Traditional & Table Top Games

Traditional games have stood the test of time by entertaining children and their families across many generations. Here's our recommendations for some of the most engaging and fun ones around with links to where you can purchase those that you feel will be of interest or value to the children in your life. As with all the pages of our site the content on this one will be refreshed and amended as inspiringyourkids.com develops and grows.

Mah Jong

This is the traditional Chinese tile game with similarities to rummy. Our featured item is an exceptional quality set containing 3 dice, 1 wind die, 144 elegant playing pieces, and an instruction booklet which is also included for newcomers to the game. All of this is presented in a stylish leatherette case. Ideal for beginners or experts.
It can be viewed, along with a range of other mah jong sets when you visit Games On Board

Chess

The Western descendent of an ancient Indian game called shaturanga, chess has rules of play a child can grasp in ten minutes but boasts subtleties that the dedicated player will take a lifetime to master. Whether as an occasional player for fun or a more focused student of the game, chess can be enjoyed by all. From the simple ingredients of an 8 x 8 grid board and the 16 a side pieces, there are numerous styles of playing sets to suit all pockets and tastes, Our featured set comprises a gloriously produced walnut board with hand carved rosewood pieces which would make an ideal special occasion gift, while the same merchant provides both more and less expensive sets. Available from Games On Board

Nine Mens Morris

One of the oldest games in the world. Its simple rules, like those of all truly great games, make it equally possible for a young beginner and a knowledgeable veteran to enjoy it tremendously. Played on a board with three concentric squares joined by lines at their midpoints, the action centres on 24 playing points formed by each of the square's corners and the aforementioned midpoints. Both of the game's two players deploy their nine pieces in an effort to create a three in a row and reduce their opponent's forces until they can no longer function. Available from Amazon

Chinese Checkers

This game which is played on a distinctive six pointed star is a game for 2; 3; 4 or 6 players. Each participant aims to move their seventeen pieces from their home star point base to the one on the opposite side of the board, either by progressing one pitted grove at a time or preferably by the quicker route of hopping over the differently coloured pieces of opponents. Available from Amazon

Deluxe Game Compendium Set

A collection of games in the form of a well chosen games compendium is both a fantastic present and a wonderful family resource. Our featured compendium really is a bit special. It comes in a solid wood box featuring an inlaid chess board on the top, and an inlaid backgammon board when opened out. The range of pieces, dice and cards included allow draughts; cribbage; dominoes; poker and cards to be played along with chess and backgammon. This beautiful and compact set can be viewed and ordered from Toyday

Backgammon

The classic casting off game with its blend of skill tinged with luck remains enormously popular. The essentials of how to play can be easily grasped by children who can develop increasing expertise by playing both peers and adults. Our featured set comes in a practical leatherette case, allowing play at home, on holiday or otherwise when the family is on the move, and includes an illustrated rule book to assist the beginner, together with 4 dice, 30 playing pieces and a doubling cube and is available from Games On Board

Junior Scrabble

Suitable for two to four players, the two games that comprise this set are simplified variants of the well known word making game, with one for the enjoyment of 4 - 6 year olds while the other will work well for older kids of up to around ten. The level one game provides younger children with colourful pictures that help them turn letters into words, whilst on the other side of the board the level two game is designed to let kids create their own words. Our featured set comes with the counters that play a part in the games as well as the letter tiles and board. Available from Amazon

Rummikub Travel Game

Children of six and over find rummikub a compelling game to play both with peers and adults, and our featured item allows all the fun which flows from this great numbers strategy to continue for between two to four players while on the move. Players begin with fourteen numbered tiles, and in rummy like fashion aim to get rid of them through runs and sets, all the while being able to interfere with opponents tiles in certain ways which helps them and hinders opponents. Available from Amazon

Snooker & Pool Table

At 6ft x 3 ft and adjustable height this snooker table is the perfect size to allow all family members to play. Supplied with sets of both pool as well as snooker balls the table doubles up as the arena for both games. With fold up legs making for easy storage the featured table set comes complete with cues; triangles; score board; chalk and an instruction leaflet from Gadget Storm

Bagatelle

The blend of skill; luck; simplicity and endless permutations of play mean that bagatelle both engages all ages and puts players on an equal footing, so making it for us one of the top ten family games available. For those unfamiliar with the game it is a sort of forerunner to pinball without the flippers. Players launch balls using a springed shunt aiming to score points when they come to rest in a one of a series of nests made up of groups of pins. Our featured edition is a handmade wooden board with brass pins and steel balls. Available from Hamleys

Charades For Kids

A clever set of 200 cards allow the whole family to take part on an equal basis in this wonderful mime acting traditional game. Younger children from four upwards can pick one of fifty picture cards such as a monkey or yo yo to visually depict, while older kids and adults can choose harder objects and activities to convey. With any number of players from three upwards this version of charades will generate memorable fun. Available from Letterbox