Children's Games for Groups

When children get together, fun ensues. It is up to the grownups to give kids activity ideas that will keep little hands and feet out of trouble. The next time it's your turn to entertain a scout group, Sunday School class or classroom, use a group kids game to keep kids happy.

Simon Says

This classic children's game can be played indoors or outdoors. Simon Says does not require any equipment. Children are given commands that they have to follow--only if the commands are initiated with the phrase "Simon Says." Kids are out of the game if they follow the wrong commands. The last kid left in the game is the winner.

Choose one child from the group to be "It." Everyone else should hide. After "It" counts to 10, he goes to seek out the hidden children. When he finds one he tags them unless they make it to "home base" first. The first child to get tagged becomes the new "It."

This outdoor game will give kids some good exercise and teach them about working together as a team. For this game you will need a sturdy rubber ball about 12 to 16 inches in diameter. Divide the children into two equal groups. Arrange children around bases similar to the bases you find at a baseball game. Opposing teams face off taking turns playing infield and outfield. Instead of hitting the ball with the bat, kids kick the ball. Keep score to see who earns the most points.

Red Rover is an outdoor game that is perfect for kids of all ages. Divide the kids into two groups. Arrange the groups into two lines. The lines should face each other while holding hands. Each line takes turns calling someone from the opposite team to come and break the line. If the child can run through the line he joins the new team. If he doesn't he's out.

This ball can be played inside or outside as long as you have enough room to move around. Blow up a beach ball or two and toss them into the group. The object of the game is to keep the ball moving without allowing it to touch the ground. This game is especially frantic when you play background party music.

This game can be played anywhere. Have all the children stand against the wall of the room. One child is the leader who says, "Red light, green light." When the child faces the other kids, he says, "Red light!" When the light is on red, the other kids stop. When he turns away from them he says, "Green light!" When the light is green, the kids can walk toward him. Anyone who fails to stop at the red light must sit out the rest of the game.The first child to reach the leader and touch him is the winner and becomes the new leader.