50+ Games to Play with Kids To Keep Them Entertained
When you’re a parent of cute little devils, the house begins feeling like a ticking time bomb. One minute, the kids are quietly coloring their favorite cartoon, and the next, they are bouncing off the bed, looking for something exciting to do.
“I am bored, AAAAAHH,” they scream as if you’re the official entertainment director of the day. Feels relatable, right? You’ve been there. We all have. That moment when you scramble to find something—anything—to keep your kids occupied before the chaos unfolds.
But keeping them busy doesn’t have to mean endless screen time or complicated activities. Sometimes, the best solution is having a list of fun games for children, ready to roll. Surely not the kind that requires a dozen supplies or a day of explaining the rules. Just something simple, fun, and quick enough to grab their attention before they move on to flipping the couch cushions again.
Maybe it’s a game that gets them giggling uncontrollably. Maybe it’s one that burns off all that energy before bedtime. Or maybe it’s just a clever way to keep them entertained while you finally drink that cup of coffee. Whatever the case, having a few games to play with kids up your sleeve makes all the difference.
Games To Play With Kids
If you’re ready to turn boredom into fun, here’s a list of fun games to play with kids. Easy to set up, exciting to play, and guaranteed to bring out their biggest smiles.
Let’s start with the classics first!
Classic Fun Games for Kids
Some games never get old. They’re the ones kids love, parents remember, and everyone can jump into without needing a rulebook. Here are some classic kids games to play:
1. Hide and Seek
Are you looking for one of the easiest games kids can play? An all-time favorite that never gets old is Hide & Seek!
One player covers their eyes and counts to 10 while everyone else scrambles to find the sneakiest hiding spot. The thrill of staying quiet as the seeker gets closer is truly unmatched. And the best part—finding that legendary hiding place no one can ever think of.
Lastly, if you manage to touch the seeker before they can call you out, they have to start over again!
2. Hot Potato
Whoever has the fastest hands wins this game!
Players quickly pass an object (the “hot potato”) around the circle while the music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the hot potato is out. This game gives me those crazy vibes—the tension, the speed, the last-second tosses—everything is so much fun.
3. Simon Says
A game that is as fun as it is mind-boggling!
One player gives commands (“Simon says touch your nose!”) and everyone follows, unless the command doesn’t start with “Simon says.” In case of the latter, if you slip up or move without a proper command, you’re out!
The challenge of staying focused while Simon tries to trick you makes this a hilarious test of listening skills.
4. Telephone Game
Are you searching for extraordinarily fun children’s games? Here’s one where words take on a life of their own!
Start by whispering a sentence to the first player, who passes it on to the next player with a secret twist. The passing keeps going until it reaches the last player in the circle. By the time it reaches the end of the queue, the message is almost always hilariously wrong.
Expect some burst-out laughter when “The cat sat on the mat” turns into “Grandpa’s hat is a bat.”
5. Duck, Duck, Goose
Have you ever played a simple circle game that turns into a race in an instant? Duck, Duck, Goose needs to be your next pick!
One player walks around a circle of seated players, tapping them on the head, while chanting “Duck… Duck…” until they finally pick a “Goose!” The chosen one jumps up and begins chasing around the cicle, trying to tag them before they steal the open seat.
This game is perfect for younger kids who love a bit of excitement!
6. Musical Chairs
A game that turns finding a seat into a competition!
Gather some chairs into a circle and walk around them while music plays, but the moment it stops? Dash for a chair! With one less seat than players, someone always gets left standing. A chair is taken off after every round, and tension keeps building as the seats disappear, making every round more exciting than the last!
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7. Red Light, Green Light
The game is all about speed—then suddenly, it’s not! One player calls out “Green light!” and everyone runs forward, but when they shout “Red light!” you gotta freeze. Tip over, lose your balance, or move even a little, and you’re out. It’s so funny watching kids try to stop on a dime, and even funnier when someone wobbles and falls over.
