Simon Says
Simon gives the orders, but players only obey when the command starts with 'Simon says'. It is the perfect opening game: no equipment, lots of movement and plenty of giggles.
🎂 Ages 4+👥 4-30 players⏱️ 5-10 minutes🧰 Nothing
What you need
Equipment: Nothing. Clear some space and line the players up facing Simon. For the first round, the adult plays Simon to show how it works.
How to play Simon Says
- Simon explains the rule: only follow a command if it starts with 'Simon says'.
- Simon gives a command: 'Simon says jump!' Everyone jumps.
- Simon gives a command without 'Simon says': 'Turn around!' Anyone who moves does a tiny forfeit, like a spin on the spot or a funny face, and keeps playing.
- Nobody is out. Everyone plays from start to finish.
- Simon speeds up, switches commands suddenly and tries to trick players with tone of voice.
- Simon may never give a dangerous or unkind command.
- After a few rounds, Simon goes fast: a new command every 2 seconds.
Scoring and wrapping up
Scoring: Each correct move = 1 point. A slip = a tiny forfeit, with no points lost. The Simon who catches the most players = 3 points.
To finish: Swap Simon every 2 to 3 minutes. Finish when everyone has had a turn as Simon, or after 4 to 5 rounds.
By age
- Ages 4-6: no one is out; a slip means a spin on the spot and back in.
- Ages 7-9: double commands, like 'Simon says jump and clap'.
- Ages 10+: two quick commands back to back, very fast.
Variations
- Big group: two Simons play at once from opposite ends of the room, and each player chooses which Simon to follow.
- Buga twist: once per game, Simon announces 'Buga says!' and from then on everyone does the opposite of every command.
Tips for the adult in charge
- At top speed everyone makes mistakes, and that is the fun. With no one out, you can go fast without anyone sitting on the side.
- Mix easy commands with tricky ones, like saying 'Simon says' very quietly.
Safety
Leave space between players and keep away from furniture with sharp corners.
🖨️ Printable Simon Says commands
Keep this list in your hand and mix the commands with and without 'Simon says'.
- Touch your nose
- Hop on one foot
- Pat your head and rub your tummy
- Flap your arms like a bird
- Freeze like a statue
- Touch your toes
- Spin around once
- Make a fish face
- Stomp like an elephant
- Wiggle your fingers in the air
- Clap three times
- Stand on tiptoe
- Pretend to swim
- Roar like a lion
- Wave to the person next to you
- Do a silly dance
- Put your hands on your shoulders
- Pretend to sneeze
- Sit down and stand up again
- Give yourself a hug
More games like this
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- 👋 Name and MotionAges 4+
- 🤸 Add-a-MoveAges 5+
- 📊 This or ThatAges 6+
- 🔀 Switch Places If...Ages 5+
- 🗿 Group SculptureAges 6+
Frequently asked questions
What are good Simon Says commands for kids?
Touch your nose, hop on one foot, pat your head, flap like a bird, freeze like a statue. See the printable list below for more.
How do you play Simon Says without anyone getting out?
Instead of sitting out, a player who slips does a quick forfeit, like a spin or a funny face, and keeps playing. Little ones stay happy and the energy stays high.
What age is Simon Says for?
From about age 3 or 4. Older kids enjoy it with faster pace and trickier double commands.