30 Best Kids Group Games
In the digital age, finding ways to keep kids engaged, active, and socially connected can be a challenge.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a school event, a family gathering, or just looking for fun activities to break up the monotony of daily routines, group games are the perfect solution. They not only provide endless entertainment but also foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills among children. In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of the 30 best kids group games that are sure to bring joy, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie to any gathering. From classic favorites to innovative new ideas, these games are designed to be inclusive, easy to set up, and suitable for various age groups.
So, get ready to dive into a world of fun and excitement that will have kids begging for more!
Duck, Duck, Goose
Age Group: 3-7 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
Children sit in a circle, and one child walks around the outside, tapping each head and saying “duck.” When they decide, they tap a head and say “goose.” The “goose” must then chase the tapper around the circle and try to tag them before they sit in the “goose’s” spot.
Red Light, Green Light Age
Group: 4-10 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
One child stands at one end of the playing field, acting as the “traffic light,” and the rest of the children line up at the other end. When the traffic light says “green light,” children move forward. When “red light” is called, they must stop. Anyone caught moving on a red light goes back to the start.
Capture the Flag
Age Group: 8-14 years
Number of Players: 10 or more
Players are divided into two teams, each with a “flag” (or object) to hide within their territory. The objective is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your own territory without getting tagged by opponents.
Most Popular Guides
- The Ultimate Birthday Party Checklist (Step-by-step)
- Kids Birthday Parties: The Ultimate Guide for Parents
- 50 Kids Party Food Ideas (Budget-Friendly)
- 50 Best Kids Birthday Party Ideas (Budget-Friendly)
- 50 Fun Birthday Party Themes for Kids
- Birthday Party Places for Kids: The Ultimate List for Any Budget
Simon Says Age
Group: 3-8 years
Number of Players: 3 or more
One child is “Simon” and gives commands that others must follow only if prefaced with “Simon says.” If Simon does not say “Simon says” before a command, those who follow it are out.
Freeze Tag Age
Group: 5-12 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
One child is “it” and must tag other children to freeze them in place. Frozen players can be unfrozen if another player touches them. The game continues until all players are frozen.
Treasure Hunt Age
Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
Create a series of clues leading to a hidden “treasure” (small toys or treats). Children follow the clues, working together to find the treasure. This game encourages teamwork and problem-solving.
Musical Chairs
Age Group: 4-10 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
Arrange chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players. Play music while children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone must find a chair to sit in. The player left standing is out, and one chair is removed. Repeat until one player remains.
Hide and Seek
Age Group: 3-10 years
Number of Players: 3 or more
One child closes their eyes and counts to a predetermined number while others hide. The seeker then tries to find all hidden players. The first person found is the next seeker.
Balloon Pop Relay
Age Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Divide children into two teams. Each team must race to a chair with a balloon, sit on it to pop it, then run back to tag the next teammate. The first team to pop all their balloons wins.
Parachute Games
Age Group: 3-10 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Using a large parachute, children can play various games such as making waves, lifting it high and running underneath, or bouncing balls on the parachute. These games encourage cooperation and physical activity. These games are perfect for fostering teamwork, developing social skills, and providing endless fun. Whether indoors or outdoors, they can be easily adapted to fit any setting and group size.
Sardines
Age Group: 7-12 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
A reverse hide and seek where one person hides and the others seek. When someone finds the hider, they quietly join them. The game continues until only one seeker remains, who becomes the next hider.
Relay Races
Age Group: 5-12 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Divide children into teams. Set up a course with various activities such as running, hopping, or balancing. Each team member completes the course and tags the next player. The first team to finish wins.
Four Square
Age Group: 8-14 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
A ball game played on a square court divided into four smaller squares. Players bounce the ball to each other, and if a player fails to return the ball to another square, they are out and rotate positions. The objective is to move up to the highest-ranked square.
Hot Potato
Age Group: 4-10 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
Children sit in a circle and pass an object (the “hot potato”) around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the potato is out. The game continues until one player remains.