8. Hopscotch
What if I told you that all you needed for one of the most fun games for little kids is a sidewalk, some chalk, and a stone?
Turn any sidewalk into a game board while playing Hopscotch. Start by drawing a grid of numbered squares on the ground. Toss the stone onto a number, then hop through the course on one foot, skipping the square where the stone landed.
Reach the end, turn around, and pick up the stone on your way back—all without losing balance! It’s a fun mix of coordination, focus, and just the right amount of challenge to keep kids entertained.
9. Freeze Tag
Tag, but with a twist. If you get tagged, you don’t lose yet—you just freeze on the spot. But how do you get back in the game? Another player has to unfreeze you with a quick tag without getting caught. Freeze Tag is an action-packed game that turns kids into statues, heroes, and speedsters all at once.
10. Mother, May I?
A game of big steps, tiny steps, and a little bit of luck! One player stands at the front as “Mother,” while the others line up a few feet away.
One by one, players ask, “Mother, may I take three giant steps?” or “May I take five bunny hops?”—but Mother has full control! They can approve, deny, or change the request entirely (“You may take two baby steps instead”). The first player to reach Mother wins, but only if they remember to ask “Mother, may I?” before moving!
Easy Games For Kids
Little kids don’t need games with complicated rules or tricky strategies; all they need is something fun, simple, and full of giggles! These easy games to play with little kids are a piece of cake, quick to play, and perfect for keeping little ones entertained without a fuss!
11. Follow the Leader
Whatever the leader does, all the other players must copy—clapping, hopping on one foot, marching, or even making silly faces! One player (leader) takes charge while the rest try to follow every move!
The best part? Watching kids try to keep up when the leader starts getting extra creative.
12. Hide the Teddy
One player hides a stuffed animal while the others search for it. For an easier version, the player can give simple hints like “warmer” and “colder” as others get closer or farther away from the teddy. It’s like hide-and-seek but without the stress of staying hidden!
13. Freeze Dance
Turn on some music and let the kids dance their hearts out—but when the music stops, they have to freeze in place! If someone moves, they’re out. The fun comes from those goofy dance moves and the challenge of stopping mid-twirl without falling over.
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14. Catch the Scarf
Toss a featherweight scarf or tissue into the air and challenge the kids to catch it before it falls to the ground. Unlike a ball, the object must float down slowly, making it easier for tiny hands to grab it. The anticipation and excitement in this game make it a toddler favorite!
15. Rolling the Ball
If you’re looking for easy games to play with kids and babies, try this simple activity game!
Two players (you and your baby) sit across from each other and gently roll a ball back and forth. It might sound simple, but for little kids, it’s a great way to practice coordination and taking turns. Plus, kids love watching the ball roll right back to them.
16. Balloon Keep–Up
This game is exactly what it sounds like—keep the balloon up!
Fill a balloon with air and toss it in the sky, and let your children play with it. The goal is simple: don’t let the balloon touch the ground. Kids can hit it into the thin air, pass it around, and try their best to keep it floating. It’s easy, exciting, and always full of laughter as little ones run, dive, and jump to save the balloon from falling at the last second.
17. Color Hunt
Give kids a color, then send them racing around to find something in that shade. “Find something blue!”—and off they go, searching for toys, clothes, or anything that matches. A playful way to sneak in a bit of learning with all the excitement.
18. Animal Charades
No words, only actions! To play this game, one child has to pick an animal and act it out. They can be flapping like a bird, hopping like a bunny, or roaring like a lion. Meanwhile, other players have to guess which animal is the answer.
Trust me, this game is super adorable because it’s so cute to watch your children stomp and roar their way through this game!
19. Bubble Pop
Blow a bunch of bubbles and let the kids go wild trying to pop them before they hit the ground. No scores, no winners—just endless fun as little hands reach, jump, and chase down every last bubble.
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20. Walk the Line
Lay down a piece of tape, a rope, or even just draw a chalk line on the floor. The challenge? Kids must walk across it one foot in front of the other—without stepping off! Add fun variations like walking backward, tiptoeing, or balancing a small toy on their head for extra giggles.
