small items of your child's choice for game pieces (ex; pennies, macaronis, buttons)
dice, cards or a spinner
2 or more children (any more than 4 children may require another board)
Draw a playing field such as a curvy road, covering most of the board in twists and crossovers, starting at one corner and ending in the opposite corner. Your child sets the premise or the story to get from one end to the other, this includes the rules for turns, the win, the safe spaces, etc. He or she might add bonuses like a pond of ice that lets the player's piece slide from one spot to a farther spot in one turn, or barriers like fallen trees or bullies that means losing a turn. Or perhaps a maze with obstacles and helpful items like boulders and ladders.
Musical Stories
a radio tuned to a classical music station or a CD with classical or instrumental music
1 or more children
quiet time
This game has no winners but is entertainment nonetheless. It may be played in your house or car. You may be surprised with what your children's imagination brings to it, and you may be surprised what your own imagination can come up with. Turn your radio to a station that plays classical or instrumental music only, or pop in a CD. Have your children listen to one piece while you make comments how that instrument or beat makes you think of running, or maybe flying, maybe even a farmer gathering eggs. With the next piece, ask one of your children to describe the story that the music might be playing. There is no wrong or right. For one child it could be superheroes fighting a villain; for another child it could be a horse race.
Spider Web- indoors or outside
one skein of yarn for the basic game; two skeins of different colors for a more involved game
scissors
different sized items such as books, clothing, boxes, bags, toys
2 or more children
This game calls for physical dexterity and needs parental supervision, especially for younger children. The parent sets the playing field by placing the different items around the house or yard then stringing the yarn and attaching it to furniture, doorknobs and other steadfast structures in the house -trees, bushes and fences if played outside.
Cross the lines over each other and make high and low levels, leaving spaces to move through, under and over. The player(s) then make their way through the web and gather the items. The one with the most items without falling into the web wins. Use two different colored yarns to designate going over or going under. (hint: let the players learn on their own that it is good strategy to go for a bag or box first so that carrying items is easier). When the game is over, simply cut the yarn in spots and pull it in.