What would entertain an 8 year old?

Question

I'm babysitting an 8 year old for my cousin and am wondering what might entertain him besides PS2 and television. They have a trampoline in the backyard, and a drawing board downstairs. When his parents are home, he does stuff by himself, and I figured that since he's never had a babysitter before he'd just do stuff on his own but he never wants to, and I get tired easily. I'm looking for suggestions of fun stuff we can do without tiring me out immeidiately. :P Thanks!

Answer 1

What about good old fashion board games? Sorry,Trouble,Boggle or Uno just to name a few. If your cousin like outdoors activities try catch, skating or starting a small garden. If he's into books or writing, I suggest you two sit down and write a short book/poem. Use your imagination as if you were one of his favorite characters. I assumes he's an only child and any interacting with you will be fine, as long as it's legal. Have Fun and Be Safe :)

Answer 2

Face painting, board or card games, puzzles....

Answer 3

Here's the answer:

Take any activity that people have listed above and either

a) Add danger to it

or

b) Make a contest out of it.

Answer 4

I have an 8 year old son! Does he like legos? You can sit down and play legos for hours and build all kinds of things, spaceships, trains, even a space station. It's really fun to do together, and it doesn't tire you out as easily.

Does he like jigsaw puzzles? Maybe you two can do a puzzle together? Build a race track with hotwheels or matchbox cars and race the cars on the track. If he's got action figures or little plastic army men, maybe you can go out in the backyard and play with them. Build little forts out of leaves and twigs and have a little mini battle with them.  

Answer 5

Try some things that use imagination and creativity.  You want to keep his brain working instead of just planting him in front of electronics.

Board games and card games are good stand-bys, but what about reading a book or writing a story together?  There are lots of arts and crafts projects you can Google.  Maybe you can make up treasure or scavenger hunts.  Write up a score sheet of things you see outside, then go on a walk together and see who can rack up the most points the quickest.

Answer 6

You could play a board game with him, or let him help you bake cookies (or another treat).

Answer 7

try two more eight yr olds

Answer 8

Puzzles, Stories,color,making a puppet,dancing, be creative