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:

 

Plan your own mini Olympics

Have you ever wanted to host your own Olympic games at home?

Here’s your chance! We’ve taken inspiration from history to put together a list of ideas for you to host your own games in your garden or local park. All you need are a few things from around your home, your trainers and your friends and family to take part!

Organise your games
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 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

Games: challenge your family and friends!

Downloadable templates for the game

Featured Game: Play the 12 labours of hercules!

Have you got what it takes to to be a hero or heroine like Hercules? Travel back in time to ancient Greece with this brilliant board game to find out...

Download and assemble the game using our simple templates and instructions, then challenge your family or friends to see who will be the first player to complete all 12 labours and win!

Play now!

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.