If your child can entertain themselves, that’s great! But it’s also important for kids to learn how to play with others. By playing with friends and siblings, kids can learn how to listen, share, take turns and cooperate — and it’s double the fun to boot.
Here are 11 group games for kids that parents and babysitters can try out at a birthday party, play date or family gathering.
1. Balloon Stomp
What kid doesn’t love the floaty fun that comes with a bunch of balloons? As the name suggests, balloon stomp is a game in which players run around and pop as many balloons as possible. Since players will be on the move throughout the game, it serves as a fun form of exercise. Find out how to play at My Joy Filled Life.
2. Ring Toss
This classic game improves hand-eye coordination and teaches kids how to judge distances. Players must throw rings and try to make them land around a bottle. You can either fill glass bottles with different colored liquids a la Crafters Autonomous or take a page from Carnival Savers and use soda pop bottles and jar rings.
3. Telephone
“Hello? What did you say?” A game of telephone requires kids to focus on a phrase and then pass it along to their neighbor. The best part is hearing the garbled phrase at the end of the line! Check out Lora Lindon’s Blog for more details.
4. Nertz
Rainy days call for a bowl of buttery popcorn and a fun card game, like Nertz. You can find the game rules and a video tutorial on Vanilla Joy.
5. Pin the (Blank on the Blank)
This classic game calls for kids to try to pin an item on a picture while wearing a blindfold. Different variations include pinning a tail on a donkey — or a unicorn, of course — a nose on a clown and, as shown on Happy Strong Home, a wheel on a tractor!
6. Rabbit Hole
Watch out for the big bad fox! This game emphasizes teamwork and helps kids practice their balancing skills. Players must step into an elevated hula hoop without knocking it over. For more information, refer to The Inspired Treehouse.
7. Tray Memory Game
This one’s a head scratcher! The winner is the child who remembers the most items on a tray. You can find the instructions on Think Magnet.
8. Limbo
Limbo is fun for spectators, too! You’ll love watching your kids try to slither under the limbo stick without falling down. And if you don’t have a limbo stick handy, a broomstick works just as well!
9. Who’s Missing?
If you have a bigger group of kids, this is a great way to teach them about observing their surroundings. As The Inspired Treehouse explains, kids close their eyes as an adult quietly taps one kid on the shoulder, who sneaks into another room. The group then opens their eyes and must figure out who’s gone!
10. Saving Mr. Monkey
The Payne Family has an alligator game that’ll keep the kids laughing and entertained. Your tots will have to carefully step on certain spots to cross dangerous waters and save the poor monkey on the other side.
11. Marshmallow Toss
Kids love the wacky ingredients in this game. Soccer Mom Life covers a plastic shower cap with whipped cream, then sees how many marshmallows each team can get to stick!
Have fun with these group games for kids, but remember that not every child will want to join in right away. If your little one is particularly shy, you can let him sit the first round out. After he watches the game, he may decide to jump right in!
