Recreation: The Road Through History
1600s
In the early years when colonies were first being settled in America, there was little time for fun and games. Despite this, children still were able to enjoy some free time. They would typically play simple group games, such as Blind Man's Bluff, Hunt the Slipper, Blow Out, Ring Taw, and Lacrosse. Check out this site for descriptions of the games.
In the early years when colonies were first being settled in America, there was little time for fun and games. Despite this, children still were able to enjoy some free time. They would typically play simple group games, such as Blind Man's Bluff, Hunt the Slipper, Blow Out, Ring Taw, and Lacrosse. Check out this site for descriptions of the games.
1700s
Childhood during colonial times was different from what we are used to. Families often had many children, so kids regularly had playmates. Children were expected to do chores, and they would often turn chores into games. Children could often be found playing or doing chores outside without adult supervision.
Kids in colonial times would often make up games to play. In addition to the games they made up, they also liked to play some games similar to ones that we have today. Check out this website for some examples. There were not factories to make toys, and stores were not as common, so most toys were homemade. This website describes what colonial fun might have been like.
Childhood during colonial times was different from what we are used to. Families often had many children, so kids regularly had playmates. Children were expected to do chores, and they would often turn chores into games. Children could often be found playing or doing chores outside without adult supervision.
Kids in colonial times would often make up games to play. In addition to the games they made up, they also liked to play some games similar to ones that we have today. Check out this website for some examples. There were not factories to make toys, and stores were not as common, so most toys were homemade. This website describes what colonial fun might have been like.
1800s
In the 1800s, children spent much of their free time doing activities and playing games that were educational and helped to build skills that would help them as adults. Board games also became especially popular in the 1800s. Examples of some of the games can be found here.
Other types of activities that were popular were parlor games, table games, and outdoor games. This website describes examples of different types.
Baseball was also invented in the 1800s. It was based off of a British game called Cricket. Believe it or not, but the Civil War actually helped the game of baseball to become more popular! This website talks about the history of baseball.
In the 1800s, children spent much of their free time doing activities and playing games that were educational and helped to build skills that would help them as adults. Board games also became especially popular in the 1800s. Examples of some of the games can be found here.
Other types of activities that were popular were parlor games, table games, and outdoor games. This website describes examples of different types.
Baseball was also invented in the 1800s. It was based off of a British game called Cricket. Believe it or not, but the Civil War actually helped the game of baseball to become more popular! This website talks about the history of baseball.
1900s
In the early 1900s, singing games, simple toys, card games, and exercise were all popular pastimes. Check out this website for some descriptions.
Many toys that are still popular today, such as crayons and Monopoly, also came about throughout the 1900s. This website provides a timeline of popular toys
The 1900s also brought the first playgrounds to America. About halfway through this website, you can see a description of playgrounds in different decades.
In addition to games and toys of the past, children today also have a lot of technology at their fingertips. Read this article about how technology is changing how children spend their free time.
In the early 1900s, singing games, simple toys, card games, and exercise were all popular pastimes. Check out this website for some descriptions.
Many toys that are still popular today, such as crayons and Monopoly, also came about throughout the 1900s. This website provides a timeline of popular toys
The 1900s also brought the first playgrounds to America. About halfway through this website, you can see a description of playgrounds in different decades.
In addition to games and toys of the past, children today also have a lot of technology at their fingertips. Read this article about how technology is changing how children spend their free time.
Other Information
- This website lists a variety of popular games and toys and talks about when they were invented.
- This website talks about 5 inventions that changed how children play.
- This website also talks about important inventions related to recreation.