Games

Indoor games | 

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I Packed My Bag

Where to play: Anywhere
No. of players: 2 or more
The game: To remember a growing verbal list made by the players of all the items packed in a bag.

The first player initiates the game by choosing an item to complete the phrase, “I packed my bag and in it I put a(n) _____________.”

For example, “I packed my bag and in it I put a toothbrush.” The second player continues the game by repeating what the first person packed in the bag and adding something of his or her own: “I packed my bag and in it I put a toothbrush and a volleyball.”

Each player in turn adds another word to the string and repeats the preceding items in order. Any player who forgets an item or recites the list out of order is dropped from the game. The player who remembers the longest string of objects wins.

Aesop’s Mission

Where to play: Anywhere
No. of players: 4 or more
The game: To discover the letter that “Aesop” has forbidden before being eliminated from the game.
One player is designated as “Aesop,” and the other players are the “animals” of Aesop’s fables.

Aesop must secretly choose one letter that must be avoided by the players.

Play begins when Aesop asks the first player a question that requires only a one word answer. Aesop will try to ask a question that is likely to be answered with a word containing the forbidden letter.

For example, if the forbidden letter is S, Aesop might ask, “which is your favourite season of the year?” hoping the player will respond with “summer” or “spring.” If the player responds to Aesop’s question with a word containing the prohibited letter, he or she loses one life. The next player is given a chance to guess the forbidden letter before being asked a question.

After losing three lives, a player is dropped from the game. The players try to discover the taboo letter before using up all three lives. The player who guesses the forbidden letter first becomes the next Aesop.

TIP:  You can change the name to depict any character that is hot in kid land, like Ben Ten or Barbie, or even Hannah Montana!

Moving Statues

Where to play: On the grass, playground, of open room
No. of players: At least 4,  it is more fun with more players!
The game: To reach the finish line without being caught moving by the caller.

Establish a starting line and a finish line about 10-15 metres apart. The player chosen to be the caller stands at the finish and the other players line up at the start.

The caller turns his or her back to the other players and begins counting to ten. The other players rush toward the finish line quickly but carefully, because they must be motionless, like “statues” when the caller finishes counting and turns around to face them, any player caught moving by the caller must return to the starting line. The first player to the finish line becomes the caller for the next game.

TIP: To tailor this for smaller spaces, add to the rules that players may only walk by placing one foot directly in front of the next, or hop on one leg to the finish line. This will slow the game down and make it suitable for even small indoor spaces.

With the weather doing its rain dance, we know that finding a way to keep the kids occupied is sometimes challenging. We came across some activities to do indoors to solve that problem.

These can work with 2 (including you mum) or more kids, but will work better with more. They are also great for play dates and afternoons where the cousins or neighbours are over for tea. Feel free to add your spin on them.

Drawing in the Dark

Where to play: Any area with a surface to press on for drawing
No. of players: 2 or more
Stuff you will need: Pencil, paper and blindfold for each player

The game: To draw a picture according to a story told by one of the other players, without being able to see the paper.

An adult or older child or sibling should serve as the storyteller. When all the players have their pen and paper read and have been blind folded, the game can begin.

The storyteller must invent a short story which will be illustrated by the other players. The story doesn’t have to be very elaborate, but it should include a number of different figures and objects which will be drawn by the other players.

For example:  “Once there was a girl named Denise. Please draw Denise.” All the players should finish up their drawings and the story will continue.

For example: “Denise put her dog, Spot, in a leash and took him to a pet show. Now draw Spot and his leash, which Denise holds in her hand.”

For example: “Denise and Spot admired the beautiful trophy that sat on the judges’ table. Now add the trophy and a table to your drawing.”

This can go on till the story teller is happy with the story, then judge the most accurate drawing. The winner can then be the next story teller!