The old games are the best ones.

aliasojo

When I was growing up, we often played a game at home that I knew as 'Solitaire'. (Not the card game.)

It was a circular board with small silver balls and you had to jump over one ball at a time to get rid of them all bar one. I think you also got a 'peg' solitaire too.

I found a nice wood version in Past Times before Xmas. It was reduced in their sale and was going to be wrapped up and put under the tree as a present to me, from me.

I forgot all about it however, and have only just found it again today.

Daughter is now engrossed. And very quiet. Well worth £7.

I've completely forgotten how do do it though and have only got down to 4 'men' left. I expect she'll have it sussed shortly and will be Miss Smug soon.

Do any of yours play 'traditional' type games?

Lotus-eater

The kids in the village play cherry door knocking, I remember when I used to play it, so don't get wound up.

I've asked them if they want to try apple scrumping, but they say that there aren't any in plastic wrapping on shelves, so it would be unhygienic.

ps, I remember playing solitare as a kid, might be a decent present for my DD, cheers

building_with_lego

Along similar lines, I found a wooden Chinese Chequers set for 80p in the local charity shop. Keeps them amused for ages, making patterns with the pegs if they're not actually playing, teaching each other the tactics. Bargain.

msb5262

I really love Chinese Chequers and Scrabble. My children will play both (and Solitaire) but what they really love is Monopoly. Luckily we have a vintage style set with a board identical to the one I had as a child, so when I'm forced to play, at least I don't have to look at the modern version which I think is ugly....also I don't have to think in millions, which helps!
My children can play chess though to my shame I can't. Did used to play draughts though.
We also play Rummikub, various versions of Patience, gin rummy, poker and of course Snap. Last year we got a brilliant board game called Cat Attack which is very amusing if you are a family of cat-lovers. I'd recommend it to anyone with kids over about 8.
MsB

Spendless

Yes, I remember solitaire. I played it a lot, both parents worked and my only sibling is 7 years younger than me, so were never into/cpable of same games. Never learnt how to get the last ball into the centre hole. Think I managed 1 ball left once. Also used to like playing patience.

CH27

I loved Solitaire & spent hours playing it.

scottishchick27

I loved solitaire and my sister bought a wooden one with pegs for my DD who also loves it. I've been playing monopoly on the iPad and it plays with millions which is very strange.

JulieGeorgiana

Love that game!

We have a box of 50 games, and play ludo a lot

DS loves scrabble which I suppose is more modern, but good for his spelling!

kingfisherblue

I love Solitaire - a few years ago, I treated myself to a wooden board, but my daughter soon became engrossed in it as well! She was about 12 at the time. We both still enjoy it.

globalds

A stick and a hoop that's all they need

msb5262

globalds wrote: »

A stick and a hoop that's all they need

I like your thinking!
When my kids were little - as in from about 1,3 and 5 to about 6, 8 and 10 - and we took them on camping holidays, I found they would happily play with sticks and stones for hours.
If anything, the whole stick and hoop thing is too high tech...at home, cardboard boxes, a saucepan or two, a wooden spoon and a few stones are fab for little kids.
Less plastic toys = more creative play, not to mention less clutter building up in the house...

MsB