Kids

Sports and Games

Welcome to our guide to sports and games, where you can learn about England’s history, discover more about our sites and find loads of fun things to watch, read and do! Here's what we've got in store for you:

 

Illustration of three Georgians watching as Henrietta Howard plays ninepin bowling

Play a game of Georgian ninepin bowling

Fashionable Georgians loved to play ninepin bowling. On this page you can find out about the game and Henrietta, who had an area laid out for it at her home in London, then follow our easy instructions to make your own version to play at home in your hallway, garden or local park!

Play now
A young boy starts drawing a picture with a pot of pens next to him

Competition: design a sports medal for a chance to win a £100 goody bag!

First, learn all about the British men and women who triumphed at the last Paris Olympics, 100 years ago, and are commemorated by blue plaques in London. Then download our template and design your own stylish sports medal to enter into our competition!

Enter now

Hnefatafl

Create your own game of Viking chess! 

Enjoy some ancient entertainment by playing a real Viking board game. Hnefatafl (pronounced ‘neva tapl’), means ‘The King’s Table’ in Old Norse and is a game of tactics and skill. Tap below for everything you need to make and play it at home.

Click here to play!
A girls is laying down reading the sports issue of Kids Rule! magazine

The Kids Rule! guide to sports & games (issue 29)

Read Kids Rule! magazine online to learn about the sports and games played at our sites in the past. From sporting heroes to ancient games, there's plenty of stories to dive into. Plus, there are ideas for you to try at home!

This is issue 29 in our series of Kids Rule! magazines following the history of England. Each issue is designed to help you discover more about our properties through fun facts, illustrated stories and games.

Read Kids Rule! magazine

Traditional games at Audley End House

Kids Rule TV presenter Esme Todd visits Audley End House and Gardens in Essex to try out some of the traditional games families have played there over the centuries, from football to sack racing.