Engaging children in games is a great way to encourage their growth and development. Playing also helps eliminate boredom by adding an element of fun and entertainment to your child’s monotonous life. Almost all games come with rules and challenges that demand interaction and teach discipline. From conventional board games to modern stimulating ones, there are numerous types to keep children entertained. Here you will learn about the different categories.

Types of games
Games can be broadly classified into two types – Indoor and outdoor.

Indoor games
Indoor games were initially developed for entertainment at home when the weather outside is unfavorable. They are an excellent pastime when children are bored and are confined to their homes. Indoor games can be played by a maximum of 4 to 8 players. These games are great to play with family and loved ones. Some of them are:

Board games
As the name suggests, board games are played on a board, usually with dice or cards. Popular ones are ludo, snakes and ladders, which are loved by kids and adults as well.

Card games
For playing this type of game, you don’t need any other equipment except for a deck of cards. Some examples include Solitaire, Rummy, Snap, and Uno.

Strategy games
Chess is a great example of a strategy game that is also played at the competitive level. Playing strategy games is fun and helps develop intellectual thinking and decision-making skills.

Pencil and paper games
These are played using paper and pencil or pen and do not require any additional equipment. Sudoku, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Bulls and Cows are popular pencil and paper games children and adults like.

Role play games
Role-playing is a fun game for stimulating young minds. In this, children take the role of a person or animal and act out a scenario. This indoor game offers freedom of self-expression as well as helps develop communication and social skills.

Table tennis
Table tennis is an indoor game that is played in an enclosed space. This fast-paced two-player sport requires a table, a small net, rackets, and a ball. Players hit a lightweight ball across a table using a small bat allowing it to bounce once. This game demands good hand-eye coordination.

Video games
Video games require a device like a computer, gaming console, or a smartphone. Though many parents are wary of this, there are benefits to playing these electronic games. It helps boosts concentration and enhances creativity and memory in children. However, moderation is the key to playing video games. There are many game genres, such as action, action-adventure, adventure, role-playing, simulation type, strategy games, sports, puzzles, and more. Video game walkthroughs are also uploaded on video-sharing sites such as YouTube to assist players in accomplishing certain achievements.

Outdoor games
Outdoor games are held in open areas such as playgrounds or parks. They are mostly played among a large group of players. Almost all outdoor games require running and jumping, which is essential for building physical strength. These games also involve interaction with other kids which helps them improve their communication and social skills. Some of the outdoor games are:

Hopscotch
This is a game where children hop into numbered squares in a grid on a flat surface which helps improve balance and coordination.

Obstacle course
Almost all children love playing an obstacle course. You can create one using objects such as hula hoops, containers, cans, etc. The player who completes the obstacle course in the least time wins.

Kickball
Kickball is a popular outdoor game for kids of all ages. It is quite similar to baseball and is played in teams. Players kick a dodgeball and have to touch all four bases. A competitor has to score more runs than the other team to win.

Jump rope
Jump rope can be played alone or in a team. Players have to jump over a rope without touching it. Tripping or stumbling means losing your turn; it is time for the next person. The jump rope game has endless variations.

Football
Football is one of the most loved outdoor games. This team sport can be played by kids without any equipment. Simply form groups and set up goal lines at each end of the field. The team with the maximum goals wins.

Baseball
Baseball is played between two teams in which one team bats and the other does the fielding. Children require a bat, ball, and glove to play this game. Playing baseball enhances children’s gross motor skills and provides other benefits.

Conclusion
Playing games help improve the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional well-being of both children and adults. It helps reduce stress and boosts self-confidence. Children should be encouraged to play games and the adults should join them in the fun for a good bonding time.