How often, as a parent, do you sit on the sidelines watch your children play?
How often do you join in?
Frankly, it is hard for most adults to play with kids. To get down to their level and interact with them at THEIR pace. Adult responsibilities get in the way a lot.
I have found quite a few different ways to incorporate PLAY while still getting my responsibilities accomplished. All with very cheap items that you probably already own.
Card Games
Card games are fun! Grab a deck of cards and teach your children to play Go Fish, War or Uno.
Dress Up
Instead of simply watching your child play dress up, join in! Put on a fancy dress or suit and have fun.
Sport Games
Get outside and throw a ball! It's exercise and it's FUN!
Turn your tub into a mermaid castle or a pirate ship
See who can come up with the most outlandish story.
Board Games
There's so many great board games for children. Play one instead of watching a movie.
Vinegar & Baking Soda
It's a science experiment and really cool! Bonus: it's an excellent way to clean a shower!
Restaurant
Cooking dinner? Invite your child to a game of restaurant. Have them color a menu while the food is cooking. They can also join in the cooking process and be a chef!
Dance Party
Dance like no one is watching! Your children don't care if you're any good at it.
Have A Race
Having a race is good cardio for you and burns out energy for them.
Scavenger Hunt
Tired of hearing "I'm Bored"? Go on a scavenger hunt.
Puddle Jumping
When is the last time you got really muddy by jumping in mud puddles? Next time it rains, bring your children out side to get wet and muddy.
Sidewalk Chalk
So many options...hopscotch, tic tac toe or a creative drawing.
Bubbles
They never stop being fun!
Spa Day
Wish you had a day to pamper yourself? Declare a Spa Day for you and your kids. Break out the face masks and nail polish!
Go on an "adventure"
Anything can be an adventure for a kid. Your backyard is a jungle...can you find the elephants? Or is it a archaeological site? Can you dig up any dinosaur bones?
Coloring
It's relaxing, even as an adult.
Gardening
Do you need time in your garden? Have the little ones help you weed or give them their own special garden to take care of.
Play House
Let them turn the tables on you and be the parent. Bonus: the way they talk to you is most likely how they interpret how you talk to them. It's a pretty enlightening game.
Cleaning Race
Cleaning is fun. Especially when it's a race!
Grocery Store
Let your children go grocery shopping in your pantry. Ring them up and bag up their groceries!
Kid's Yoga
Check out
. It's a workout for kids AND adults.
Mail Delivery Person
Who doesn't like getting a handwritten letter or card in the mail? While you're paying bills or catching up on your own letters, have your kids write letters to their grandparents or friends.
Pet Groomer
Do your animals need a bath? Seems like a perfect time to play pet groomer.
Cinderella
Clean the house and dress up to go to a ball. No judgement if you skip the cleaning part.
Build A Fort
Recapture your youth and build a fort. You can go all out and have a camping trip indoors if you'd like!
Slumber Party
Pick out a good movie and get some popcorn and enjoy cuddling while watching a movie. Bring out the sleeping bags into the living room.
Laundry
Yes, to children laundry is fun. Take advantage of it now. It doesn't last.
Build A Space Ship
Or a boat or anything out of a box.
Bowling
You don't have to go to a bowling alley to bowl. My daughter discovered water bottles and apples work just as well! I suggest using something non-food though.
Random Parties
I just saw a
the other day. It's a GREAT idea! Check it out. Anything can be an excuse for a party. It's a Monday? Why not have a party?
What were your favorite games to play as a child?
Originally posted on Adventures In Frugal Land.