Kids Game Room Creative and Entertaining Spaces for Kids

Creating a dedicated game room for kids can be a fun and rewarding project for any parent. Designing a space that is creative, entertaining, and tailored specifically for children allows you to spark their imagination and provide hours of enjoyment. When designing a kids game room, there are many factors to consider such as themes, colors, furniture, accessories, and safety. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can create the ultimate game room that will keep your kids laughing and playing for years to come.

Choosing a Theme

Selecting a fun theme is the first step in designing a creative kids game room. Themes help pull all the elements together into a cohesive space that fires up their imagination. Here are some popular theme ideas to consider:

Outer Space

Transform the room into another galaxy with a space theme. Paint the walls a dark color and add glow-in-the-dark space stickers or hand painted planets and rockets. Hang galactic string lights and get cardboard boxes to construct a spaceship playhouse. Use sci-fi inspired toys, books, costumes and games to complete the extraterrestrial atmosphere.

Jungle Safari

Bring the adventurous spirit of the jungle or the African savanna right to your home. Paint a mural with monkeys, elephants, giraffes and other safari animals. Make a teepee with animal print blankets for a play tent. Add in natural elements like bamboo shoots, leaf garlands and woven baskets. Animal toys, costume pieces, books about the jungle or savanna and even animal themed games will make this theme come to life.

Under the Sea

Submerge kids in an underwater fantasy with an ocean theme. Paint coral reefs, sea creatures and bubbles on the walls. Hang fishing nets, make paper mache jellyfish to hang from the ceiling and add soft sea anemone pillows. Ocean sounds, marine biology kits, fish tanks and books about sea creatures are perfect additions.

Candy Land

Indulge their sweet tooth with all things candy in shades of pink, purple, blue and white. Paint lollipops, ice cream cones and gumdrops on the walls. Make your own candy floss window drapes. Build a reading nook from giant cookies painted on cardboard or foam. Fill apothecary jars with candy and line the shelves. Add tons of fun candy-themed toys and games.

The possibilities are endless when choosing a creative theme. Ask your child for input and let their interests and passions guide the design.

Color Schemes

Choosing a fun color scheme is key to creating an imaginative space for kids. Opt for bright primary colors that are energetic and uplifting. Here are some joyful color combinations to consider:

• Red, blue and yellow – The classic primary color mix looks cheerful in a glossy paint or more muted in a matte finish. Accent with rainbow colors.
• Pink, purple and turquoise – Vibrant yet soft, this girly color scheme is versatile enough for young kids through tweens.
• Lime green, orange and aqua blue – These zesty colors paired together exude a bright, tropical flair.
• Coral, mint green and navy blue – A preppy nautical color scheme perfect for summer fun.
• Lavender, butter yellow and robin’s egg blue – Soft pastels keep things light and dreamy.
• Red, chocolate brown and light blue – Richer tones provide a cozy, retro vibe.

Paint is an affordable way to transform the look of a room through color. For a bolder impact, opt for wallpaper with colorful patterns, shapes or characters. You can also easily refresh the space by switching out bedding, pillows, rugs, toys and accessories as kids grow and tastes evolve.

Furniture

Choosing the right furniture is key to creating a functional kids game room. Focus first on items they can actually play on, then incorporate storage and seating options.

Play Furniture

• Basketball hoops, hockey nets, toddler play sets
• Foosball, air hockey, pool tables
• Ping pong tables
• Home playground equipment – Rock walls, rope ladders, indoor treehouse/fort
• Trampolines (with protective mats and nets)
• Dance floors and karaoke machines

Seating & Storage

• Couches, love seats, large pillows
• Over-sized bean bags, foam chairs
• Small tables, ottomans and stools
• Toy boxes, storage benches, shelving units
• Bookcases and media cabinets

Opt for durable furniture made of materials that are easy to clean like vinyl, leather, or smooth wood. Seek out pieces made specifically for play areas. Even inexpensive furniture like IKEA can be customized with paint and new knobs/handles to match the theme.

Accessories

Accessories pull together the look of the game room and provide interactive elements that encourage pretend play. Have fun hunting for these game room additions:

• Lighting – String lights, lamps with novelty shades, glowing floor path lights
• Arts & crafts – Easels, art desks, storage for supplies
• Costumes – Dress up clothes, costumes pieces, jewelry, play make-up
• Play tents, tunnels, forts – Fabric structures and cardboard creations
• Wall/door decor – Posters, stickers, removable wall decals, dry erase boards, chalkboard paint
• Toy display shelves – Showcase favorite figurines and collectibles
• Mirrors – Full length and accent mirrors extend light and space
• Rugs – Soft, play-friendly rugs define spaces
• Wall Murals – Professionally painted or use removable wallpaper
• Games – Stock shelves with board games, puzzles, playing cards for group fun

Seek out accessories in colors and patterns that coordinate with the theme. With so many options, you can create custom vignettes within the larger game room. Change and rearrange items over time to keep things feeling fresh.