Exciting Games to Play with Kids at Home
Home is the best playground when you have good games for kids to play indoors! When it’s a lazy afternoon or a rainy day, these games turn ordinary spaces into places of adventure, challenge, and joy. You won’t need any fancy equipment, just a little imagination and a lot of fun.
21. Indoor Obstacle Course
Imagine how fun of an activity it can be if you turned your living room into an action-packed course.
Use pillows to create stepping stones, place chairs as tunnels to crawl under, and lay down a tape line for a balance beam. Children must complete the course without touching the floor (“lava”). To make it even more fun, add challenges like hopping on one foot, carrying a stuffed animal, or timing each run for extra excitement.
22. Mystery Box
Fill a box with different objects—something soft like a stuffed toy, something rough like a sponge, something smooth like a spoon. Kids take turns reaching inside (without looking!) and guessing what they’re touching just by feel.
The best part? Their wild guesses before they actually see the object! It’s a fun sensory game that keeps kids curious and engaged.
23. Sock Toss
Are you excited about an indoor game that is like basketball but with rolled-up socks? Get ready for Sock Toss!
Place a laundry basket a few feet away, and let kids take turns tossing socks into it. You may start close till the kids figure it out and then move the basket further away to increase the difficulty. For added fun, assign different point values based on the distance or turn it into a trick shot challenge.
24. Freeze Frame
This is a game of music, movement, and quick reactions! Play a song and let the kids dance freely, but when you suddenly pause the music, everyone must freeze in place. If someone moves, they’re out! The last player standing wins. The challenge of stopping mid-dance (especially in funny poses) makes for hilarious moments!
25. Shadow Puppets
If you’re good at doing hand movements, Shadow Puppets is a fun and interactive game for kids!
All you need is a flashlight and a blank wall. Turn off the lights and use your hands to make shadow animals like birds, dogs, or even reindeer. Kids can take turns guessing each other’s shadows or put on a mini puppet show. It’s a creative activity that sparks imagination and storytelling.
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26. DIY Bowling
Turn empty water bottles into bowling pins and use any soft ball to knock them down! Line up the “pins” in a triangle shape and let your kids roll the ball to see who can knock down the most in one shot. For extra fun, decorate the pins with funny faces or add different point values to each one.
27. Balloon Volleyball
Set up a ribbon or string as a “net” between two chairs, and use a balloon as the volleyball.
Kids hit the balloon back and forth without letting it touch the ground. You can keep score or just play for fun! The slow-moving balloon makes it easy for younger kids to join, and it’s a safe, high-energy game perfect for indoors.
28. Treasure Hunt
Hide small objects around the house and give your kids clues to find them!
To make it even more realistic, you can use a treasure map with “X marks the spot” or create simple riddles (“I keep things cold; look inside and be bold!” for the fridge). The best way to turn this into an event is by setting up multiple clues that lead to a final prize—maybe a small treat or their favorite toy.
29. Card Tower Challenge
Patience, steady hands, and a bit of luck are the things necessary for this challenging game!
Kids try to stack playing cards into a tall tower without knocking them over. Start with two cards as a base, then carefully place more on top. What’s the challenging part? Build the tallest tower before it collapses! It’s a great game to test focus and hand-eye coordination.
30. The Flood is Lava
A classic game that turns any room or space into a thrilling adventure! At any moment, someone can yell “The floor is lava!” and everyone must jump onto the rug, sofa, or furniture to stay safe.
Do you wonder how this can be made more buzzing? Add sudden twists like “You must balance on one leg for five seconds!” or “Everyone has to jump on the sofa!” This game is surely a fun activity to get kids moving while using their creative brain cells.
Games to Play with Afterschoolers
After a long day at school, kids need a way to burn off energy, unwind, and have some fun. These games to play with children strike the perfect balance between excitement and engagement, giving afterschoolers the chance to move, think, and laugh out loud together.
