Games for Children 7 to 9 Years Old

By Krystal Miller
exciting games, your children
kids playing football image by sonya etchison from

Children ages 7 to 9 enjoy playing indoor and outdoor games. These games build social skills, engage children in physical activity and keep them out from in front of the television. Use your imagination to create games that will pique the interest of your children and have them ready for the next activity. With a few supplies and exuberant children, you have all you need to get started.

Team Treasure Hunt

Divide the children into two teams and give each team a number of identical items, such as a penny, a small toy, a pencil and a piece of candy. Designate a certain area for each team, such as the front yard and backyard or two different rooms of your home. When you say, "Go," each team has to hide the 10 items in that designated area. After both teams hide the items, the teams switch rooms. The first team to find all of the items in its designated room wins the game.

Hula Hoops

Divide children into two equal teams and direct them to stand in single file lines. Tell the children to hold hands with the teammate beside them. Give the first player in each line a hula hoop. When you say, "Go," the teams must race to get the hula hoop all the way down their lines without letting go of one another's hands. The first team to get the hula hoop all the way down the line and off the last player wins the game.

Silly Moves

All children sit in a circle and select one player to go first. The first player must make a move, such as wiggling his nose, rubbing his belly or patting his head. The next player in the circle does the same move as the first player and adds a move of his own. The third player must do both moves and add his own. Each person in the circle must copy the moves of each player before him. If a player misses or cannot remember a move, he is out of the game. The last playing standing wins the game.

Foot Volleyball

Make a volleyball net using a string or rope tied between two pieces of furniture or two trees. Divide the players into teams and have them get on opposite sides of the string. The players get on all fours with their bottoms facing the ground and stomachs facing the ceiling. Players hands and feet should be on the ground. This is also known as the "crab" position. Adjust the height of the rope about 1 foot above the player's heads. Inflate a balloon to use as the "volleyball." Players must use their feet to hit the balloon back and forth over the "net." When a team drops the balloon, the other team earns a point. The first team to score 15 points wins the game.