Safety

While it’s important to spark creativity, don’t overlook safety in your game room design. Here are tips for keeping fun safe:

• Use rounded corners on furniture and build-outs.
• Check labels for age recommendations and toy safety.
• Secure bookcases and media storage to the wall to prevent tipping over.
• Install safety gates at doorways as needed.
• Use padded floor mats under equipment.
• Limit hard, throwable objects.
• Keep small objects that could be choking hazards out of reach.
• Use child-safe paint and decor materials.
• Install dimmable lighting options.
• Maintain organized storage areas.
• Mount TVs and monitors securely.

Supervision is still required when kids play, but designing with safety in mind makes creating an enjoyable environment easier.

Ideas for Kids Game Rooms by Age

Children grow and change so quickly. Tailoring your kids game room design to their evolving ages and stages helps create a space they can thrive in over time.

Game Rooms for Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

The key factors to focus on for toddlers are safety, open play space and sensory stimulation.

• Childproof the space and use lots of soft textures they can safely touch and feel.
• Incorporate a small playhouse or tent with soft pillows.
• Add sensory elements like activity walls with gears, blocks, and puzzles.
• Use washable foam mat squares to create a fun floor for play time.
• Themed toys and books will spark imagination.
• Add a small table for coloring and arts projects.

Game Rooms for Preschoolers (Ages 4-5)

As preschoolers interact more with other children and the world around them, the game room can be designed to support new interests and activities.

• Create designated activity areas like arts & crafts, reading, building and active play.
• Introduce toys and games they can play with others or on teams to develop social skills.
• Add costumes, play kitchens and other dramatic play props.
• Set up tracks for toy trains that encircle the entire room.
• Offer tabletop games to begin to build focus and strategy.
• Display their artwork and rotating toys to maintain interest.

Game Rooms for Grade School (Ages 6-10)

Grade school aged kids have greater independence and need space to express their growing abilities, interests and imagination.

• Section off larger spaces for active sports like basketball nets or hockey shooting areas.
• Create special hangout spaces like a clubhouse or reading nook.
• Add gaming consoles and screens for group video game time.
• Offer arts and science projects to feed their curiosity.
• Display collections and rotate toys to keep play fresh.
• Add comfortable seating for reading, building and board games.

Game Rooms for Preteens (Ages 11-12)

As kids edge closer to teen years, look for ways to create space that adapts to changing needs and fosters independence.

• Add a media lounge area with entertainment systems.
• Craft zones for exploring music, art and tech interests
• Display favorite sports team memorabilia & trophies
• Add adjusting height tables and chairs.
• Create zones for individual activities and hiding out.
• Offer role playing opportunities and leadership games.
• Include interest-based games and STEM activities.

No matter the age, creating a kids game room tailored to their interests and abilities provides endless opportunities for growing, learning and making lasting memories. Have fun designing a space as dynamic as their imaginations.

Planning the Layout of a Kids Game Room

Once you settle on a theme and color scheme, it’s time to think about the layout. Plan where key items will go while also keeping spaces open and adaptable.

Here are some layout tips:

• Place fixed elements like built-ins first. This includes shelving, entertainment centers, reading nooks, etc.
• Map out zones for active play vs. quieter activities.
• Ensure all areas are accessible – avoid narrow spaces between fixed items.
• Leave open floor space in the center of the room for toys, games and moving around.
• Arrange seating areas near existing windows and lighting.
• Use area rugs to define spaces while keeping flooring safe.
• Group items kids use together like arts supplies near craft tables.
• Allow room to expand as kids’ abilities and interests grow over time.

Creating a floor plan sketch is helpful to visualize layouts. This allows you to try different arrangements and ensure they work. Just remember to keep adaptability in mind. Your kids will love being a part of designing and updating their special game room!

Best Flooring Options for a Kids Game Room

The flooring you choose for a kids game room should be comfortable, durable and safe. You’ll also want materials that are easy to clean from inevitable spills and dirty shoe prints. Here are some of the best flooring options to consider:

Carpet

Pros:

• Soft and warm underfoot for playing
• Provides cushion if falls occur
• Noise reducing
• Range of colors and patterns fit themes

Cons:

• Can show stains
• Vacuuming required
• Not ideal for drink spills

Seeking out durable, low pile carpeting made of stain resistant synthetics or wool is best for high traffic game rooms.

Vinyl Flooring

Pros:

• Affordable & easy to install
• Range of colors and patterns
• Very durable
• Seamless, moisture resistant surface
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Can scuff or indent from furniture
• Less comfortable for prolonged play
• Can appear cheap if low quality

New technology has created luxury vinyl floors that mimic wood or stone while still being budget friendly and super durable.

Laminate Flooring

Pros:

• Realistic wood look
• Easy installation over existing floors
• Durable and scratch resistant
• Affordable
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Can peel at seams over time
• Not seamed seamless
• Makes noise when walked on
• Not ideal for moisture

Seek out laminates with attached underlayment for noise reduction and water resistance.

