Games and Toys from Colonial New England

Children in Colonial New England lived a different life than children do today. Much of a child's life was taken up with Bible study and chores. Still, Colonial children found time to play. Store-bought toys were not available, so Colonial children made their own. Children played games that their grandparents had played and passed down through the generations. Many games played in Colonial times are still being played today. Rhymes, tongue twisters, riddles, singing, and story telling were also much-loved pastimes.

Popular Games and Toys

Hide and seek, marbles, tag, blind man's bluff, jump rope, hopscotch, leap frog, swinging, rocking horse and kite flying were among the many games and activities that Colonial children engaged in. Yo-yos made of wood and string and jack straws, or pickup sticks, are examples of games that children played using pieces that they made themselves.

• Games: Popular children's games of the 18^th century along with how-to instructions for making a whirligig.
• Games and Toys: Description of common games and toys played by children during Colonial times.
• Colonial Children's Games: Description of popular games and toys of the time with illustrations.
• Colonial Games: Slide show presentation of various Colonial games.
• Colonial Games, Toys, and Recreation: Facts and pictures.
• Recreation: Overview of games, toys, and other activities of Colonial children.
• Colonial Kids and Cards: Colonial card games were very different from card games played today.
• Colonial Children's Songs: Songs typically sung by Colonial children.
• Early American Music: Where songs originated and how they were changed in Colonial America.
• Colonial Games: List of popular Colonial games and how to play each.
• Battledores: Photo of rackets used in Battledores, a game similar to badminton.
• Pioneer Children: Toys and games list.
• The Revere Children: Games that may have been played by the children of Paul Revere.
• 18^th and 19^th Century Games: Common games played by children in Colonial times. Game rules, supplies, and graphics included.
• Hunt the Slipper: Game based on the Cinderella story.

Where Did Colonial Children Get Toys?

Toys were handmade from household supplies or the natural resources that surrounded the children. Wood, corn husks, apples, string, and rags were all used. If paper was available, fans and homemade drawing books could be made.

• Authentic Rag Doll: Photo of rag doll from 1765.
• Game of Graces: Photo of girl playing a Game of Graces.
• Toys and Childhood in the Early 19^th Century: Account of how the idea of toys for children developed.
• Pre-Industrial Toys: Children's toys before the industrial revolution.

Who Did Colonial Children Play With?

Parents worked long hours during Colonial times and children were often left to take care of themselves. A child's playmates usually were siblings, since families tended to be large. Children from nearby homes might also become playmates.

• 1727 Colonial America: Information about family size and dynamics.
• American Life: A comparison of Colonial life with life today.

Colonial Board Games

Board games were played on a board drawn on paper or even drawn in dirt. Nine Men's Morrice and The Game of Fox and Geese were favorite board games of the time. Beans, rocks, corn kernels or any other available item could be used as playing pieces.

• Nine Man Morris: Game rules with a printable game board. Spelling of the game's name varies.
• Game of Fox and Geese: Object of the game, materials needed and a printable game board.

Nursery Rhymes/Riddles/Tongue Twisters

Children today enjoy rhymes, riddles, and tongue twisters just as much as Colonial children did. Many familiar nursery rhymes, such as Jack be Nimble, Jack be Quick, are the same rhymes spoken by Colonial children.

• Lucy Locket Nursery Rhyme: Popular nursery rhyme with illustration.
• Hush a By Baby: Believed to have been written in the 1600s, this rhyme was set to music and is still sung by parents today.
• Mother Goose: A scholarly exploration of Mother Goose and her association with nursery rhymes in the 18^th century.