Doll Games for Kids

Doll games can provide quiet play for children.

There are a multitude of doll games for kids. Dolls can provide an unlimited variety of entertainment options. They can be played with just one child or with a large group of children. Doll games can be played at home, at school or on a vacation. Doll games allow kids to use their imaginations while learning skills and enjoying themselves.

Tea Party

Set up a tea party for your child and her dolls. This can become a group game by inviting several children over and asking them to bring their dolls. Provide real refreshments for the children and play refreshments for the dolls.

Hospital

Provide doctor's tools, surgical masks and beds for the child to play a hospital game with her dolls. Use this game if the child or another family member is going into the hospital. It will give the child an idea of what to expect. This could also be played as a visit to the doctor's office.

Design Your Own Doll Clothes

Making clothes for the dolls can provide hours of entertainment. Provide fabric scraps, a needle and thread or safety pins for the child and allow her to create a variety of clothes. You can teach her how to make basic patterns and to pin and cut them out. This game should be supervised, and as the child progresses she may be able to use a sewing machine to create her original designs.

Paper Dolls

Provide pencils, tracing paper and markers for your child. It is generally best to provide the paper doll as well, though she may enjoy drawing the doll on her own. Show the child how to design and sketch clothing for the dolls she has. Providing basic patterns to trace will give a beginner a starting point so she can make clothes that will fit the dolls. Designing the dresses may appeal to a child interested in fashion design.

Decorate a Dollhouse

Provide a cardboard box, glue, paper, fabric and carpet swatches, stickers and other craft material so the child can design her own dollhouse. Create rooms by taping cardboard inside of the box as walls. These dollhouses usually work best with smaller dolls like Barbie dolls. You can collect miniature furniture from craft stores and yard sales. Additional furniture can be made with odds and ends.

References

• Family Fun: Doll Games and Crafts