Children of all ages and backgrounds love to play. There is no end to the many games that they want to experience! However, when it comes to a child with ADHD, it is the choice of games that will make the difference.
Because the child with ADHD is very often hyperactive (those with ADD will not have this hyperactivity component), many board games like Scrabble and Monopoly will not interest him. Instead, these children need to run, to jump and to shout. Actually, they need to burn that excessive energy somehow and in productive (not destructive) ways.
Recommended Outdoor Games for Kids with ADHD
- Soccer
- Hockey (ice or roller)
- Tag
- Scavenger Hunt
- Follow the Leader
- Red Rover
- Hopscotch
- Lawn Twister (Click for directions here & below.)
- Giant Jenga
- Bean Bag Ladder Toss
- Giant Ring Toss and Pool Noodle Target Throwing
- Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
- Glow in the Dark Bowling
- Giant Lawn Matching Game
Important Facts & Strategies When Seeking Games for Kids with ADHD
• The best games for ADHD children are those that are more outdoor-based, especially those requiring a higher energy level. However, certain outdoor activities might not work well for the ADHD child that seem to be excellent for other children.
• The ADHD child requires outdoor games that keep him active. Many children with ADHD don't enjoy games like baseball because there is too much standing around and waiting involved. They prefer climbing trees, running, jumping, hide and seek, etc.
• Avoid letting your child sit in front of TV or play video games for extended periods. Brain scans have shown that screen time makes ADHD worse. Put a limit of 1 hour on these types of activities.
• Playing games outdoors has a huge positive effect on hyperactive kids. One Illinois study found that ADHD children benefit by having a view of nature outside their windows.
• In another study, children who were able to view a tree or park outside their windows at home actually earned better grades than children whose windows looked out on a parking lot or other similar view. Greenery has a positive effect on all of us, especially children with attention issues.
• Activities and Games for ADHD children that take place in fresh air and healthier environments are good for these children. Plan to have weekends and vacations in wilderness area rather than in amusement parks or in city.
• Games with physical training are often enjoyable to ADHD children. A good workout is an alternative choice. It increases the flow of blood to the brain and decreases nervousness and anxiety. Such a workout with increased blood flow also releases endorphins into the brain, providing a feeling of calmness and a greater sense of well being.
• Many children with ADHD have problems with memory. To determine if your child has memory problems, play memory games with them and compare them to their peers.to check for deficits in this skill area.
• Command-type games make great ADHD games. Give him one command, after completing the job give him two commands simultaneously. Keep on increasing the number of commands until he fails to follow the command. This will actually improve his listening skills.
• Activities with model building, carving, woodworking, mosaics, jigsaw puzzles or that involve mechanical skills and hands-on activity are very beneficial. Children with ADHD often love to figure things out and solve puzzles. These types of games also help promote the following of directions, another very important life skill.
How to Choose the BEST Indoor Games for Children with ADHD---When Needed
As stated above, physically-active games are essential for ADHD children. However, it is critically important to build healthy relationships in the family. As children get older, playing indoor games with parents, siblings and grandparents is a great way to accomplish this. Also, weather will all too often play a significant part in the need for indoor games.
The choice of games is extremely important for these children. Children with ADHD often experience meltdowns while playing board games that move too slowly. Choose games that do not lag but move along and engage the child from the very beginning.
Parents and teachers will want to look for games that move quickly, providing interest and interaction on an ongoing basis. Or better yet, play games where everyone plays at the same time. The card game called Pit is a great example of this.
Another type of game to consider is a strategy game, especially the kind that requires a good deal of critical thinking. Children with ADHD are typically very smart and will thrive when needing to "figure things out."
Recommended Board Games for Kids with ADHD
- Pit by Winning Moves Games
- The Memory Game by Hasbro
- Chutes and Ladders by Hasbro
- Hoot Owl Hoot by Peaceable Kingdom
- Battleship by Hasbro
- Hedbanz by Spin Master
- Jenga by Hasbro
Other Recommended Indoor Games
- Charades
- Balloon games
- Nerf games
- Hide-and-seek
- Foosball
Sources
Games for ADHD Children: Activities to Reduce Hyperactivity
from ADHDchildparenting.com
General information for parents and teachers about locating the best types of games for children with ADHD.
http://www.adhdchildparenting.com/adhd-game-activities.php
5 Best Games for ADHD Kids from PRIDE Reading Program
These non-digital games are the best in their category for help with improving memory, focus, strategizing, communicating, executive functioning, social skills & more!
https://pridereadingprogram.com/5-best-games-for-adhd-kids/
2 FREE Online Games for Kids with ADHD from Fupa
These 2 games were created to help promote better focus, more patience and decreased impulsivity for children with ADHD.
http://www.fupa.com/games/1/adhd.html
What Are the Best Activities for Kids With ADHD? from NewLifeOutlook
There is no one activity that every ADHD child will love. Everyone has his own tastes, but activities such as some organized sports, teams and organizations, indoor and outdoor play, and art therapy can be a good place to start.
https://adhd.newlifeoutlook.com/activities-for-kids-with-adhd/
5 Great Outdoor Activities for Children with ADHD from Brain Balance Centers
Activity for youngsters with ADHD requires a lot of thought and preparation. To help you plan some great quality family time, here are five "fun" outdoor activities to engage children with ADHD.
https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/5-great-outdoor-activities-for-children-with-adhd
For information about customizable focusing tools for readers of all ages with ADHD, please visit: FocusandRead.com ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!
Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC and Pixabay
