Games for kids in the medieval times

Chess: The game of chess has been popular throughout most of history with subtle changes and variations. It appears that medieval chess sets were very similar to modern sets, though some versions feature crudely carved figures. Dice: Dice games have been used in divination games and gambling games.

Games of chance were popular for individuals in all social classes for gambling. Card Games: There is evidence of decks of cards surviving beyond the Middle Ages, but the exact Middle ages games played have not been adequately discovered. It is probably safe to assume that some of the games were similar to more modern games.

Ring Toss: A game that could be played by all ages and both men and woman was Ring Toss where small rings were aimed at two stakes attempting to toss more accurately than the other team or opponent.

Knucklebones: This game is similar to modern-day jacks, but it was played using the knucklebones of a sheep. Bobbing for Apples: Placing apples within a barrel of water, participants had to attempt to pick up the apples using their teeth. Skittles: A predecessor of modern bowling, players rolled a ball attempting to knock over bottles or pins to score points.

In addition to toys and games, sports and sporting events provided entertainment in the Middle Ages. Children played running games like tag and hide and seek.

Popular among adults were tournaments and jousting. These dangerous sports involved use of swords, daggers, and lances, and were seen as practice of military skill. Tournaments were extremely dangerous activities and the competitors were viewed as a sort of celebrity. It was not uncommon for competitors to be severely wounded or die during a tournament. Because of the skill and bravery required for jousting and other tournament events, these often drew large crowds and involved a sort of fair or fete.

Archery competitions were also very common, and general skill with a bow and arrows were necessary for survival in the Middle Ages. Select below to get started. We used strips of crepe paper, long pieces of colorful curling ribbon and tulle soft netting hanging from the top to decorate. Prince Hat Make the old tried and true newspaper folded hat, remember them? I found directions in many books. We make them out of plain newsprint. The children then painted them and added a large feather to stick into the brim.

Knight helmets Using a gallon milk jug, cut out the portion below the handle and the bottom of the carton. String might be needed to assist in keeping the helmet on. Castle Party Invitations On invitation shaped like a shield write: A message to you Knights and Ladies, from all the kingdom around: A festival awaits your pleasure when the drawbridge doth come down.

For favors, let kids make knights helmets for boys out of milk jugs, and princess hats for girls out of poster board. Pomanders Plunge whole cloves all around an orange, fasten ribbon all around, including a loop to hang in a closet or other place which needs freshening up. We brainstormed ideas that might have a personal meaning to a child. Sort of flag shaped?

When you saw a banner, be it on a castle or maybe on a coach when royalty traveled, you would know who it belonged to.

We compared this idea to flags of different countries. Sword For each sword you will need black electric tape, silver duct tape, two gift paper roles or tubes…one larger than the other, two paper core tubes from fax paper rolls.

Fax paper rolls are extremely sturdy and thick and can be used for lots of different things. For the sword slip the smaller gift wrap tube into the larger tube and the end of the smaller one so it sticks out the larger by about 4 inches or so. This top part will be the handle. Cut the bottom of the tube into a v shape for the point of the sword. The whole blade will be wrapped in the duct tape.

For the handle cut a hole on both sides of the smaller protruding paper roll so that the fax tube can go into it making it look like a cross. To make the handle stronger slip another fax roll over the smaller tube so that also will be covered with electric tape. Not everyone could be a princess or a knight! Learn about some of the worst jobs of the time, from barber surgeon to treadmill worker. As always, please preview videos for age-appropriateness.

Make stained glass windows inspired by the ones that adorned magnificent cathedrals. This simple tunic requires no sewing skills, so kids of all ages can help put one together. So fun for dress up!

Prepare for battle with a sturdy cardboard shield and sword you can use for lots of Middle Ages activities. Decorate the shield with your coat of arms see below.

Learn more: Red Ted Art. Designing a coat of arms is more than just picking a few pictures you like. Learn all about the symbolism and rules of heraldry, then create a coat of arms to represent your personality.

Learn more: Happy Strong Home. Podcasts are a nice way to give your teacher voice a break. Listen to one of these Middle Ages podcasts as you work on some of the other projects shown here.

Learn more: Play, Discover, Learn. Illuminated manuscripts are another of the great treasures of Medieval times. Middle Ages activities like this one explore the artistry involved in creating them.

If this seems a little too complex, try making simple chain mail jewelry instead. Learn more: Instructables. Playing dress up is one of the best Middle Ages activities. Learn more: Doodle Craft. No study of the Middle Ages is complete without understanding the massive impact the Black Plague had on communities everywhere. This interesting simulation explores how it spread and the effects it had. Learn more: Homeschool Den. Jousts were a popular way for knights to practice for battle and show off their finely honed skills.