Games are a wonderful way to laugh and bond with your children. From classic playground favorites to simple card games, play gives families a chance to connect, be active, and make lasting memories. Below are five easy, low-prep games that work well indoors or outdoors and are perfect for kids of many ages.
Games for kids that require very little setup:
1. Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, Duck, Goose is a simple circle game that’s easy to adapt. You can swap the words for fun themes—try “IronMan, IronMan, Spiderman” or “Elsa, Elsa, Anna!”—to keep kids engaged. In its basic form it’s timeless and energetic.
How to play: Children sit in a circle facing inward. One child is “it” and walks around tapping heads while saying “duck.” When they tap someone and say “goose,” that child must stand and chase the person who tagged them. The tagger tries to sit in the goose’s spot before being caught. If caught, the tagger sits in the circle center or becomes “it” again depending on your house rules.
2. Red Rover
Red Rover is a classic running and teamwork game that’s best with an open space. Divide players into two teams and form two lines facing each other, holding hands. Each team calls a player from the other side by saying, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send (name) on over.”
The named player runs toward the opposite line and tries to break through the linked hands. If they break through, they return to their team with a rescued teammate. If they fail, they join the opposing team. Play continues until one team has everyone or a pre-agreed time ends.
3. Simon Says
Simon Says is a listening and attention game that needs no equipment and works well with any group size. One child is designated “Simon” and gives commands. When Simon prefaces a command with “Simon says,” players must follow it. If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says” and someone follows it, that player is out.
The game continues until one person remains. That player becomes the next Simon. This game builds focus and is easily tailored for younger kids with simple actions or for older kids with trickier commands.
4. Four Corners
Four Corners is a quiet, suspenseful game that’s great for indoor play. Label each corner of the room with a number from one to four—use paper or small signs so it’s clear for everyone.
One child sits in the middle with eyes closed and counts to 20 while the others choose a corner. The child in the middle then calls out a corner number. Anyone in that corner joins the person in the middle. Repeat until all players have been chosen; the last person remaining in a corner wins and often becomes the next caller.
5. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an easy outdoor activity that helps with balance and coordination. Draw a hopscotch grid with sidewalk chalk and number the squares from one to nine. Choose a small, flat stone to toss onto the squares.
Players toss the stone onto a square, then hop through the grid on one or two feet as required, skipping the square with the stone. When reaching the last square, they turn and hop back, bend to pick up the stone without losing balance or stepping on the square, and finish the course. Players take turns until someone completes the course for all numbered squares.
These five games are easy to set up, require little or no equipment, and are highly adaptable for different ages and group sizes. They encourage physical activity, cooperation, and lots of laughter—perfect for family time, school recess, or playdates.
Check out more games for kids here!