Playing Games And Having Fun With Your Family
Sep 26 '01
The Bottom Line Often we would think of a game that you might buy in a box to describe a "family game" genre. But thats not what family games are about.
In todays society, we are often hurrying through life and forget just how good it feels to slow down and do something together as a family. I've been guilty of it many times.
We'd come home from work and school, settle down in front of the tv or computer after dinner and chores, and not talk at all to each other. Oh sometimes the kids would go
play, but they too were bored because you could hear arguments starting.
So this past New Years, we made a resolution to do something at least every other week together as a family. Something fun. I'm proud to say this has been a resolution that has stuck with us...even growing at times to more than twice a week.
So, in honor of my 35th review, I give you 35 different types of games to enjoy with your family. Most of these are do-able with children 4 and up. The point of it isn't so much as to finish the game, its just to be involved and interacting in a positive way with your child.
Away From Home Indoor Activities
1) Bowling~~Cheap way to spend a few hours. And every kid likes the funny site of dad or mom in those oh so pretty shoes. They even have balls especially for children, and they put sides up on the gutters.. which makes for a better score for you! Bonus!
2)Swimming~~Ok, maybe not classified as a game, but its just as fun. Many Y's have indoor pools, as do local colleges that usually will let you pay a nominal fee on a family swim night. You only have to call. And nothing is more fun than swimming in a warm pool when there's snow on the ground. Its very cool, as my daughter says.
3)Toy Stores~~Go play. Ever been to a toystore and told your kid not to touch. Don't do that this time. Do it with them. Push every single button, and pick up every single doll. You won't get in trouble. And some toy stores have video game display systems set up. Hog them!
Dont' make your kids get off until their game is done. :) Whats the worst thing they can do? Kick you out. It'll be a good story for Epinions.
4)Libraries~~Game night at the library? Oh yeah. Get an I SPY book and read it as a family. Its a harder version of Where's Waldo. Also, the kids do enjoy time just hanging out and choosing a book to take home.
5)Arcade~~Most malls have one, and how long has it been since you played skeeball? Probably way to long. Play a video game with your kid, watch them beat you. Its very
satisfying to a child.
Away From Home Outdoor Activities
6)Amusement Parks~~Had to add this one. Your kids and you will have a bang up time. I'm not one to put my butt above my head, but once in a while (read 1x a year), I'll ride a
rollercoaster just for them. After the initial gagging period, I'm fine and they've had several laughs at my expense.
7)Water Parks~~Another big hit. You can even be lazy here, because most of the rides have loads of steps leading up to them. The kids like it best to have you at the bottom
watching them, although volenteering to go first is always a good thing to.
8)Mini-Golf~~This is getting a little pricey anymore in my opinion, but the fun and laughs you'll have, far outweigh the price. Be sure to explain to those that haven't played though that the idea behind this game is to hit the ball as hard as you can.
9)Float Trip~~If you've never been on a float trip, I highly recommend it. Your child will be in a life jacket and some of the float rivers are somewhat shallow. Just put them in their tube and bungee cord it to yours if it makes you feel more comfortable.
10)Parks~~Pack a lunch and swing with them. Go down the slide. Hang upside down from the monkey bars when they say betcha can't. Just be a kid again... I promise it won't
hurt. Unless you get stuck upside down.. like a certain epinion writer has before. Trust me.. it was worth it.
At Home Indoor Activities
11)Fingerpaint on the floor~~honestly. If you have lineolum, I promise washable fingerpaints won't hurt the flooring. Oils and acrylics will.. so do not use those. Just move the table out of the way and have fun. Who knows.. you might end up with a lifesize horse.
12)Color~~Something so simple is so much fun for kids. Do it with them. Color in stripes, plaids, and tyedye. Let them see the difference, and how its okay to do something
offbeat.
13)Dominos~~Remember stacking them in a line and it took forever. Well, many hands make light work.
14)House of Cards~~They're always neat when you get higher than the 2nd level. It takes time and quiet.. great if you have a headache.
15)Dance~~Let them pick the music this time.. and just dance with them. Teach them the older dances.
At Home Outdoor Activities
16)Waterguns and Snowballs~~Nothing is more satisfactory than landing a direct hit on a parent. Waterballoons are required here too.
17)Play Sports~~Volleyball, basketball, some t-ball, badminton, even tag.
18)Wash the Car~~A chore yes, but not when it involves water and kids.
19)Leaf Piles~~Rake them up and jump in with them.
20)Decorate the Yard~~String some lights, build a snowman, paint the house... anything to do with change, and they'll think its fun because its results they can see quickly.
15 More To Round It Out
21)Hide and Seek
22)Simon Says
23)Follow The Leader
24)Ride bikes (or walk as they ride)
25)Pull them in a wagon
26)Rollerskate
27)Monopoly
28)Go Fish
29)Scrabble (lots of small words like no, but still)
30)Trouble (with the popomatic bubble)
31)Life
32)Charades
33)Chutes and ladders or Candyland
34)Clue
35)20 Questions
I know sometimes its hard to slip in an extra hour to do something just off the wall, but if you take the time today to do it, it makes the memories for tomorrow.
And they will remember the time mom or dad or mom and dad took the time to play a game with them. And since games are fun, that makes anything fun a game.
Thanks for reading!
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Epinions.com ID:
crazyglue
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Member: Kathie
Location: Kingdom City, MO USA
Reviews written: 47
Trusted by: 25 members
About Me:
~~Happy Halloween!!~~
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