Some will challenge their minds, some will get them running, and all will keep them entertained:
31. Capture the Flag
If you’e finding a game that is about competitiveness, teamwork, and strategy, this one is for you!
Divide players into two teams and give each team a flag and a territory. Both teams hide their flag somewhere in their territory and protect it. What’s the goal? Players have to sneak into the other team’s side, grab their flag, and bring it back without getting tagged.
If caught, players might have to freeze or go to a designated “jail” until a teammate saves them. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and always a hit!
32. Wall Ball
A simple but fun game! Players take turns throwing the ball against the wall and must catch it on the rebound.
If they miss, they must quickly run and touch the wall before another player throws the ball back to tag them. If they’re hit before reaching the wall, they’re out! The fast-paced mix of throwing, catching, and dodging keeps kids coming back for more.
33. Silent Ball Throw
A game that rewards quick reflexes and focus!
Players must stand in a circle and gently toss a ball to one another. The only rule to the game is that talking is not allowed. This makes it a surprise to know to whom the ball will go next.
If you make a bad throw, drop the ball, or make noise, you’re out! The last person standing wins. It’s a simple but surprisingly intense game that’s perfect for winding down while still keeping kids engaged.
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34. Categories
Do you need smart games for kids to play? Lift your hands up for Categories!
One player picks a category (like “animals” or “candies”) and then bounces a ball to someone while saying something from that category. The receiver must quickly name another item in that category before passing the ball. If anyone hesitates or repeats an answer, they are out! The last player left standing wins.
35. Kick The Can
Here’s a cool game that is part hide-and-seek, part tag, and all fun!
Place a can (or any small object) in an open area. One player is “it” and counts till 10 while everyone hides. What’s the goal of the hiders? Sneak out and kick the can before being tagged. If caught, they are out or go to “jail” until another player kicks the can to set them free. The game keeps kids on their toes, running, hiding, and planning their next move!
Active Games for Young Kids
Little kids have endless energy, and the best way to keep them entertained is through movement! These active games for little kids get them running, jumping, and playing in ways that are simple yet incredibly fun.
36. Animal Races
Turn running into a fun race by having kids run like their favorite animals! Call out different creatures—frog, crab, bear, bunny—and have them hop, crawl, or scurry to the finish line.
37. Traffic Jam
Kids pretend to be cars, while one person plays the “traffic light.” When the light turns green, they zoom around. Yellow means slow down, and red means freeze! Throw in surprise obstacles (like potholes they have to jump over) to keep things interesting.
38. Kangaroo Relay
Kids split into teams and must hop like kangaroos from start to finish while holding a ball (or stuffed toy) between their knees. If they drop it, they have to start over! It’s a hilarious test of balance and coordination.
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39. Shoe Mix-Up
Each player removes one shoe and tosses it into a big pile. On “go,” they must race to find and put their shoe back on as fast as possible. Want a bigger challenge? Have them do it while hopping on one foot!
40. Dizzy Race
Players must spin in circles five times before running to a finish line. The twist? They’ll be so dizzy, they’ll wobble all the way there! The first one to cross without falling wins.
Free Children’s Games Online
As long as their eyes are not buried into their phones all day long, it’s okay for kids to have a little screen time! Free kids games online can actually be a lifesaver, especially on rainy days or when parents need a quick break.
There are plenty of free, fun, and educational games online that keep kids entertained while sharpening their thinking skills. From brain-boosting puzzles to action-packed adventures, these games make screen time worthwhile.
41. Storybook Builder (PBS Kids)
How do you feel about a game that lets kids become authors by creating their own digital storybooks? They can choose characters, set scenes, and write (or listen to) their own stories. The drag-and-drop design makes it easy for little ones, and the endless possibilities keep their creativity flowing!
42. Bloxorz (Coolmath Games)
A brain-teasing puzzle game where kids guide a rectangular block through a maze, flipping and rotating it to fit into a hole at the end. The levels get trickier as they progress, testing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. It’s a fun way to challenge the brain while keeping kids entertained.
