A scavenger hunt game can be adapted for different age groups. For young children, provide a list of words coupled with pictures of what they need to find. Make sure the objects they are seeking are on at eye level. For older children, provide a list of simple words but make the objects more difficult to find. To make the game more interesting, set a time limit in which all of the objects must be found.
This memory game is great for practicing cognitive skills with preschool or kindergarten children, and can also be adapted to various age groups. Gather a group of objects, more for older children. Give your child a moment to study the objects, and then ask her to close her eyes. Remove an object and have your child open her eyes. Ask her to figure out which object is missing. For young children, it is best to start with three or four objects and increase from there.
A feelie box is a fun sensory game that is easy to create. To prepare, cut a hole in the side of a box large enough for a child's hand to fit through. Then, gather several objects with different textures and put them into the box without your child seeing them. Ask your child to put his hand into the box and try to identify what is inside using only his sense of touch.
This child-friendly version of charades is fun for children and adults, and doesn't require any preparation or materials. Taking turns, ask each child to mimic an animal using body movements and sounds without saying the name of the animal. All of the watchers must try to identify the animal. To make the game more challenging, play silent charades and only allow the children to use body movements when acting out the animals.