Victorian Era Children's Games

Play, Leisure, and Daily Life in the 19th Century

How Did People Play During the Victorian Era?

Victorian era games were an important part of daily life for both children and adults during the 19th century. In a world without electricity, television, or digital entertainment, games provided education, social connection, and recreation within homes, schools, and communities.

Victorian games reflected the values of the time—manners, skill-building, cooperation, and imagination—while also offering much-needed fun and relaxation.

Popular Victorian Games for Children

Children’s games in the Victorian era encouraged physical activity, creativity, and moral development. Common games included:

  • Hoop rolling – improving balance and coordination

  • Graces – a dexterity game played with hoops and wands

  • Marbles – developing strategy and hand-eye coordination

  • Blind Man’s Bluff – social play and trust-building

  • Cat’s Cradle – string games that encouraged patience and problem-solving

Many of these games were played outdoors or in schoolyards, requiring little more than simple handmade equipment.

Parlor Games and Family Entertainment

Evenings at home often centered around Victorian parlor games, which brought families and guests together. These games emphasized conversation, memory, and humor, including:

  • Charades

  • Word and guessing games

  • Riddles and puzzles

  • Musical games

Parlor games reinforced social etiquette while allowing playful interaction across generations.

Games as Education and Moral Instruction

Victorian society believed strongly in using play as a teaching tool. Many games were designed to:

  • Teach proper behavior and manners

  • Reinforce lessons from school

  • Encourage teamwork and patience

  • Promote physical health

Educational board games often incorporated geography, history, and moral lessons, reflecting Victorian ideas about character development.

Games on the Frontier and in Rural Communities

In frontier settings, including the Great Plains, games were often adapted to available resources. Children created toys and games from:

  • Wood, string, and fabric scraps

  • Corn husks and bones

  • Household items

Despite isolation and hard work, play remained essential to childhood and community life.

Victorian Games in Living History Interpretation

Understanding Victorian games helps modern audiences connect with the past through hands-on experience. Playing historical games allows participants to:

  • Experience daily life as 19th-century children did

  • Understand social interaction and leisure

  • Appreciate creativity before modern technology

Interactive Living History Program for Museums & Schools

Indian Creek Historical Fashions presents Victorian Era Games, an engaging living history program that invites participants to:

  • Play authentic Victorian games

  • Learn about leisure, education, and manners

  • Experience 19th-century childhood and family life

Ideal for:

  • Museums and historical sites

  • Schools and libraries

  • Family days, heritage events, and festivals

This program pairs perfectly with The Language of the Fan, Lady’s Got Back: The Evolution of the Victorian Bustle, and Women Homesteaders of Nebraska.