Time Travelers is an exciting, hands-on history game where kids explore different historical eras through fun challenges and creative activities. Designed for children aged 8 and up, this interactive journey through time makes learning about the past dynamic and unforgettable. Whether used in the classroom, at a birthday party, or during a homeschool session, this game turns history into an adventure.
Let’s take a closer look at how to set up and play this immersive historical experience!
Game sheet
Before traveling through time, here’s what you need to prepare:
- Number of players: 5 or more
- Ages: 8 years and up
- Setting: Indoors
- Play time: Around 1 hour
This game is ideal for small groups, party settings, or educational workshops.
For a playful twist on language and movement, try The Opposites Game, where kids act out contrasting words to build vocabulary and energy.
What You’ll Need
To bring this time-traveling adventure to life, prepare the following materials:
- Era Cards: Cards that describe each historical period and include a themed activity
- Accessories and Costumes (optional): Items like hats, props, or clothing to immerse children in the atmosphere of each era
- Activity Materials: Paper, pencils, puzzles, crafting supplies, etc.
- Timer or Stopwatch: To manage time-based challenges
- Certificates: To award each child for completing their time-travel mission
These materials add depth and structure to the game while keeping setup simple and flexible. Want to add role-play and action to your event? Check out Traffic Cop, a dynamic game where kids “direct traffic” and race to obey commands while having fun.
How to Play Time Travelers
Here’s how to guide children through this historical adventure:
Game Setup
Start by preparing the era cards and setting up the corresponding activity areas. Explain to the children that they will become time travelers and explore key moments in history by completing fun, themed challenges.
Gameplay Instructions
- Each child or team draws an era card to determine their starting point.
- The card provides a short explanation of the era and introduces a specific challenge or activity.
- To move forward, children must successfully complete the challenge before drawing a new card.
- The game continues until all eras have been explored or time runs out.
Ending the Game
Once all time periods have been visited, children share what they’ve discovered. Award each player a Time Traveler certificate to celebrate their adventure through the ages.
When kids need a calm group activity, try our “Don’t Wake the Sleeping Lions” quiet freeze game, perfect for winding down and keeping everyone still.
Activities and Challenges by Era
Let your kids step into history with these engaging activities from each era:
Prehistoric Era
- Cave Painting: Use chalk to draw hunting scenes on kraft paper.
- Build a Hut: Construct a small shelter with sticks and leaves.
- Identify Tools: Match images of prehistoric tools with their correct uses.
Ancient Egypt
- Hieroglyph Writing: Write your name in hieroglyphs on parchment paper.
- Build a Pyramid: Stack blocks or cubes to build a mini pyramid.
- Mummify: Wrap a doll or object in strips of fabric to simulate mummification.
Ancient Greece
- Olympic Race: Compete in a foot race inspired by the ancient Olympics.
- Philosophy Discussion: Answer and discuss a child-friendly philosophical question.
- Theater Play: Act out a short scene from a Greek myth or play.
Medieval Period
- Create a Coat of Arms: Design your own on a paper shield.
- Knight’s Tournament: Take part in a sack race as if in a royal tournament.
- Build a Castle: Use blocks or LEGOs to build your own fortress.
Renaissance
- Renaissance Painting: Recreate a famous painting using brushes and paints.
- Invent Like Leonardo: Draw and present your own invention.
- Classical Music: Learn and perform a simple song from the era.
Industrial Revolution
- Factory Assembly: Assemble parts to create a basic item like a paper car.
- Historical Charades: Act out jobs from the industrial age for others to guess.
- Machine Discovery: Match common machines with their functions.
The 1960s
- Rock ’n’ Roll Dance: Learn a dance move from the 1960s.
- Retro Fashion Design: Sketch a vintage outfit from the decade.
- Historic Events: Match major events with pictures and brief descriptions.
For a fun elimination twist, try our Four Corners choice chase game, where kids dash to corners and avoid being “called out.”
Time Travelers Game – Fun Variations to Try
To make the game even more engaging, try one of these fun twists:
- Team Competitions: Divide kids into teams and reward those who complete all eras first
- Themed Journeys: Focus only on inventions, arts, or sports across different eras
- Timed Challenges: Use a stopwatch to add friendly pressure and track best scores
- Free Exploration: Let children choose which eras they want to explore and in what order
These flexible formats make Time Travelers adaptable for all kinds of groups and settings.
For fast-paced decision-making fun, try our Rock‑Paper‑Scissors challenge game, ideal for quick rounds and lively group play.
Why Kids Will Love the Time Travelers Game
Time Travelers isn’t just educational—it’s a blast! Here’s why kids love playing it:
- They get to move, act, draw, build, and create across different themes
- Each era brings something totally new and unexpected
- It sparks imagination while turning learning into play
- They can play alone, in teams, or cooperatively
- Dressing up and pretending makes the adventure even more real
This is history like they’ve never experienced it before.
If you’re hosting a party or family night, don’t miss our Family Talent Show challenge, a fun stage‑style game where kids show off their unique skills and creativity.
Educational Benefits of Time Travelers
This game helps children learn in multiple ways, while having fun:
- Historical Awareness: Children explore key moments in time and major civilizations
- Creative Expression: Crafting, drawing, acting, and building fuel their imagination
- Cognitive Development: Activities build problem-solving, logic, and memory skills
- Motor Skills: Physical tasks improve both fine and gross motor coordination
- Teamwork: Group tasks encourage cooperation and communication
- Confidence: Completing challenges and earning certificates builds self-esteem
- Fair Play & Patience: Taking turns and respecting the process encourages emotional growth
Time Travelers turns learning into an unforgettable multisensory experience.
For a silly and energetic group activity, try our The Toaster Game party challenge, where kids act out toast popping up in a fun, fast-paced game.
FAQ – Time Travelers Game
- Can I adapt this game for younger children?
Yes! You can simplify the challenges or skip certain eras to make it easier for ages 6–7. - Do I need all the materials listed to play?
No. You can adapt the game using materials you already have or simplify certain tasks. - How long does the full game take?
A full round takes about an hour, but you can shorten or extend it based on your needs. - Can this game be used in the classroom?
Absolutely—it’s great for history units, themed weeks, or as a creative group project. - What if I don’t want to use costumes or props?
Costumes are optional! The game still works great with just the activity cards and imagination.
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