Winter is here which likely means no more playing in the backyard for our children. That’s a shame because every child needs regular activity. So, the main question that occurs in my mind is: “What can I give to my children to keep them occupied?” Well, I have the best possible solution – games! And not just any old games, but special ones like mini foosball table that we can make together! Here’s a list of DIY projects that you can do with your kids.
1. Mini foosball game
Foosball is the best game in the world in my opinion, and this DIY project is so simple and easily done. For it, you will need:
- A shoebox
- Plastic straws
- Clothespins / clothesline hooks
So, cut the holes on both sides of the shoebox for the rods. The rods are the plastic straws which you have to fill with wooden dowels or the straws will bend. Keep in mind that you have to have at least 2 rods (one for each team) but I think that you can easily put 2 rods for each team. The last parts you have to make are the players. For the players, you can use clothespins/hooks you have at home.
It is a good idea to color them in two different colours so they are two teams. Fix them with glue to the rods (straws), and let it dry. After that, you are ready to start playing foosball!
2. DIY tic tac toe
Do you remember how many hours you spent playing tic tac toe? It is a super simple game and extra fun as well!
I know that you can play it on a piece of paper, but where’s the fun in that? Make your own tic tac toe! All you need are:
- 10 plastic bottle caps (preferably in two different colors)
- Cardboard
On the cardboard draw a grid: 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines (9 sections). Grab each bottle cap and on one team draw O and on the other X. Voila, you are good to go! Or you can even make it all out of the cardboard, like in the video above.
DIY Memory Game
The memory game is for creative souls who love to draw and colour.
A good idea is to take a piece of cardboard and draw a grid on it which has 5 vertical and 5 horizontal lines ( i.e a 4×4 grid of 16 sections). Cut them individually so you will get 16 pieces, and then draw 8 matching pairs of drawings on them. You can get super creative that that bit.
Now, all you need for some adrenaline rush is a stopwatch and the game can begin!
Maze Ball Game
The ball maze game is done in few minutes and it can provide hours of fun for you and the children.
All you need for it is:
- A slightly bigger box
- Toilet paper rolls
- And colourful papers.
First, color every toilet paper roll in a different colour and use the same colours on the paper you will use next to the box.
Now, glue the rolls in the cardboard box in no specific order. Make sure they are spread across the entire box. You are done!
Now, let me explain the rules. Each family member picks 3 or more colored papers and the game can begin. You have to guide the ball in the box through the paper rolls which have the same colors as the papers you picked. It may seem simple, but it is a great toy for the hand and eye coordination.
Every game on this list is easy to make so you can do it with your children. NO more boring rainy days for you or your family!
