IntroStuck for inspiration for games for your child’s next birthday party? Try these games to keep the little partygoers amused for hours! These games are great for encouraging movement to music, socialisation and concentration.
*Simon Says:* Get everyone to stand in front of ’Simon’, which could be you, and they must all do what you say, as long as you say ’Simon says’ first. For example, you say “Simon says put your hand on your head” and you do the action too. Each time you show them what to do and every now and again you say the action without saying “Simon says” first. The children that follow your action this time are ’out’!
*Sleeping Lions:* This is a great game for the end of parties when you want to calm the children down. You ask the children to lie on the floor and pretend to be ’sleeping lions’. They can breathe but they cannot make any other movement after the game starts. You or another grown up stands as the watcher and if anyone moves they’re ’out’. The game finishes when there are no lions left. To add more fun you can try and make the children laugh but you’re not allowed to tickle them!
*Hopping Bunny:* This game is a variation on musical statues. You call out an animal name, for example saying “go bunnies” and the children must pretend to be rabbits hopping around until the music stops. They must then remain completely still until you call out “go snakes” and the game continues.
*The Conga:* Players make a long single file line, traditionally each one clutching the waist of the one in front but for smaller children it may be easier for them to hold onto a rope. They then follow the person in front as they snake around the house and garden singing. Everyone tries to keep in step but this may be too difficult for the youngest players.
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