Childrens’ Entertainment

Children’s Entertainment

Middle Ages (c.500-1500)

During this period, children’s entertainment was often aligned with learning skills necessary for adulthood like sewing, farming or fighting.
Toys were usually homemade, using materials such as wood, bone or cloth. Dolls, spinning tops and wooden animals were popular.
Outdoor games like tag, hiding games, and a rudimentary form of cricket were common.
Storytelling was a major form of entertainment, with children learning about moral values, religious teachings, and historical events through folktales and religious stories.

Early Modern Period (c.1500-1800)

The first books specially made for children started to appear, such as hornbooks which were used to teach children how to read.
More structured and formalized games began to emerge, reflecting advancements in societal and cultural norms.
Puppet shows like Punch and Judy became popular, serving both as entertainment and moral instruction.

19th Century

Growth of children’s literature, with notable authors like Lewis Carroll and Beatrix Potter, presenting children with imaginative worlds to explore.
The Industrial Revolution brought mass-produced toys which became more readily available and diversified, including mechanical toys and trains.
The concept of childhood as a distinct phase of life was recognised, leading to more focus being placed on children’s leisure and entertainment activities.

20th Century to Present

The invention of radio, television, and later the internet massively impacted children’s entertainment.
Popular franchises like the Harry Potter series embodied the growth of multi-media entertainment platforms, spanning books, films, games and merchandise.
Video games have ushered in a new era of interactive entertainment, beginning with simple arcade games and evolving into complex online virtual realities.
Access to entertainment has been transformed by handheld devices; younger generations now access music, games, films, and social media on smartphones and tablets.
The growth of educational entertainment (known as edutainment) seeks to combine learning and fun, majorly impacting children’s television, games, and apps.
Children’s participation in organized leisure activities, like sport clubs and music groups, has increased.