Why parents love games like Simon Says
Simon Says is the kind of game that makes parents suspiciously grateful: easy to run, zero props, and capable of turning a moody five-year-old into a giggling acrobat in under a minute. Games like Simon Says are gold for short attention spans, indoor energy release, and sneakily teaching listening skills and impulse control.
Confession: sometimes we skip the ‘perfect’ AI images and just can’t resist picking the most awkward ones. Hopefully they bring a smile to your face too!
Also try: Large Group Games for Kids: 25 Fun Ideas
If you need games for rainy afternoons, restaurant waiting, or the last five minutes before bedtime collapse, a Simon Says–style activity is your friend. Below you’ll find fast-play ideas, ways to level up, and tweaks for different ages.
- This guide covers quick rules for each game, fun variations, and age adaptations
- You’ll get step-by-step starters you can use right now (no prep)
- Plus ideas for parties, sibling rivalry hacks, and calming versions for tired kids
Quick rules: what makes these games like Simon Says
Most games like Simon Says share a few things: a leader gives commands, players follow only when certain conditions are met, and there’s often a silly consequence for mistakes. The magic is in simplicity — clear cues, playful authority, and an element of surprise.
You can adapt difficulty by slowing down commands, adding memory elements, or using physical signals (claps, whistles, color cards). The goal is loud enough instructions and small, attainable actions so kids feel like winners.
25 games like Simon Says (fast descriptions and rules)
Here are tried-and-true favorites plus twists you haven’t tried. I put the fastest, lowest-prep ones first so you can start playing immediately.
Classic-style alternatives
- Follow the Leader — One child leads actions and everyone follows. Swap leaders frequently.
- Copy Cat — Leader performs a short sequence (tap head, spin, clap) players copy. Build by adding steps.
- Red Light, Green Light — Leader faces away; ‘green light’ means go, ‘red light’ stop. Sneak in silly commands like ‘purple light’ to freeze in goofy poses.
- Mirror Me — Leader makes a slow, deliberate move; players copy it like a mirror image without touching or talking.
Movement and energy burners
- Animal Parade — Call an animal and a movement: ‘Hop like a frog!’ Great for toddlers.
- Freeze Dance with Commands — Play music and pause it; when frozen, add a rule like ‘touch toes’.
- Obstacle Simon — Use cushions as islands; commands include moving between islands.
- Jumping Jack Countdown — Leader calls out a number; players do that many jumping jacks, then freeze until the next command.
- Balloon Freeze — Kids tap a balloon to keep it in the air; when the leader calls freeze, feet stop moving while hands keep tapping.
Listening and impulse-control games
- Statues — Kids move to music; when music stops they hold a statue pose. Add ‘silly statues’ to make it harder.
- Whisper Follow — Give commands quietly; perfect for practicing careful listening.
- Opposite Day — Say the opposite of what you mean and kids have to do the actual opposite move.
- Sound Match — Leader makes a sound (clap, snap, stomp); players repeat that exact sound back before doing the matching action.
Memory and pattern games
- Pattern Clap — Start with a clap pattern; kids repeat and add a clap. Builds working memory.
- Sequence Simon — Combine Simon Says with memory: each turn adds one movement to the chain.
- Color Sequence — Use colored cards; leader shows a color sequence players repeat physically (jump-red, spin-blue).
- Number Chain — Each player repeats the full number sequence said so far, then adds one more number to the chain.
Quiet or calming versions
- Yoga Simon — Use simple yoga poses as commands to calm a hyper room.
- Breathe Follow — Leader breathes slowly; kids mirror the inhale/exhale pattern.
- Silent Signals — Use hand signs instead of verbal commands for a calm, focused game.
- Sleeping Lions — Kids lie still and silent while the leader tries to get someone to move or laugh; anyone who moves sits out quietly for one round.
Travel-friendly mini-games
- Car Simon — Use dashboard lights or seatbelt clicks as cue triggers for commands.
- In-Seat Charades — Tap signals mean ‘act’ while keeping everyone seated.
- Snack Says — Use small snacks as rewards for following commands, great for plane or car.
- Backseat Bingo — Leader calls out something to spot out the window (a red car, a stop sign); the first to spot it does a small pre-agreed action.
