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How do you go about keeping 8-year-olds engaged? If you are anything like me, you are constantly looking for the solution to keeping your child away from screens and reducing their screen time. And you may have an 8 year old that is bouncing off the walls with an abundance of energy that could power a small town. So what’s the solution to keeping them engaged and preventing them from causing chaos? Here are some active sports and games for 8 year olds that they will love!
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Sports And Games For 8 Year Olds
These magical activities and games kids love not only keep their bodies moving but also ignite their imaginations and foster crucial social skills. Even better, a lot of these activities can become a whole family game, and a way to work together. But you may be wondering what exactly qualifies as an “active fun game.”
What Are Active 8 Year Old Games?
Well, think of it as a secret weapon disguised as playtime. We’re talking about games for an 8 year old that require some serious physical exertion. And why are active games so essential for 8-year-olds?
For starters, they provide an outlet for all that pent-up energy. If you’ve ever seen an eight year-old sitting still for longer than five minutes without twitching, consider yourself lucky! By engaging in physical activity through these thrilling games, they can release all that built-up tension and prevent any potential explosions (metaphorical explosions, of course).
Not only do active games for eight year olds give the exercise they need to keep them physically fit and healthy – but they also stimulate their minds in ways that sedentary activities and screen time simply can’t match. When engaging in these exhilarating escapades, 8-year-olds have to strategize and plan their moves carefully (well… as carefully as an excitable child can). This helps develop their problem-solving abilities and enhances their critical thinking skills.
Let’s not forget about the social aspect either! Active games give these youngsters the chance to interact with their peers, learn teamwork, and practice those all-important negotiation skills. Whether they’re working together as a team to achieve a common goal or competing against each other in a friendly manner, these games pave the way for lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
So there you have it – the undeniable case for active games in keeping 8-year-olds engaged. It’s like giving them a passport to an adventure-filled world where their boundless energy is celebrated, their minds are stimulated, and friendships are forged through laughter and play. And what are the best ways of doing this?
Skating and Scootering
The first of our active games for kids 8 years old is skating and scootering. Unlike a bike, skates, scooters and skateboards are much lighter, more portable and far more manouvreable. All these things mean that it can be so easy to get your skates on and get out to play! Plus, it is easy to set up courses and competitions amongst your friends in the street. Just do make sure to put safety first and wear the right protective gear such as helmets and pads.
We were sent these SFR Vision II Quad Roller Skates from Skates.co.uk. Featuring a comfortable boot, ankle strap and some great colour choices, these boots are perfect for someone starting to learn to skate. My little one already has knee and elbow protectors, but you can also find a great selection of helmets such as this purple Harsh ABS skate helmet on the site.
Bike Riding
The next great way for a child to stay fit, have fun and get outdoors is by riding a bike.
Learning to ride a bike has to be pretty much at the top of most childrens’ lists. My daughter finally learnt to ride without her stabilisers last year, and now she loves getting out there on her bicycle. The main thing to remember is that it is important to stay safe on the roads, and so taking a bicycle road proficiency course is also a must do.
Swimming
Whilst swimming isn’t usually an outdoor activity, it is also a great way to get your child doing something more active. Plus it is so important for children to learn the basics of safety around water.
My daughter is a huge fan of swimming, and whether she is just splashing around in a fun pool, or getting her flippers on to do backstroke, swimming is certainly one of our major strategies for getting her out of the house and off electronic games!
Badminton
Badminton is a great game that all the family can get involved in, and with a simple set, you can play on the beach or in the park. It is such an easy game to get started with, and is a load of fun.
This badminton set from BadmintonHQ is a wonderfully packaged set in an easy to carry case. With 4 rackets, net and shuttlecocks all included for the price it has never been easier to get your own game started wherever you are.
Tennis
Another game that is so very easy to get started playing is tennis. our local park has some courts and there are lots of free places that do have tennis courts for the general public.
Feeling a bit more competitive? If you go online, you can find lots of tennis clubs in the local area that accept child players too. It is a brilliant way to keep your child active! And if you are playing more, it is definitely worth investing in the right footwear. Like these Head Sprint 3.5 junior tennis shoes sent to us by TennisHQ. With the durable synthetic leather, breathable mesh and non marking sole, they are sure to provide great comfort and performance.
Nature Games
The next kids games age 8 children will love are those that get them out into nature. For a more physically active game, you could set up an obstacle course at the local park. Or maybe engage the children in more of a competitive activity such as scavenger hunts.
Finally, when out an about or on a walk or bike ride, nature spotting depending on the season makes for a great activity the whole family can play.
Classic Street Favourites
Lastly on our list of outdoor kid games for 8 year olds are some old favourites. Classic park and street games such as hide and seek, hopscotch and football should never be overlooked as brilliant outdoor ways to engage children and give them more exercise.
However, do make sure if they are out in the road or street that they are mindful of pedestrians and traffic, and stay safe.
What If You Do Have To Stay Indoors?
Sometimes the weather, time or finances may dictate things to force your child to stay in the house. But even then electronics do not have to be the first port of call. There are plenty of of active indoor games for 8 year olds such as indoor hide and seek, balloon tennis or an indoor bowling set.
And if all else fails, there are also a huge variety of board games for 8 year olds and card games for age 8 and up. Even a classic game of cards is great, but some of our favourite board games for 8 year olds are
Horrible Histories – this game board is a brilliant and fun way of learning history.
Labyrinth – this is a great strategy game for two to four players – find it on Amazon.
Cluedo – Is one of those board games 8 year old love, especially the theme versions like Harry Potter or David Walliams.
Sleeping Queens – a card game that also involves using maths skills.
Have you enjoyed this post on the best activities and games for 8 year old boys and girls?
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When my girls were around 8 years old they used to love their scooters! Those roller skates look so cool, I had some which were pretty similar when I was a child and loved them.
I know! These roller boots took me right back to my pairs in the 70s!
Oh, I spent hours on my roller skates, I loved them! It’s a fab activity to get the kids outside.
Badminton is fun too! x