Grocery Shopping Games for Kids
Going to the grocery store with children can be trying. If they get bored, they'll certainly show it, and younger children may not understand why your attention is focused elsewhere. Instead of dreading your grocery trip, you can turn it into an educational game for your child, no matter what age he is. Begin by pointing out items in the grocery store, then identify sections of the store. Eventually you can include your child in the shopping process as he grows older.
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Getting to Know the Store
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You can play games at the grocery store with kids as young as infancy. Speak to your baby while going through the store, identifying items clearly and simply. Point out colors and an item's beginning letter, and identify it as a fruit or vegetable. Give your preschooler or kindergartner index cards with pictures of the grocery items you're hunting for. Ask her to point them out as she sees them in the store. Test her memory by asking if she remembers what section in the store has fresh bread or eggs.
Budgeting Game for Older Kids
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Teach your older kids how to budget and bargain shop through a game. When you enter a new aisle, give your child an assigned item and budget. For instance, give him $5 to purchase cheddar cheese. At the end of your grocery trip, add up how much your child spent, and compare it to his budget. Your child gets to keep the money he saved. Remind him to consider the price per weight or volume, so he's not tempted to simply purchase the smallest amount of a product to save money. You can also give him a range for quantity to eliminate this problem.
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Math Games
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You can use a trip to the grocery store to strengthen your child's basic math skills. When searching for an item, ask your child how many sizes it comes in. For instance, ask her how many sizes of bags of rice are available. Also ask how many colors of apples she can find, or how many different shapes in the produce section. Allow your little one to weigh produce and count out single fruits and vegetables. Ask why three apples weigh less than two melons or have her guess if one pineapple is more expensive than three kiwis. Use this to explain that seasonal foods are typically cheaper.
Coupon Games
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Start the game before you get to the grocery store. Have your kid look through fliers and cut out coupons or note discounted items on your grocery list. Allow him to write down a favorite, healthy item of his own. Discuss what you need each item for. Allow your child to hold onto the coupons and cross items off the list after you place them in the shopping cart. If you use self checkout, allow your child to scan and bag several items, including the coupons at the very end. A younger child may need your help.
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