Playtime on the Prairie: How Kids Had Fun in the Old West

Set down your phone (unless you’re using it to view this post) and explore the playful side of the Old West, where children's imagination ran as wild as the buffalo.

In the 1800s, children didn't have video games or battery-operated toys. Instead, they had their creativity. Toys were often homemade, carved out of wood or sewn from scraps of fabric.

Little girls played with corn husk dolls, while boys had wooden figurines, which could be anything from a simple cowboy to a fierce-looking bear. These were so much more than just toys; they were characters in the clever stories sparked by the minds of the children. 

Miniature wagons, horses, and other animals were popular. Children would recreate the adventures of their parents, leading their own wagon trains across the perilous living room floor.

The great outdoors offered a vast playground where imagination and adventure knew no bounds. The classic Hoop & Stick game, which used large metal hoop from a barrel, could provide hours of entertainment. Kids ran, guiding the hoop along, keeping it upright as long as possible.

Hide & Seek was also a favorite, as the farm offered countless places to hide. Children hid behind hay stacks, in barns, or sometimes even among the livestock!

Foot races, sack races, and even improvised rodeo games kept the young'uns active and competitive. What could be more Western than learning to lasso? Kids would practice on fence posts and willing—or sometimes unwilling—siblings.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, and the lanterns flickered to life, the fun didn't stop. Without the city lights, the night sky was a spectacle. Children learned to identify constellations and tell stories about them. 

The whole family would gather around the fire, mesmerized by tales of outlaws, brave settlers, and maybe even a ghost story or two. Music was a big part of life, as well, with many families having at least one member who could strum a guitar or play the harmonica.

Playtime in the Old West wasn't just about fun; it was a training ground for life. Through play, children learned the skills they would need as adults, like sewing, woodworking, and animal care. They also learned values like teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of a good imagination. 

Anytime I study life in the 1800s, it makes me appreciate the simple joys of life. Maybe tonight, I'll put down the smartphone and look up at the stars. Or better yet, tell a story or two.