The games we played when we were kids then still have such special place in my heart. They remind us of the good old days and the carefree life of a child. Oh, how I miss it. Here are a few childhood games that I’m 100% sure will make you feel sooo nostalgic all of a sudden. When I first became a mom, I wanted my kids to know and play all the games I used to play with my friends, outside, never wanting to come back inside. Those are my fave memories and I wanted my kids to have the same.
H-O-R-S-E
H-O-R-S-E was a game that required basketball and a group of friends. The objective was to take turns attempting to make a basket from different spots on the court. If you missed, you were given a letter, and the first person to spell out “horse” lost. I don’t think I’ve ever won this one, but I still loved it.
Cat’s Cradle
Cat’s Cradle was a game played with a piece of string. The objective was to create different patterns and shapes with the string, using only your hands. Cat’s Cradle required focus, dexterity, and imagination. My mom would this this with us, and when I showed how to play this to my kids, they’ve LOVED it ever since.
Marbles
Marbles was a game that required a collection of small glass or plastic spheres. The objective was to use your marbles to hit other marbles out of a circle drawn on the ground. The winner was the person with the most marbles at the end of the game.My sister was the absolute BEST at this.
Jump Rope
Jump Rope was a game that required a long rope and a group of friends. The objective was to jump over the rope as it was swung around by your friends. Jump Rope required coordination, balance, and stamina. It was a great way for your kids to develop cardiovascular fitness and agility. Gotta admit, I was NOT good at this one. Haha!
Tag
Tag was a game that required a group of friends. The objective was to chase and touch one of your friends, who would then become “it” and continue the game. Tag required speed, agility, and strategy. Playing this game is one of the best memories I have from my childhood.
The Floor is Lava
The Floor is Lava was a game that required a group of friends and a vivid imagination. The objective was to avoid touching the ground, which was deemed to be “lava”. The game involved jumping from furniture and other objects to avoid being “burned”. The Floor is Lava required creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills. We mostly played this on rainy days when we were stuck inside and made the whole house our playground.
Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek was a game that required a group of friends. The objective was to hide from the “seeker” and avoid being found. Hide and Seek required strategy, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This one was a personal FAVE for me.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch was a game that needs a piece of chalk and a flat surface. The objective was to hop from one numbered square to another without stepping on the lines or losing your balance. Hopscotch required balance, coordination, and patience. It helps your kids to develop physical fitness and cognitive skills like counting and following rules. My brother would somehow ALWAYS win this.
Ghost in the Graveyard
Ghost in the Graveyard was a game that required a group of friends and a dark outdoor area. The objective was to find the “ghost” who was hiding in the dark, while avoiding being caught by the ghost. And it was just SO FUN! I would be scared and excited at the same time to play this!
Those were simple childhood games, but man, did they give us more than just something to do. They snuck in physical fitness, social skills, creativity, stuff we didn’t even know we were learning. And they brought us closer to friends and family and made memories that still pop up out of nowhere.
Nostalgia is funny, isn’t it? Revisiting those games brings us back to an era when the world was wide open, its thrill-ride potential still just in play.
Childhood games hold a special place in our hearts and memories, and they continue to be a source of joy and nostalgia for many of us. Whatever game it may be they will always have a special place in our hearts. Introducing all these games to my kids has been AMAZING and I really want all of you to do the same. No regrets here.
