It’s no secret that keeping kids entertained can sometimes feel like a juggling act. When you have a group of children to entertain, the challenge doubles, and suddenly, you need activities that are simple, fun, and keep everyone involved. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent organizing a birthday party, or just someone looking for ways to make a playdate more entertaining, you know that the right group game can turn a dull moment into a riot of giggles and smiles.
In this blog post, we’re diving into 27 simple group games for kids—games that are easy to set up, use minimal supplies, and are sure to keep kids engaged and active. With a mix of classic favorites and a few creative twists, these games are suitable for a wide range of ages and can be played indoors or out.
Let’s explore these fantastic group games that are guaranteed to create unforgettable memories and endless laughter. Ready? Let’s get started!
1. Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is a timeless classic that requires little more than some good music and a lot of enthusiasm. Kids love to move, and this game gives them the perfect excuse to show off their best moves.
All you need is a device to play music. The kids dance as the music plays, and when it stops, they have to freeze in place. Anyone who moves after the music stops is out. The last one standing (or dancing) wins.
This game works wonders for getting out some energy, especially indoors. It’s also an excellent opportunity for kids to express themselves creatively through dance.
2. Duck, Duck, Goose
This classic game is simple, requires no special equipment, and can be played almost anywhere—indoors or outdoors.
Kids sit in a circle, and one child walks around the outside, tapping heads and saying “Duck, Duck, Duck” until they decide to say “Goose!”. The “Goose” then jumps up and tries to catch the tapper before they can run around the circle and take the open spot.
It’s a great way to get kids moving, and they’ll love the thrill of the chase. Plus, it’s a game that encourages both patience and quick thinking.
3. Simon Says
Simon Says is a game that combines listening skills with physical activity. It’s a fantastic way to practice attention and following directions while keeping it fun and light-hearted.
One person (usually an adult or an older child) takes on the role of “Simon” and gives commands, like “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says jump up and down”. Players only follow commands that start with “Simon says”. If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says,” and a player follows it, they’re out.
It’s perfect for developing listening skills and keeping kids on their toes—literally.
4. Red Light, Green Light
If you’re looking for a game that requires space and lots of energy, Red Light, Green Light is an excellent choice.
One player is the “Traffic Light” and stands at one end of the play area. The other kids line up at the opposite end. When the “Traffic Light” says “Green Light,” players move towards them, but when they say “Red Light,” everyone must freeze. If the “Traffic Light” catches anyone moving, they have to return to the start.
This game helps develop motor control and encourages kids to think quickly about when to move and when to stay still.
5. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is another beloved classic that is perfect for any group of kids, and it can easily be adapted for different ages.
Arrange chairs in a circle, with one fewer chair than there are players. Play music, and have the kids walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone has to find a chair to sit in. The one who doesn’t get a chair is out, and one chair is removed. The game continues until there’s only one player left.
This game is fantastic for promoting coordination and quick thinking, plus it’s always full of laughter and a bit of friendly competition.
6. Pass the Parcel
Pass the Parcel adds an element of surprise that kids absolutely love. It’s also perfect for parties or gatherings.
Prepare a parcel (a small gift wrapped in multiple layers of paper). Kids sit in a circle, and the parcel is passed around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel removes one layer of wrapping. The game continues until the final layer is removed and the prize is revealed.
It’s a great way to build anticipation and excitement, and each child gets a moment in the spotlight.
7. Balloon Pop Relay
Kids love balloons, and Balloon Pop Relay brings a lot of excitement and a little bit of friendly chaos.
Divide the group into teams. Each child must run to a chair with a balloon, sit on it until it pops, and then run back to tag the next teammate. The first team to pop all their balloons wins.
This game is guaranteed to have kids laughing—the sound of popping balloons and the funny ways they try to pop them always keeps everyone entertained.
8. Tug of War
Tug of War is a great way to foster teamwork while getting some physical activity in.
Divide kids into two teams and give them a sturdy rope. Mark a line on the ground, and have each team pull on opposite ends of the rope. The goal is to pull the other team across the line.
This classic game builds strength and teamwork and is a favorite for outdoor play.
9. Scavenger Hunt
A Scavenger Hunt is a perfect way to engage kids’ curiosity and observation skills. It’s adaptable and can be as simple or as challenging as you like.
Create a list of items for the kids to find. These can be things like “a red leaf,” “a round rock,” or “a feather” if you’re outdoors. The first team or individual to find all the items on the list wins.
Kids love the thrill of searching for things, and it’s a fantastic way to explore the outdoors or even your own backyard.
10. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a fast-paced game that’s easy to set up and gets everyone involved quickly.
Have the kids sit in a circle and give them an object to pass around (this is the “Hot Potato”). Play music while they pass the object. When the music stops, the child holding the “Hot Potato” is out. Continue until only one player remains.
This game is great for developing hand-eye coordination, and the anticipation makes it exciting for all ages.
11. Sharks and Minnows
Sharks and Minnows is a thrilling chase game that’s perfect for outdoor spaces.
One player is the “Shark,” and the rest are “Minnows.” The Minnows try to cross a designated area without being tagged by the Shark. If tagged, they become Sharks too. The game continues until all the Minnows are caught.
This game encourages quick reflexes and strategy, and it’s always a hit with kids who love to run.
12. Parachute Games
A large parachute can be a source of endless fun, and there are many group games you can play with it.
Have the kids hold the edges of the parachute. You can play games like making waves, bouncing balls on the parachute, or “Mushroom” where everyone lifts the parachute and quickly sits under it to create a tent.
Parachute games encourage teamwork, coordination, and are visually delightful for the kids.
