love to play games. They don't care how ground-breaking the idea is. Read on for some ways to stoke your inner game designer to come up with a fun activity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Kids
• Some space to move around
• A place that you can make a bit of noise

How to spontaneously create a kids game

1. Assess the situation. What are the ages of the kids? What are their interests? What space do you have available? How loud can you be? What materials are around that can be used?
2. Don't try to invent the wheel. Most games are derivatives of other games anyway, so think of the favorite types of games your kids like to play, and adapt it to your situation. The younger the kids, the more movement should be included. If you have an open space, running around and playing tag, with some sort of unique theme (related to wherever you are) is a proven winner. Or a new form of charades. If you are ever stuck, think about games you love, make a derivative of that, and your energy will carry the moment.
3. Older kids might like to do something more intellectual. Think word play. Rhyming. I Spy. Imagine you are inside a giant game board, and you get to come up with the rules and objectives. Mysteries work well for older children. Start a story with some sort of suspense and have them figure out clues to unveil what happened.
4. Set a goal for the game. How will the child succeed (and make sure they succeed most of the time). It's good to challenge kids but not frustrate them so they don't want to play again. Create your game as a feel-good bonding experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep everyone who is playing involved at all times. Whoever is the focus of the action should be equally as important as the other players in the scheme of the game. That way, the other kids don't get restless waiting for a turn.
• If you can give your game a test run, do it! Try it and refine it. Make that your challenge. Each time, it will get a little better. Or you'll know it doesn't work and drop it.
• Don't get distracted by the kids who don't want to play. Let them amuse themselves, if needed, while the kids who do want to play get to perform in the game.