Game Jargon Definition: “Children’s Game”

Children’s Game (noun) - chil · dren’s game  /ˈtʃɪldrənz gām/

Historically, any amusement or pastime that involves or originates in spontaneous unstructured play inspired by fantasy or imagination, but may also include specific rules (often communicated and passed down orally). Some traditionally incorporate singing or dancing.

A number of children’s games have been passed down from generation to generation and have been played over the course of centuries or millennia. Historical children’s games include Jacks; Blindman’s Buff; Coins and Discs; Ring Around the Rosie; and Duck, Duck, Goose. Many children’s games have their roots in historical or cultural events (such as London Bridge Is Falling Down).

The term may also refer to manufactured games designed specifically for children. Component-based, manufactured games were used as early as the 1600s to teach children about concepts of basic math and geography before standardized education and schools were established.