by Jennifer Geitenbeek

Created on: January 04, 2011   Last Updated: May 24, 2012

Sometimes the weather does not co-operate and it is necessary for children to play inside, rather than out in the fresh air. There is a whole host of board games suitable for children to play on rainy days, like Monopoly, Scrabble, Hungry Hippo and more. But what if those board games aren't around?

Below are some games that just about any kid will enjoy.

Hide and Seek.

Any house, no matter how big or small, has many different little nooks and crannies that just scream out for hiding. An all time favourite is free-standing wardrobes, or kitchen pantries.

The best part about this game is there is little mess, children of all ages can play, and it only takes two children to play it.

One person is a seeker, who stands and counts (with eyes closed) up to a specified number (usually 20 or so) whilst the other players tear off around the house in search of the ultimate hiding place.

The seeker then goes on the hunt searching for the hiding players. As each player is found, they can either join in on the search, or wait for the others to be found and the game starts again. The seeker for the next round is the first person to be found.

Note: Do not allow children to hide in refrigerators or deep freezers. This game is also not suitable for playing in garages or garden sheds.

House.

Parents note: The game of house requires bed sheets, blankets, towels and/or table cloths.

The aim of the game is for each player to make the best 'house' they can out of sheets and blankets. This is usually done by draping material over the kitchen table and chairs to form the roof and walls, or lounge suites and arm chairs for that comfy feel.

Books, toys, and any other reasonably heavy object will be grabbed by the children to weigh down their walls to get that freshly made look, and there is likely to be arguments over who can use what throw pillow or cushion in their house.

Once all of the 'houses' are completed (and this can take hours), the parent then checks in on every 'resident' and gives a grade between 1 and 10 for each house. Whoever has the best house wins!

When all of the houses are graded, it is not uncommon for many children to play happily in their mansion for hours, especially if the parent provides something for them to do, like eat cookies.

Dominoes.

Dominoes is a game of skill. Not the actual playing of the game, but setting up long lines of dominoes in creative patterns ready to be knocked down.

It is not uncommon for a domino set up to start with just a small table, and grow to encompass at least one whole room in the house.

Parents note: If there is a child who does not wish to participate, it is advisable to remove that child and give him something else to do, lest he decides to knock the dominoes down before the creator is ready.

With the television off, computer and game consoles out of the way, kids need to use their imagination in order to keep themselves amused. Not all children are happy to sit and wile the hours away with a good book, and for those that don't like to do this, above are some games that are sure to keep them entertained for hours.

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