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Published: November 7, 2007
The approach of winter means that people across the country will need more indoor activities to keep themselves occupied during the colder months. Children especially need indoor activities with many youth sports going out of season. Though some people view being stuck indoors as a limitation, indoor activities can be just as stimulating as outdoor ones, and often offer a more relaxed, casual atmosphere.
From card games to board games to simply making crafts, there is practically an endless amount of indoor activities to keep occupied.
Card games are among the oldest of indoor activities. Playing cards originated in China around 1000 A.D., and spread to Europe in the mid-1300s. The typical royalty design most are familiar with originated here, though various locales around the world have their own schemes. Card games are among the best indoor activities because of the sheer variety of games, both solo and with a group. Lots of people are familiar with group games such as hearts and spades, which are easy ways to make the best of a rainy afternoon. Hold 'Em Poker, though, still remains the most popular group game, both in casinos and private gatherings. With the advent of online gaming, organizing a group is no longer necessary, and numerous sites exist for not only poker, but just about any kind of card game.
The game of billiards is also of the best indoor activities. Billiards, in fact, evolved from early versions of outdoor games, such as croquet. Distinctly European in origin, the game was transposed for table play in the 15th century, and quickly became a staple among the population. Unlike certain kinds of card games, billiards has always been one of the indoor activities that almost everyone knows how to play. Eight ball is the most common contemporary game, though numerous other games are available if wanting to get creative. While most people do not own a pool table themselves, many pubs and restaurants do, making the game accessible to anyone. Even better, the proliferation of online games means a table is not needed, nor other guests, to play billiards.
The most ancient of indoor activities, though, are board games. Backgammon has its origins in Imperial Rome, with Emperor Claudius said to be fond of the game. Likewise, the game of chess is over 4,000 years old, eventually coming to North America with Christopher Columbus. Contemporary board games have grown considerably, with games like Monopoly, Risk and Life among the most popular. Some of them, such as the old Hungry Hungry Hippos game, can be quite noisy, and might result in irate parents sending their kids back outside, weather or not. Nonetheless, many of these loud games can be quite fun, and many young adults are filled with nostalgic memories of them. Board games can be a little more expensive than a simple deck of cards, though many can be played online as well.
Indoor activities do not have to be competitive, either. Making crafts individually or as a group can be a great way to make something unique while killing time, though be prepared for a messy cleanup if kids are involved. With so many options, winter weather does not have to result in boredom this season. Whether it is organizing a poker tournament, or just trying to stave off cabin fever during a cold snap, indoor activities are an excellent way to make the best of a day spent inside.
Sources:
Bellis, Mary. "The History of Puzzle, Card and Board Games." About.com. 2007. New York Times Company. 6 Nov. 2007. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpuz zles.htm.
"Playing Card History: Origins." The International Playing Card Society. 9 Oct. 2007. 6 Nov. 2007. http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/~daf/i-p-c-s.org/faq/histo ry_1.php.
Shamos, Mike. "A Brief History of the Noble Game of Billiards." Billiard Congress of America. 1995. 6 Nov. 2007. http://www.bca-pool.com/aboutus/history/start.shtm l.
Related Articles
Card games are among the oldest of indoor activities. Playing cards originated in China around 1000 A.D., and spread to Europe in the mid-1300s. The typical royalty design most are familiar with originated here, though various locales around the world have their own schemes. Card games are among the best indoor activities because of the sheer variety of games, both solo and with a group. Lots of people are familiar with group games such as hearts and spades, which are easy ways to make the best of a rainy afternoon. Hold 'Em Poker, though, still remains the most popular group game, both in casinos and private gatherings. With the advent of online gaming, organizing a group is no longer necessary, and numerous sites exist for not only poker, but just about any kind of card game.
The game of billiards is also of the best indoor activities. Billiards, in fact, evolved from early versions of outdoor games, such as croquet. Distinctly European in origin, the game was transposed for table play in the 15th century, and quickly became a staple among the population. Unlike certain kinds of card games, billiards has always been one of the indoor activities that almost everyone knows how to play. Eight ball is the most common contemporary game, though numerous other games are available if wanting to get creative. While most people do not own a pool table themselves, many pubs and restaurants do, making the game accessible to anyone. Even better, the proliferation of online games means a table is not needed, nor other guests, to play billiards.
The most ancient of indoor activities, though, are board games. Backgammon has its origins in Imperial Rome, with Emperor Claudius said to be fond of the game. Likewise, the game of chess is over 4,000 years old, eventually coming to North America with Christopher Columbus. Contemporary board games have grown considerably, with games like Monopoly, Risk and Life among the most popular. Some of them, such as the old Hungry Hungry Hippos game, can be quite noisy, and might result in irate parents sending their kids back outside, weather or not. Nonetheless, many of these loud games can be quite fun, and many young adults are filled with nostalgic memories of them. Board games can be a little more expensive than a simple deck of cards, though many can be played online as well.
Indoor activities do not have to be competitive, either. Making crafts individually or as a group can be a great way to make something unique while killing time, though be prepared for a messy cleanup if kids are involved. With so many options, winter weather does not have to result in boredom this season. Whether it is organizing a poker tournament, or just trying to stave off cabin fever during a cold snap, indoor activities are an excellent way to make the best of a day spent inside.
Sources:
Bellis, Mary. "The History of Puzzle, Card and Board Games." About.com. 2007. New York Times Company. 6 Nov. 2007. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpuz zles.htm.
"Playing Card History: Origins." The International Playing Card Society. 9 Oct. 2007. 6 Nov. 2007. http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/~daf/i-p-c-s.org/faq/histo ry_1.php.
Shamos, Mike. "A Brief History of the Noble Game of Billiards." Billiard Congress of America. 1995. 6 Nov. 2007. http://www.bca-pool.com/aboutus/history/start.shtm l.
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