43. Keyboard Ninja (Typing.com)
This game turns keyboard practice into a ninja adventure. Players must hit the right letters and quickly cut the fruits to move up in rank. It’s a fantastic way for kids to improve their typing speed while feeling like little top-class chefs.
44. Monkey Drive (Sheppard Software)
In this fast-paced game, kids control a monkey in a tiny car, collecting bananas while dodging obstacles. What makes the game even more exciting is that they must solve math problems correctly to keep moving! It’s an exciting way to reinforce addition, subtraction, and problem-solving skills while having a blast.
45. Quiz Whiz Animals
For little animal lovers, this quiz-based game tests their knowledge about different creatures with fun facts and tricky questions. The more correct answers they get, the more cool animal badges they unlock!
46. Snow Day Scavenger Hunt
Join Maggie and Marie on a snowy adventure as they search for word pieces to complete their scavenger hunt!
Players build two-syllable words by blending fragments, helping to improve phonics, vocabulary, and reading fluency. With its fun winter theme and interactive gameplay, this game turns literacy practice into an engaging challenge kids will love.
47. Crayola Create & Play
Crayola Create & Play is a digital playground for young artists, packed with interactive activities that spark creativity.
Kids can draw, color, design, and even craft 3D projects using a variety of tools and vibrant colors. The game also includes fun challenges like mixing colors, decorating virtual spaces, and solving art-based puzzles. With endless possibilities and no mess, it’s the perfect way for kids to explore their artistic side while having fun!
48. Pups Save the Day (Paw Patrol)
Join Elmo and friends on an exciting nature adventure! In Nature Explorers, kids explore the outdoors, search for plants and animals, and complete fun discovery tasks. With colorful animations and interactive gameplay, this game encourages curiosity about the natural world.
49. Deep Sea Math Mystery
Get ready to dive into an underwater adventure where solving math problems helps you uncover hidden treasures!
In Deep Sea Math Mystery, kids answer addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division questions to unlock clues and solve the mystery. This game makes math fun and rewarding with colorful ocean scenes and exciting challenges.
50. Code a Dance Party (Code.org)
Do you want to check out a game that turns coding into a fun, music-filled experience? Try Code a Dance Party!
Kids use simple coding commands to choreograph dance moves for characters, syncing them to catchy beats. It’s a playful way to introduce coding concepts without making it feel like a lesson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are games important for children’s growth?
Games aren’t just a way to keep kids busy—they’re essential for their growth! When kids play, they’re doing much more than having fun. They’re sharpening their minds, building social skills, and getting in some physical activity, all without even realizing it.
Think about it: When they play a game, they solve problems, make decisions, and sometimes even take the lead. These little moments help them grow into confident, creative problem-solvers.
Games also teach valuable life lessons—like teamwork, how to deal with wins and losses, and how to bounce back from mistakes. Plus, running around in a game of tag or jumping in hopscotch isn’t just fun—it’s helping them build strength, balance, and coordination.
So yeah, while it might look like all fun and games, the truth is that playtime is one of the best ways for kids to learn important skills that last a lifetime!
What games can we play with kids?
The options are endless! For little ones, try classic games like Duck, Duck, Goose or Simon Says—they’re simple, fun, and great for building coordination. For older kids, Charades or a Treasure Hunt spark creativity and keep everyone engaged.
Games like Memory Matching and Board Games teach patience and turn-taking, while outdoor games like Kickball or Scavenger Hunts get kids moving and laughing. No matter where you are, there’s always a game for the moment!
Wrapping Up
So if you’re trying to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day or just looking for some fun bonding time, games are the perfect way to bring everyone together. They offer more than just a break from the routine—they’re a chance to learn, laugh, and grow. So, the next time you’re looking for something fun to do, just pick a game, and let the good times roll! After all, in the world of play, everyone’s a winner.
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