Tug of War
Age Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 8 or more
Two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, trying to drag the other team across a central line. This game requires teamwork and strength, and it’s great for outdoor play.
Charades
Age Group: 6-14 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
Players take turns acting out a word or phrase without speaking, while the other players guess what it is. This game encourages creativity and quick thinking.
Duck-Duck-Splash
Age Group: 4-10 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
Similar to Duck, Duck, Goose but played with a sponge soaked in water. The “goose” gets splashed with the sponge and must chase the tapper around the circle.
Human Knot
Age Group: 8-14 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Players stand in a circle and grab hands with two different people across from them, forming a knot. The objective is to untangle without letting go of hands. This game promotes teamwork and communication.
Obstacle Course
Age Group: 5-12 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
Set up a series of physical challenges such as crawling under tables, jumping over hurdles, or balancing on beams. Children race to complete the course in the shortest time. This game is great for physical fitness and fun.
Balloon Volleyball
Age Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
Use a balloon instead of a ball and a rope or net for a net. Teams try to hit the balloon over the net without letting it touch the ground. This game is safe for indoor play and promotes coordination and teamwork. These additional games offer a variety of activities that can be adapted to different group sizes and settings, ensuring that kids stay engaged and entertained. Each game has its unique benefits, from physical exercise to problem-solving and cooperation.
Blind Man’s Bluff
Age Group: 7-12 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
One child is blindfolded and tries to tag the other players, who can move around but must stay within a designated area. The first person tagged becomes the next “blind man.”
Mother May I?
Age Group: 4-8 years
Number of Players: 3 or more
One player is the “Mother” and stands at one end of the playing field, while the other players line up at the other end. Players take turns asking “Mother, may I take (number) steps forward?” The Mother responds with “Yes, you may” or “No, you may not, but you may (alternative action).” The first player to reach Mother wins.
Sharks and Minnows
Age Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
One player is the “shark” and stands in the middle of the playing area. The other players, the “minnows,” line up at one end. The minnows try to run to the other end without being tagged by the shark. Those tagged become sharks for the next round.
Statue Maker
Age Group: 4-10 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
One player is the “sculptor” and the others are “statues.” The sculptor positions the statues in funny or creative poses. When the sculptor says “go,” the statues must hold their poses without laughing or moving. The last statue standing wins.
Wink Murder
Age Group: 7-12 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Players sit in a circle, and one is chosen as the “murderer” by a secret signal. The murderer “kills” other players by winking at them. When a player is winked at, they count to five and then “die” dramatically. Other players try to guess who the murderer is.
Egg and Spoon Race
Age Group: 5-10 years
Number of Players: 4 or more
Each player balances an egg on a spoon and races to the finish line without dropping the egg. This game can be played individually or as a relay race. It’s great for improving balance and coordination.
Relay Balloon Pop
Age Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Divide children into teams. Each player must run to a chair with a balloon, sit on it to pop it, then run back to tag the next teammate. The first team to pop all their balloons wins.
Steal the Bacon
Age Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Divide players into two teams, each numbered off. Place an object (“bacon”) in the center. Call out a number, and the players with that number from each team run to grab the bacon and bring it back to their team without being tagged.
Kick the Can
Age Group: 7-14 years
Number of Players: 5 or more
One player is “it” and guards a can. The other players hide. If “it” spots a player, they call out the player’s name and location, sending them to “jail.” Other players can free jailed friends by kicking the can. The game ends when all players are jailed or the can is kicked over.
Hula Hoop Pass
Age Group: 6-12 years
Number of Players: 6 or more
Players stand in a circle, holding hands. One hula hoop is placed over a player’s arm, and the objective is to pass the hula hoop all the way around the circle without letting go of hands. This game encourages cooperation and dexterity. These games provide a wide range of activities suitable for different age groups and settings, ensuring that kids remain engaged and active while developing various skills such as teamwork, coordination, and problem-solving.
