10 Games for Kids To Play By Themselves

Sometimes your child needs a game to play on their own to keep themself entertained. Here are some ideas to get you started.Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottJust because your kid is alone does not mean they can't have active fun. These games to do by yourself are suitable for a party of one and allow kids to get some physical activity without having to find a play partner. Here are our top ten fun and simple games to play when your child needs to keep themselves entertained.
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Solo Ball SkillsDoes your child play basketball or soccer? They don't need teammates to practice skills. Shooting baskets or kicking a ball around are great ways for kids to play alone.If you have a rebounding net, kids don't need a partner to play catch with a football or baseball, either. Also, a pitching machine is a way for kids to put in some extra baseball practice.The 7-Up GameAll your child needs is a ball and some open space for this active game. It challenges them to master increasingly complex skills. It's a great outdoor game or it can be played in your basement, garage, or anywhere that doesn't have breakables.To play, bounce the ball against the wall or floor while doing a task, like touching the ground or spinning around in-between bounces.Racket SportsYes, tennis and badminton can be games for kids to play alone! They can volley tennis balls off a wall, bounce them on the ground with the racket, or bounce balls and birdies up from a racquet held horizontally.How many can they get in a row? Can they top their personal best? Skill drills like these are a great way to hone hand-eye coordination which is important in kids' learning and development.Hula HoopKids can practice hula hooping indoors or out. Challenge them to count how many revolutions they can do or how long they can keep the hoop spinning without dropping it.Watch a few hula hooping videos online so your child can see what kinds of tricks are possible, too. For instance, they can try to master the technique of working the hoop from the hips to the neck and back down.DancingDid you ever hear the expression, "dance like no one's watching"? Many people are nervous about dancing in public, but you can encourage your child to dance alone and work on some confidence-building skills.All it takes is music. You can also use games, such as Just Dance, or online videos.Going for a RideEncouraging your child to go on a bike or scooter ride is a perfect solo activity. However, you will need to set boundaries and make sure kids know and obey safety rules before they set out.Art ProjectsArt and craft projects can keep kids busy for hours. If your child has a creative streak, give them some supplies and let them explore their imagination. A larger mural or a 3-D sculpture offers both fine- and large-motor physical activity along with creative expression.Digging and BuildingGot dirt, sand, or snow in the yard? Equip your child with some simple tools like shovels, pails, and maybe a few molds and let them dig and build to their heart's content. It's easy to spend hours crafting a castle, a roadway, a snow creature, or even a flower garden.Solo Balloon VolleyballVolleyball is usually a team sport, but it's a lot of fun for one, too. All you need is a balloon and, with a few boundaries in place, it can be an indoor game.Set up a ribbon to act as a net and blow up a balloon for a ball. Then, challenge your child to play volleyball—on both sides of the net! They must hit the balloon up and over the ribbon, then scoot under to hit it from the other side, and so on until the balloon wafts to the ground.Sidewalk Chalk GamesOn a sunny day, a tub of sidewalk chalk can keep kids busy for a long time. They can use the chalk to make hopscotch, mazes, obstacle courses, and much more. You might even show them photos of amazing sidewalk chalk art by professional artists to inspire their own artwork. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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