Make Your Own Games For Kids

Make Your Own Games

Sometimes children get the most satisfaction from a game which they have made themselves - whether it be a simple board game invented with their own rules, to a full scale beanbag toss game which can be used for years. We have lots of ideas for "Make your own games" here.

When you start the kids off making their own game, try to step back a bit if you can and let them lead with their imagination if at all possible. The ideas and rules they come up with might not be conventional, but they will enjoy the game all the more and learn more from the experience if you give them at least some free rein!

Japanese otedama NEW!
These fabric beanbags used to be sewn by grandmothers from silk kimono scraps, and are used for juggling games and skill games similar to jacks and knucklebones. An easy sewing project which makes a lovely game or gift idea. We also have some Otedama games

Counting Jars Game NEW!
Children can make this game for a younger sibling, to help them learn to count - they'll have fun assembling the containers and objects.

Design a Simple Board Game
Kids can have great fun making their own board game and inventing the rules to go with it.

Beanbag Tossing Game
This is an excellent project for keeping the kids busy for an afternoon - and also useful for fetes and fairs.

Catching Seven Pieces
Originally played with small inch-square rice bags, this traditional Chinese game is similar to Jacks and Knucklebones and can be played with either, or even a collection of pebbles, if you don't want to make your own "pieces".

Christmas Card Jigsaw Game
Perfect for setting the mood before Christmas, this game can be added to and brought out year after year. Of course you could use birthday cards too.

Fishing (Tiu-u or Chinese Dominoes)
This game of Chinese dominoes sounds a little complicated to begin with but is in fact very simple to play. The name ‘fishing’ comes from the idea that players ‘fish’ for matching dominoes. You can either print out our dominoes or make your own more authentic version with popsicle sticks (instructions included!)

Indoor Golf Game
All you need is a children's golf set and some empty juice cartons to make this fun indoor golf game.

Marble Drop
There are many ways that children can play with marbles. This one involves a bit of "making" first, which adds to the fun and keeps the kids busy for longer.

Make A Ping Pong Bat And Net
The Chinese introduced table tennis to the world and have always been extremely good at the sport. You can make your own ping pong bats and net and have a go!

Skittles
Both a recycling craft and a game - the perfect antidote to "bored" children!

Shuttlecock Games
The shuttlecock - a flying object made out of feathers, known to most of us through badminton, has been used traditionally in kicking games of skill in China. Includes a craft idea to make your own shuttlecock.

Make Your Own Tiddlywinks Golf Course
This tiddlywinks golf game can be adapted for all ages and built upon by older kids using their imaginations - and playing the game can keep them busy for hours! Another advantage is that it can be stored away in very little space.

Throwing The Square
Throwing The Square is a traditional Chinese game which can be played with two players or teams, indoors or out. We have ideas here to make your own portable felt version so that you can play again and again.

Latest Games and Activities!

British wildlife dominoes
As part of our British wildlife theme, we have a set of wildlife dominoes to print. Simply cut them out and play like normal dominoes!
British Wildlife Printables

This is a clever strategy game in which you play against the computer...
Candy Bags Game

Try this ancient Indian game (similar to Ludo)
Pachisi

Chess for kids NEW!

Monster sorting game
Monster games

Alphabet matching game

We've added lots of new outdoor group games for those long summer afternoons...
Outdoor games and activities

If your children like making up their own games, you might find our new printable "money", counters, tickets etc useful.
Printable game supplies

Make A Name Book
More of a craft activity than a game, this is a great way for kids to get to know each other at the beginning of the school year.

Matching Game cards can be used to play Memory (Concentration), Go Fish and many other card games, as well as played with our sorting mats by one child on their own.
Printable Games

Dice Games for Kids