When working with kids of different ages, it can sometimes be challenging to determine how much time each activity requires. When you finish early, it’s good to have some back-pocket games or activities in mind so that you can keep kids occupied. Here are some of my favorites (and the ones Girl Scouts seem to love best) to keep your event from disintegrating into a big game of tag.
Would You Rather?
Rather than just have kids sit and raise their hands, I like to turn this into a movement game. Present two options, “Would you rather camp in a tent or camp in a cabin,” for example. Then, have kids move to one side of the room or field for one option and the other for another. This one also translates well virtually. You can have them do two different actions, i.e., jump for a tent, sit down for a cabin, or lean to one side or another. Kids love to get to ask questions, so this one is a good one for taking up time as each kiddo gets a turn.
Two Truths and a Lie
This one is surprisingly difficult for younger kids, but it’s usually a hit – and an excellent way for kids to get to know each other. It’s exactly what it sounds like – each person says two true things about themselves and one made up. Then others try to guess which is made up.
Animal Charades
This one’s fun. You can turn scraps of paper into prompts with animals or let kids choose an animal. They then have to act like that animal, and others must guess. This one always gets me laughing as well as the kids – particularly when they ask me to participate and act out an animal (which you should totally do).
Progressive Storytelling
Someone starts a story, the next person adds to it, and so on. Depending on the age and size of the group I’m working with, I might start with a sentence, or I might start with a scenario and pass the story around. Be ready for some off-the-wall ideas, and be aware that some kids would rather “pass” their turn for this. It’s usually a big hit when you’ve got 5-10 minutes you weren’t expecting to have.
_______ Says
Like Simon Says, but switched for whatever the context is. If you’re running a zoo event, it might be Zookeeper Says. If it’s a storytime, it might be “Storyteller Says.” I like to start the game by saying “Leader Says” a few times before I leave it off.
Follow the Leader
Everyone stands in a circle and starts clapping their hands, patting their knees, or doing another activity. Someone is chosen secretly as the “leader,” and they choose the action everyone does. Then, they change it up every so often. The rest of the group has to guess who the leader is. This one also translates well to virtual events.
A, A, B!
This is another circle game, like duck, duck, goose, but it’s fun to let the kids choose what will be said and what the action will be when the alternate word is said. We’ve done Scout, Scout, and Leader; they have to crab walk around the circle, bunny hop, or walk like an elephant. It’s a fun variation of the game.
Blindfolded Steal the ____
This one can also be turned into a flashlight game. One person is blindfolded in the center. The remaining group has to sneak up without being pointed out while trying to steal an item guarded by the person in the center. I like using a scarf or neckerchief, but other things can also work.
Freeze Dance
I keep a kid-friendly playlist on my phone for times like this. I’ll play music, and kids will dance, and I’ll pause at irregular intervals. This is a popular one. If they move when the music is paused, they sit until the next round. The last person standing wins.
Those are the ones I use on a somewhat regular basis. Do you have any favorite back-pocket games or activities you like to use when there’s available time you weren’t anticipating? Share in the comments.