Rubber Flooring

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Easy to sanitize & stain resistant
• Noise reduction
• Cushioned support
• Customizable colors and patterns

Cons:

• Expensive
• Strong rubber smell when new
• Can fade over time

Interlocking rubber tile flooring withstands heavy active play. It’s ideal for home gyms and playrooms.

Painted Concrete

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Durable
• Creative colors and designs
• Seamless
• Easy to clean and disinfect

Cons:

• Hard, no cushion
• Concrete cracks over time
• Stains can be difficult to remove
• Dust and dirt show easily

Concrete floors can work well for teens who need durable surfaces for activities like gaming or skateboarding.

Prioritize safety, cleanability and noise reduction when selecting flooring. Having a soft spot like an area rug for quiet play helps balance hard surface needs.

Paint Color Ideas for a Kids Game Room

Paint is an affordable way to transform the look and feel of a kid’s game room. With so many creative color options, it can be hard to narrow down your top choices. Here are some lively paint color ideas to inspire your kids game room makeover:

Primary Colors

You can’t go wrong with primary colors like red, blue and yellow in a playroom.

• For high energy, opt for bright glossy tones.
• Muted matte finishes offer a more relaxed vibe.
• Pair with rainbow colors like a bright green, orange, purple or pink for accent walls.
• Use primary colors to match favorite toys, characters or themes.

Vibrant Secondary Colors

Move beyond the basics with secondary shades like lime green, turquoise, crimson red ordeep purple.

• These fun colors keep the energy active.
• Accent walls in a bold secondary color enliven neutrals.
• Pair complementary colors like orange and blue for visual vibrancy.
• Add paint effects like ombre fading or varied sheens.

Soothing Pastels

Soft pastels like mint, lilac, peach, and buttercream add a dreamy feel.

• Use pastels to create an imaginative but calm environment.
• Offset soft shades with bright white trim for definition.
• Pair complementary pastels together like lavender walls with peach bookshelves.

Neutral Backdrops

For small spaces, stick with neutral walls and add pops of color through furniture and accessories.

• Light gray, tan and pale yellow work well
• Use wall decals, artwork and posters over neutral walls to add color
• Paint an accent wall, ceiling or cabinets a brighter color

Custom Murals

Murals make it possible to cover walls in original artwork.

• Work with a local artist to paint characters, scenes or shapes
• Find removable wallpaper with colorful patterns, animals or favorite characters
• Use painter’s tape and acrylics to create your own designs

Get the whole family involved in selecting perfect paint colors for your unique kids game room.

How Lighting Sets the Mood in a Kids Game Room

Lighting plays an important role in creating the look and supporting activities in kids game room designs. Evaluate both natural and artificial lighting options to design a well-lit space.

Natural Lighting

• Big windows provide free ambient light, promoting creativity.
• Pot lights, transom windows boost light from above.
• Skylights add natural light to interiors and attic game rooms.
• Add mirrors and reflective surfaces to maximize sunlight.
• Use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh direct sun.

Task Lighting

• Directional lighting helps illuminate specific activities.
• Swing arm lamps are perfect beside seating areas.
• Under cabinet lights boost visibility for hobbies, games and homework.
• Overhead recessed can lighting shines down on play areas.

Ambient Lighting

• Pendant lights add playful personality and ambient glow.
• String lights create a festive atmosphere.
• Dimmer switches let you control the brightness as needed.
• Table and floor lamps add warmth to seating areas.

Fun Lighting

• Novelty lamps, sconces or chandeliers match playful themes.
• Light up tabletops or game boards from underneath.
• Glow in the dark decor adds intrigue and guides pathways.
• Select bulbs to match theme colors like red, green or blue.
• Timers help signal clean up time or bedtime.

Great lighting keeps kids comfortable, engaged and able to focus on fun in their special game room.

Creative Touches for Kids Game Room Storage

Kids game rooms tend to accumulate lots of toys, games craft supplies and other fun gadgets. Coming up with creative storage solutions helps keep the space tidy so kids can actually enjoy playing. Here are unique ideas to make storage smart and stylish:

Colorful Toy Bins and Baskets

• Sort toys into baskets by type or theme. Use labels for quick clean-up.
• Opt for soft sided cubes and poufs that can pull double duty as extra seating.
• Clear plastic bins let kids see contents. Use color-coded lids to organize.

Custom Shelving Units

• Build around windows, doors and dead space for storage.
• Use materials like pipes, boards, crates and baskets for open shelving.
• Paint or stencil designs on shelves to coordinate with the theme.

Fun Bookcases

• Incorporate bookcases into reading nooks or room dividers.
• Mix open and enclosed cabinets for books, toys and displays.
• Use whimsical shapes like waves, trees, castle turrets.

Multipurpose Furniture

• Look for ottomans, coffee tables and chests with hidden storage.
• Under-