Children's Play

By Kimberly L. Keith, About.com Guide to Parenting of K-6 Children

All about play, games, and toys for elementary-age children.

1. Ages and Stages of Play
2. Play in the Early Years
3. Older Kids' Play
4. Creative Play for All Ages

5. Play on the Computer
6. Family Play
7. Kids' Birthday Parties
8. Kids' Holiday Parties

Ages and Stages of Play

Find children's activities and interests at each age of childhood.

1. The Five-Year Old
2. The Six-Year Old
3. The Seven-year Old
4. The Eight-Year Old
5. The Nine-Year Old

Play in the Early Years

Children's play and top toy picks for children ages four to seven.

1. Pretend Play in the Elementary Years
2. Playing House
3. Create a Fairy House for Your Child's Room
4. Making Magic for Our Children
5. Picking the Best Toys for Children
6. Preschool Games
7. Board Games
8. Classic Toys

9. Construction Toys
10. Dolls
11. High-Tech Toys
12. Math Games
13. Music Toys
14. Outdoor/Active Toys
15. Pretend Play Toys
16. Word Games

Older Kids' Play

Children's play and top toy picks for children ages eight to twelve.

1. Indoor Play for Active Kids
2. Learn to Play Olympic Sports Games
3. Balancing Youth Sports and Family Life
4. Sports and Kids Web Guide
5. Picking the Best Toys for Children
6. Board Games
7. Classic Toys
8. Construction Toys

9. Dolls
10. High-Tech Toys
11. Math Games
12. Music Toys
13. Outdoor/Active Toys
14. Pretend Play Toys
15. Word Games

Creative Play for All Ages

School-age kids love arts and crafts projects. Start with simple projects and advance to lessons and hobbies. Parents get to play too!

1. Printable Coloring Pages
2. Printable Play Projects
3. Crafts for Boys
4. Cheap and Easy Arts and Crafts
5. Arts and Crafts Projects
6. Arts & Crafts Kits - Younger Elementary
7. Arts & Crafts Kits - Older Elementary

8. Toys for Coloring and Drawing
9. Summer Crafts
10. Fall Crafts
11. Christmas Crafts
12. Hannakuh Crafts
13. Valentine Crafts
14. Spring Crafts

Play on the Computer

Printables, online games, and software for play on the home computer.

1. 8-Week Summer Play on the Computer Plan
2. Family Fun with Web 2.0
3. Online Games - Preschool
4. Online Games - Younger Elementary
5. Online Games - Middle Elementary
6. Online Games - Older Elementary

7. Online Coloring - Younger Elementary
8. Online Coloring - Older Elementary
9. Software - Younger Elementary
10. Software - Older Elementary
11. Web Sites for Kids

Family Play

Find ideas for activities and play for parents and kids together.

1. Family Board Game Night
2. Family Building Night
3. Family Craft Night
4. Family Movie Night
5. Family Puzzle Night
6. Family Story Night
7. Beach Games
8. Travel Games
9. Ideas for the At-Home Vacation

10. Ideas for a Rainy Summer Day
11. Geocaching - A New Sport for Families
12. Family Movies
13. Summer Fun
14. Fall Fun
15. Thanksgiving Break
16. Winter Break
17. A Valentine Activity for Families - Family Love History
18. Spring Fun

Kids' Birthday Parties

Find ideas for planning your child's birthday parties, including invitations, themes, games, favors, and more.

1. Birthday Party Games
2. Best Outdoor Party Games
3. Birthday Party Themes
4. Make A Child's Birthday Cake
5. Make Your Own Gift Enclosure Cards

6. Make Your Own Party Invitations
7. Kids' Thank-You Notes and Cards
8. Shop Online - Birthday Favors and Gifts
9. Shop Online - Birthday Party Supplies

Kids' Holiday Parties

Find ideas for holiday parties for kids and families.

1. How to Throw a Perfect School Party
2. Planning a Child's Halloween Party
3. Easy Halloween Party Games
4. A Family-Friendly Halloween Party
5. Planning a Child's Christmas Party

6. Christmas Party for Girls and Dolls
7. Planning a Child's Valentine Party
8. Easy Valentine Party Games
9. Planning a Child's Spring Party