25 Parent-Approved and Screen-Free Games to Play With Your Kids!

“Mom, I’m bored!”

We’re sure every parent dreads hearing this sentence, especially during summer vacation when kids are stuck at home. The quick fix is to give in and let them watch TV or play with their gadgets. But no one wants their child to stare at screens all day. So why not think of some fun games for kids?

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Moms and dads who follow Smart Parenting’s Facebook page have many suggestions to make playtime with kids more interesting. We asked, “What’s your favorite game to play with the kids that do NOT involve gadgets?” and they answered with their favorites! Take your pick from simple games like peek-a-boo, board games, and traditional Filipino games!

1. Peek-a-Boo

Easily the most popular games for babies! Did you know it’s also the most popular way to make babies laugh? And research actually found that babies learn better when parents interact with them using humor, so this is a straightforward but rewarding game for your little one.

2. Rock-Paper-Scissors

Many parents answered this, but one mom put an interesting spin to this classic game: “Ang ilalaban ay mga superhero characters!” Wow, wonder what actions they used for that? Interestingly, you can also play this game to resolve sibling fights. Winner!

3. Tickles

Kids love being tickled, so it’s the perfect distraction for the little ones! It’s also an excellent way to shower your children with love and affection.

4. Sawsaw-suka

“Sawsaw-suka, mahuli taya!” Another classic that never fails to entertain kids and one that can gradually develop motor skills and alertness in babies, too.

5. Sungka

We’re happy some parents still play this traditional Filipino game! The sungka “board” has six cups on each side along with a home cup. The goal is to distribute each player’s number of shells along the entire board and “eat” or get the other person’s shells. It’s a great way to flex your child’s strategic thinking skills!

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6. Uno cards

Even as an adult, I still enjoy playing this card game, especially if it involves a large group. It’s easy to play — play by matching color or number, or retaliate with an action card. Then yell “UNO!” when you’re down to one card. Watch out — your child might get competitive!

7. Jenga

Who doesn’t get thrilled at the sight of a wobbly tower? This game will hone your kid’s mental and problem-solving skills, plus help him learn more about cause and effect. If you have the budget, look for the life-sized Jenga blocks! Expect a lot of squealing and screaming from kids and grown-ups alike.

8. Snakes and Ladders

Parents mentioned board games, but this is a great starter game for young kids. It helps improve their problem-solving skills and teaches them to take turns.

9. Monopoly

Have younger kids? Make them play Monopoly Junior, which is a simplified version. Still, nothing beats the original version!

10. Scrabble

This board game not only helps expand your child’s vocabulary and hones her language skills, but it also encourages basic number skills. It also cultivates strategic thinking (which word can get the highest score?) and healthy competition.

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11. Charades

This game sparks creativity, helps your child think out of the box and allows your child to express himself more freely. Come up with challenging but funny categories to make it even more exciting!

12. Memory game

It’s a fun brain exercise that improves concentration and increases both short-term memory and attention to detail. One mom shared she makes her own for entertaining her baby!

13. Building blocks

Building blocks expand the imagination, plus it develops your child’s problem-solving skills and encourages creativity.

14. Coloring books

The American Academy of Pediatrics claims that this is one of the most ideal toys for children because it allows opportunities for interaction between you and your child. Coloring is also a good way to calm kids down — there’s something about it that relaxes the mind that even adults find it fun!

15. Reading

No matter what age, reading together will always be a great opportunity to bond with your child. Make read-aloud sessions more enjoyable by engaging them in question-answer exchanges and using different voices! Looking for books for your child? Here’s an age-by-age guide.

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16. Lutu-lutuan

Playing with pots and pans never gets old, and that’s because pretend-play influences many areas of growth like cognitive, social and emotional, language and communication, and problem-solving and creativity.

17. Role-playing

“One of the most important kinds of imaginative play is pretending to be somebody else,” according to BabyCentre, and we love that parents are encouraging role play, even going the extra mile to act out scenes and situations with their kids.

18. Chores

Why, yes, chores can be fun! It’s also a nice way to foster independence and self-reliance, teach kids to be more responsible, and instill empathy.

19. The Floor is Lava

In this game, players pretend that the floor is made of lava and should be avoided at all costs. It’s exhilarating to play indoors and outdoors, and best of all, it gets the kids moving!

20. Hide and Seek

It’s one of those games that will never go out of style because the fun is endless! It also builds your child’s stamina, develops muscle development, and improves balance, coordination, and motor skills. Who knew?

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21. Tumbang Preso

Traditional Filipino games are so exciting that we should ensure that our kids learn to play them, too! Children will surely feel the adrenaline rush as they try to topple the can using their slippers, plus, nothing beats outdoor fun!

22. Chinese Garter

This game will test your child’s stamina, but it will improve their flexibility, balance, and coordination as they try to successfully jump over the garter as it goes higher and higher.

23. Badminton

This is a relatively easy sport to learn, but younger kids just play this for fun. Still, it will keep them fit and will definitely improve their eyesight, concentration, and focus.

24. Piko

This is another game you can play with your kids if you want to keep them physically active. It builds body strength, balance, eye/hand coordination, and teaches kids to master body control.

25. Patintero

It is another traditional Filipino game that develops strategy, patience, and alertness. Because kids play in teams, it also hones their social skills and teaches them about teamwork.

What other games for kids do you like playing with your own children? Tell us in the comments!

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