Simon Says Game: A Classic Party Favorite for Kids
Simon Says is a classic game that’s perfect for birthday parties, school activities, family gatherings, or even rainy-day fun indoors. This timeless game combines movement, laughter, and concentration, helping kids burn energy while developing essential listening and motor skills. Looking for a fun, engaging, and easy-to-set-up group activity for kids?
Game sheet
Here’s a quick overview of the essential details to help you set up the game easily and start playing in minutes.
- Number of players: 6 or more children
- Ages: From 6 years old
- Setting: Indoors or outdoors
- Materials needed: None
- Play time: Around 15 minutes per round
Discover a variety of lively group activities in our collection of fun parachute games for kids, ideal for boosting teamwork and energy during any party.
How to Play Simon Says
To begin, one child is chosen to play “Simon” and stands facing the group. All other players spread out in front of them. Simon gives verbal commands, but only the instructions starting with “Simon says…” should be followed. If the instruction doesn’t include those two words, any player who performs the action is out for the round.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Simon calls out an action: “Simon says touch your nose.” Everyone must touch their nose.
- If Simon says “Touch your nose” (without the prefix), players must remain still. Anyone who moves is out.
- The game continues until only one child remains—the winner and the next Simon.
This dynamic rhythm of listening and reacting keeps the excitement going.
Add laughter and quick reflexes to your party with the Grab the Finger reflex game, perfect for getting kids moving and giggling together.
Example Commands to Use in the Game
Make your session lively with fun, age-appropriate actions:
- Jump up and down
- Spin in place
- Clap your hands
- Stick out your tongue
- Make a funny face
- Hop like a frog
- March in place
- Wiggle your fingers
- Touch your toes
- Pretend to fly like a bird
Vary the difficulty and creativity to adapt to your group’s energy level.
For a mix of imagination and cooperative fun, try the Stray Dog group game, where children work together to solve playful missions.
Fun Variations to try
Want to extend the fun? These game variants add spice to the classic:
- Speed Round: Deliver commands quickly to test reflexes.
- Silent Simon: Give visual cues only—great for focus and non-verbal communication.
- Animal Theme: Only use animal-related actions (e.g., “Simon says slither like a snake”).
- Reverse Round: Players must do the opposite of what Simon says.
- Double Simon: Have two kids co-lead for creative collaboration.
These twists keep the game unpredictable and exciting across multiple rounds.
Add an extra dose of laughter and teamwork to your event with the Tunnel of Legs relay game, a hilarious and active group challenge for kids.
Why Kids Love Simon Says
This game keeps kids fully engaged through suspense and action. They love the challenge of listening closely while moving quickly. The freedom to laugh, jump, and make silly faces makes the game even more irresistible—especially when they get to take the lead.
Educational Benefits of the game
This classic activity supports child development in many ways:
- Improves gross motor coordination: Jumping, reaching, and balancing help build full-body awareness.
- Boosts focus and listening: Staying in the game requires sharp attention and quick processing.
- Strengthens vocabulary: Following action-based commands supports language learning.
- Teaches body parts and directions: Kids learn positional and body-related vocabulary in context.
- Promotes fair play: Taking turns and respecting rules are foundational social skills.
- Encourages creativity: Children often invent their own fun commands when it’s their turn to lead.
You’ll find even more movement-based challenges in our full selection of fun skill games for kids, perfect for building coordination and focus through play.
Frequently Asked Questions – Simon Says
Here are some common questions parents and teachers often ask when organizing this type of group activity with children.
- Can younger children join the game?
Yes! Just slow the pace and use simpler commands to suit ages 4–5. - Is Simon Says suitable for small spaces?
Definitely. Adjust the actions to be more contained (e.g., clapping, stretching). - How do I keep the group engaged?
Introduce a theme (animals, space, pirates) or rotate who plays Simon. - Can this game be used in the classroom?
Absolutely—it’s a popular brain break or warm-up activity that integrates movement and learning.
This classic party game remains a go-to group game that delivers laughter, learning, and effortless fun—perfect for any occasion.
And for ready-to-play themed adventures, check out our printable mystery and escape room kits for children ages 4–12.
