TOYS: Greek kids played with toys you might find familiar. They had yo-yos! They played with rattles and little clay animals. One of the animals was a horse on 4 wheels that could be pulled around on a string. They had dolls and other action figures made out of cloth and clay. They had lots of toys. Kids were expected to help in the house and in the fields, unless the family had enough slaves to do all the work. But kids had plenty of time to play.
PETS: In ancient Greece, dogs, birds, goats, turtles and even mice were all pets. Cats were probably pets as well.
GAMES: The ancient Greeks loved games of skill and competition and cleverness. One popular game was similar to basketball. Kickball was similar to baseball. Kids played skill games like toss the sticks into a bucket, marbles, and jackstones or knucklebones - a game similar to jacks. They played war games that took strategy, strength, and endurance to win. Kids were encouraged to play games that required accurate aim, fast reflexes, and strong bodies. The ancient Greeks were often at war. Their games helped to prepare them. Whatever their age and whatever the game, the ancient Greeks loved competition and challenge. It's no wonder they invented the Olympic games.
Games and Toys in Ancient Greece (13th Primary School, D1 Class, translated into English)
REE interactive ancient Greek games for kids that you can play online. Have fun!
Early Greece: Minoans, Mycenaeans, Dorians
Rise of Greek City-States
Investigate Real Life Artifacts
Ancient Greek Myths for Kids, retold by Lin Donn
Ancient Greek Gods & Goddesses
Alexander the Great &
Gifts from the Greeks
See Also: Early Humans for Kids and Teachers