How to run a Simon Says session that doesn’t devolve into chaos
If you’ve ever watched siblings turn Simon Says into a gladiator arena of shrieks and tattling, you’re not alone. Set simple guidelines up front: one leader at a time, short rounds (2–3 minutes), and an easy reset for mistakes.
- Establish turn order so everyone gets to lead.
- Keep rounds short to maintain focus and reduce meltdowns.
- Use consequences that are playful not punitive: a silly hat, a goofy dance, or a brief ‘time-in’ to model the next command.
Adapting by age and ability
Kids of different ages can play together if you tweak expectations. The littlest players get simpler commands; older kids get sequences, memory challenges, or bonus rules.
- Toddlers: single, concrete actions (jump, clap, point).
- Preschool: two-step sequences and animal movements.
- School-age: add memory, opposites, or timer-based rounds.
- Kids with sensory needs: keep volume low, use visual cues, and provide a safe ‘out’ if overstimulated.
Creative variations to keep it fresh
Once the basic format is established, you can theme games or add props. Themes make rules easier to remember and feed dramatic play — pirates, superheroes, or grocery-store chores all work surprisingly well.
- Theme it: ‘Pirate Simon’ uses commands like ‘walk the plank’ (balance on a line).
- Prop-up: hand over a scarf or hat the leader wears; whoever has it leads next.
- Team play: split into teams and score points for correct reactions in relay rounds.
Party ideas and competitions
Simon Says-style games are party-friendly because they scale. Use simple prizes (stickers, extra storytime) and keep the vibe silly, not cutthroat. To avoid tears, reward participation: everyone gets something.
- Tournament bracket: quick elimination with consolation rounds so nobody misses out.
- Prize variety: ‘Best Listener’, ‘Silliest Freeze’, ‘Most Dramatic Pose’.
- Photo booth: capture the funniest poses and let kids vote for the wackiest.
Troubleshooting common meltdown moments
When kids argue about who was out or someone cries because they lost, a calm reset is your best friend. Pause, empathize, and remind everyone of the goal: fun and movement.
- If disputes flare, replay the round quickly with a silly narrator voice to defuse tension.
- If someone dominates leadership, rotate leaders and set a maximum time per leader.
- If attention fades, switch to a high-energy or calming variation depending on the mood.
Quick starter scripts (copy-paste for instant play)
Here are three ready-to-go scripts you can read aloud. They’re short, silly, and designed for an immediate win.
- Tiny Simon (2–4 min): ‘Simon says touch your nose. Simon says hop once. Clap once.’ Repeat 6–8 times, handing leadership to a child.
- Memory Simon (3–5 min): ‘Simon says pat knees, spin, stomp.’ Players repeat in order. Add one move each turn until someone giggles and breaks the chain.
- Quiet Simon (2–4 min): Use hand signals only; point up for ‘stand’, open palm for ‘freeze’, tap ear for ‘whisper a secret’. Great for calm-down time.
Final thoughts: make it yours
Games like Simon Says are flexible and forgiving — exactly what a parent needs. Keep rounds short, celebrate participation, and rotate leadership. With a handful of themes and the scripts above, you’ll never hear ‘I’m bored’ again (or you’ll hear it much less loudly).
Have fun, be silly, and remember: the goal is more giggles than perfection. Now go forth and declare someone ‘Simon’ — or ‘Captain Cheese’ if that helps.
FAQs
What are some simple games like Simon Says for toddlers?
Try Follow the Leader, Animal Parade, or Tiny Simon (simple one-step commands). Keep commands concrete (jump, clap, touch head) and reward attempts with smiles and brief praise.
How can I adapt games like Simon Says for mixed-age groups?
Give younger kids single actions while older kids handle sequences or memory challenges. Rotate leaders so each child gets an age-appropriate turn and use team play to pair younger and older kids together.
Can games like Simon Says help with listening skills and self-control?
Yes. These games practice impulse control, following directions, and attention in a playful way. Short, frequent sessions work best — think five minutes of focused play rather than long lectures.
What are quiet alternatives to loud Simon Says games?
Use Yoga Simon, Breathe Follow, or Silent Signals with hand signs. These preserve the structure without noise and are great for calming before nap or bedtime.
How do I prevent arguments when playing competitive Simon Says variations?
Set clear rules up front: short rounds, rotate leaders, and include consolation activities. Focus on silly consequences (a goofy dance) rather than elimination, and hand out small participation rewards to keep feelings intact.
