The Elves, Wizards and Giants game is a high-energy outdoor activity for kids that blends imagination, strategy, and movement. Inspired by the classic “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” this lively group game encourages children to act, run, and think fast as they compete in magical battles between fantasy characters.
Whether you’re organizing a birthday party, school recess, or summer camp day, this no-prep outdoor game guarantees laughs, team spirit, and full-body movement.
What Is the Elves, Wizards and Giants Game?
This fantasy-themed group game is an active and imaginative twist on “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” where children use body gestures to represent different characters: elves, wizards, and giants. Each character defeats one and is defeated by another, creating a fun logic loop that drives the action.
But unlike the classic version, here the fun doesn’t stop at gestures—because once the winner is revealed, the chase begins! The stronger team races after the weaker one, trying to tag as many opponents as possible before they reach their safe zone.
This game is perfect for kids aged 6 and up and works best with medium to large groups in outdoor settings.
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Game Sheet
Here’s everything you need to organize this high-energy magical showdown:
- Number of players: From 8 children
- Recommended age: 6 years and older
- Setting: Outdoors
- Supplies needed: None
- Play time: Around 20 minutes
The game works well in open fields, playgrounds, or any space where kids can safely run and play in teams.
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Why Your Kids Will Love This Game
The Elves, Wizards and Giants Game is a brilliant mix of fantasy roleplay and physical activity. Kids become part of a magical world while running, laughing, and cooperating with teammates.
Here’s why they’ll love it:
- Combines imagination and movement in a fun way
- They get to become giants, wizards, or elves—using their whole bodies
- Encourages loud group play, team bonding, and spontaneous laughter
- Involves strategy, quick decisions, and active participation
- Offers a fresh twist on a familiar game they already know
This is the kind of game kids remember and ask to play again—because it’s just as much fun to lose as it is to win.
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Explanation of Gestures
To make the game more visual and dynamic, each character is represented by a full-body gesture. Before starting the game, take a moment to explain and demonstrate each one clearly to the kids. These fun movements will help them remember the rules and stay fully engaged.
- Giant beats Wizard: Kids stand tall and raise their arms high above their heads to appear big and powerful, just like a giant.
- Wizard beats Elf: To pose as a wizard, kids form a triangle shape with their arms above their head, mimicking a pointy hat.
- Elf beats Giant: Children place their hands next to their ears with their index fingers slightly bent to look like tiny elf ears.
These simple yet imaginative gestures bring the characters to life and help make the game accessible and exciting for younger players.
When you want a mix of hide-and-seek and tag, include the Lonely Farmer outdoor chase game for running groups—a fun and imaginative twist that keeps everyone on their toes.
Game Rules
Once everyone understands the gestures, you’re ready to play. This outdoor game is ideal for large groups and works best in an open space with plenty of room to move around. Here’s how it works step by step:
- Divide the group into two teams and assign a “safe zone” to each side of the playing field.
- Position the teams about four feet apart, facing each other in the center of the play area.
- Let each team huddle to secretly choose their character for the round (elf, wizard, or giant).
- On the count of three, all players shout their character and perform the corresponding gesture at the same time.
- If both teams choose the same character, it’s a tie—no chasing happens and you play another round.
- If one team’s character is stronger, that team chases the other, trying to tag as many opponents as possible before they reach their safe zone.
- Any child who gets tagged joins the opposing team for the next round.
The game continues with fast-paced rounds until one team ends up with all the players or time runs out. This mix of strategy and movement guarantees lots of laughter and excitement!
Ready to keep the energy going? Explore our full selection of running games for kids and youth groups—perfect for boosting movement, teamwork, and laughter at any gathering.
Educational Benefits of the Elves, Wizards and Giants Game
This active logic and movement game offers more than just party fun—it helps develop essential cognitive and physical skills:
- Logical Thinking: Kids must quickly recall the character hierarchy to strategize
- Gross Motor Skills: Running, gesturing, and chasing build strength and coordination
- Reflexes and Speed: Quick reactions are key during the chase phase
- Social Skills: Encourages group discussion, cooperation, and fair play
- Rule-Following: Helps kids understand and respect structured game rules
- Imagination and Creativity: Kids engage in roleplay while physically expressing characters
Perfect for educators, camp leaders, and parents who want kids to learn through movement and teamwork.
Looking to extend the fun with immersive themed adventures? Discover our collection of printable treasure hunts, mystery games, and escape rooms for kids aged 4 to 12 on Treasure Hunt 4 Kids.
