Games in the middle ages for kids

Toys and games were usually gender-specific, intended to prepare children for the roles they would fill in adulthood. Boys in the Middle Ages had playthings reflecting the life of warfare that was so common to the era. They played with wooden swords, toy soldiers, riding sticks and other warlike toys. Peasant boys sometimes made their own toys, such as play weapons out of sticks and floating boats from hollowed out bread loaves.

Spinning tops were popular, as were games of tug-of-war and leapfrog. Archery and football were also favorite pastimes. Hoops: Late in the Middle Ages, around the early 16th-century, images are found with children playing with hoops. They roll the hoops with a stick as part of a race. Stilts: Images from the 14th-century show older children and adults walking on stilts. Both children and adult could play games for entertainment as well.

While games for children were generally tame, games for adults focused on chance and hand-eye coordination. Unlike sports, women and girls could participate in a majority of games.

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. Medieval board games with free game board downloads can be found under Free Use Medieval Lesson Plans.

Here are some free online games played during the Middle Ages. Flash games have been removed. There are also some quizzes with answers. Build your own Medieval Castle.

Middle Ages - Games Quia. How to make a medieval Coat of Arms. Time Zone Interactive Game. Buses in the Ballroom, Interactive. Bring on the Battle Interactive. Could you make it as a Norman knight? Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse Game Be careful!