13. Limbo
Limbo is a fun game that’s easy to set up and challenges kids to test their flexibility.
Use a stick or a rope and hold it horizontally. Kids take turns leaning backward and attempting to pass under the stick without touching it. After each round, lower the stick a little bit until only one child remains who can successfully pass under.
Limbo is great for testing flexibility and balance and always brings a lot of laughter as kids try to maneuver their way under the stick.
14. Cat and Mouse
Cat and Mouse is an engaging game that involves both chasing and strategy.
Kids form a circle holding hands. One child is chosen as the “Cat” and another as the “Mouse.” The Cat tries to catch the Mouse, and the other players help the Mouse by raising or lowering their arms to let the Mouse through while blocking the Cat.
This game is fantastic for teamwork, coordination, and keeping everyone on their toes.
15. Relay Races
Relay races are versatile and can be adapted in numerous ways to fit your group and space.
Divide kids into teams and set up a simple course. You can make it a classic race or add fun obstacles like crawling under tables or hopping on one foot. The first team to complete the relay wins.
Relay races encourage teamwork, physical activity, and can be customized to suit the energy level of the group.
16. Statues
Statues (or “Statue Maker”) is a game that mixes movement with creativity.
One player is the “Statue Maker” and the others are “Statues.” The Statue Maker walks around while the Statues move. When they shout “Freeze!”, everyone must hold their pose. The Statue Maker then tries to make the frozen players laugh or move. If they do, they’re out.
It’s a great way to develop concentration and have a lot of giggles along the way.
17. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a classic outdoor game that is full of strategy, competition, and excitement.
Divide kids into two teams, each with a “flag” (it can be a bandana or scarf). Teams try to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their side without being tagged.
This game encourages teamwork, strategy, and a lot of running, making it perfect for energetic groups.
18. Hula Hoop Pass
Hula Hoop Pass is a game that requires kids to work together closely.
Have kids form a circle and hold hands. Place a hula hoop over one child’s arm. The goal is to pass the hula hoop all the way around the circle without letting go of hands.
This game promotes teamwork and problem-solving as kids figure out how to pass the hoop efficiently.
19. Whisper Down the Lane (Telephone)
Whisper Down the Lane is a game that challenges kids’ listening skills and often ends in hilarious results.
Have kids sit in a line or circle. The first child whispers a phrase to the next person, and it gets passed along. The last person says the phrase out loud—usually with a funny twist from how it started.
This game is excellent for practicing listening skills, and kids love the funny changes that happen along the way.
20. Sardines
Sardines is a fun twist on hide-and-seek that kids absolutely love.
One child hides while the others count. Once they’ve counted, they start searching for the hidden child. When someone finds them, they join them in hiding until everyone is squeezed into the same hiding spot (like sardines).
This game encourages stealth, patience, and is a lot of fun as the hiding spot gets more crowded.
21. Obstacle Course
Setting up an obstacle course is a great way to get kids moving and challenge their coordination.
Use items like cones, chairs, ropes, and anything you have on hand to create an obstacle course. Kids take turns completing the course, and you can even time them for a friendly competition.
Obstacle courses encourage agility, speed, and problem-solving as kids navigate different challenges.
22. Follow the Leader
Follow the Leader is a simple yet entertaining game that works well for younger children.
One child is chosen as the leader, and the others have to follow their actions exactly. The leader can march, jump, spin, or do silly movements, and the group follows.
It’s an excellent game for encouraging creativity and following instructions.
23. Four Corners
Four Corners is a fun game that works well in a large indoor space.
Number each corner of the room from 1 to 4. One child is chosen to stand in the middle with their eyes closed while the others quietly move to one of the corners. The child in the middle calls out a number, and everyone in that corner is out. The last player remaining becomes the caller.
This game encourages quick decision-making and is a great way to keep kids entertained indoors.
24. Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
Giant Tic-Tac-Toe takes the classic game and turns it into a group activity.
Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid on the ground using chalk or tape. Divide kids into two teams (X and O). Each team takes turns placing their marker (a beanbag or similar item) in the squares.
This game encourages strategy and teamwork as kids work together to make their moves.
25. Duck on a Rock
Duck on a Rock is an old playground game that combines elements of throwing and strategy.
Place a large “rock” (or similar object) on a pedestal. Kids take turns throwing smaller objects, trying to knock the “duck” off the “rock.” The goal is to retrieve your thrown object without getting tagged by the “guard” of the rock.
This game is excellent for hand-eye coordination and encourages strategic thinking.
26. Ring Around the Rosie
This classic nursery game is perfect for younger children and involves singing, spinning, and a lot of fun.
Kids hold hands and form a circle while singing the traditional rhyme. At the end of the rhyme (“we all fall down”), everyone falls to the ground.
It’s a simple but fun way to get younger kids involved in group play.
27. Beanbag Toss
Beanbag Toss is a simple game that’s great for improving aim and coordination.
Set up a target (a bucket or hula hoop) and give each child a beanbag. The goal is to toss the beanbag into the target from a set distance. You can adjust the difficulty by changing the distance.
This game encourages hand-eye coordination, and kids enjoy the challenge of making their tosses count.
Wrap-Up: Group Fun Made Simple
There you have it—27 simple group games for kids that will have them laughing, playing, and making memories together. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, organizing a school event, or just looking for fun ways to keep a group of children entertained, these games are easy to set up and always bring joy to the group.
The best part? These games require minimal preparation and materials, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the moment with the kids. So, the next time you’re in need of a fun activity, give one of these games a try—you’ll be amazed at just how much fun a simple group game can be!