You found our list of large group games for kids.
Large group games for kids entertain and educate children. These activities also promote social interaction among groups. For example, Duck Duck Goose, Musical Chairs, and Capture the Flag are all popular choices. The purpose of these games is to encourage teamwork and help kids have fun. These games are also known as “games for big groups of kids” and “educational games for big classrooms.”
These large group games for kids are similar to large group activities for adults, interactive games for students, team building games for kids, and escape room ideas for kids.
This list includes:
- games for big groups of kids
- playground games for large groups
- group games for children
- children’s large group games
- group games for kids
- educational games for big classrooms
Let’s get to it!
List of large group games for kids
From the classic Musical Chairs to the exciting Capture the Flag, here is our list of the best games to play with large groups of kids.
1. Blob Tag
Blob Tag is a fun game for large groups of kids. To play this game, choose one player to be the “blob” who starts as “it.” When the blob tags another player, they must join hands and become part of the blob. As the blob grows, it becomes easier to tag other players. The game continues until all players are part of the blob. The last player standing wins and becomes the new blob for the next round. Blob tag is a great way to encourage teamwork and cooperation among kids while having lots of fun!
2. Memory Hopscotch
Memory Hopscotch is one of the top group games for children. To start playing the game, draw a hopscotch grid on the ground with chalk or use colored tape to create squares. Inside each square, draw different shapes or symbols. Then, one player starts by hopping through the grid while memorizing the shapes or symbols they land on.
After completing the hopscotch, the player must remember and repeat the order aloud. If kids remember correctly, then they can continue to the next round. If not, they can try again or pass the turn to the next player. The game continues with each player taking turns hopping through the grid and testing their memory skills. Memory hopscotch is a great way to exercise both the body and the mind while having fun!
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3. Silly Sentence Hot Potato
Silly Sentence Hot Potato is one of the best educational games for big classrooms. To play, gather the children in a circle and give them a soft object to pass around, like a stuffed toy or a beanbag. Before passing the object to the next player, each child must say one word to add to a silly sentence. For example, the first kid might say “The,” the next one says “banana,” and play continues.
When the music stops or a timer goes off, the player holding the object must try to say the entire sentence out loud before passing it on. If they forget a word or say it incorrectly, then they are out. The game continues until only one player remains. Silly Sentence Hot Potato is a great way to encourage creativity and language skills while having lots of fun!
Here are more fun word games.
4. Balloon Pop and Match
Balloon Pop and Match is a fun game for kids to play at parties or events. To play this game, fill balloons with small puzzle pieces or pieces of a picture before inflating them. Then, scatter the balloons around the play area. Kids take turns popping balloons to reveal the pieces inside. Once a player pops a balloon, they must collect the puzzle pieces and try to match them together to complete the puzzle or picture. The player who completes the puzzle or picture first wins! Balloon Pop and Match is a great way to encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and coordination skills.
5. Floating Ring Toss
Floating Ring Toss is a fun game for kids during pool parties or outdoor events. To play, fill a kiddie pool or large container with water. Next, float several smaller targets on the surface, such as rubber ducks or pool noodles. Each player stands at a throwing line and takes turns tossing rings or beanbags from the edge of the pool. Kids aim to land rings on the floating targets.
Players earn points for each successful toss, and the player with the highest score wins. Floating ring toss is a great way for kids to practice their aim and coordination while having a splashing good time in the water!
6. Blindfold Taste Test
The Blindfold Taste Test is a simple and fun game for kids. To set up, blindfold each player with a soft cloth or a sleep mask. Prepare a variety of foods or drinks for the taste test, such as different fruits, candies, or flavored drinks. One at a time, present each item to the blindfolded player and ask them to taste it while guessing what it is.
Players can use their sense of taste and smell to identify the foods or drinks. After each guess, reveal the item and keep track of how many guesses each player gets right. The player with the most correct guesses wins the game! The blindfold taste test is a great way to explore different flavors and textures while having fun with friends.
Note: Be sure to ask kids about food allergies before hosting this activity.
Here are more team tasting events.
7. Animal Charades
Animal Charades is a fun game for kids to play with their friends. To start, gather the kids in a circle. One at a time, have players take turns acting like different animals without making any sounds. For example, hopping like a bunny, slithering like a snake, or roaring like a lion. The player who guesses the animal correctly earns a point and takes the next turn. Whoever has the most points at the end wins! Animal Charades is a great way for kids to use their imagination, creativity, and observational skills.
Here is a Charades generator.
8. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is an age-old game that kids know and love. When playing this game, gather one chair for each player. Then, remove one chair. Kids will stand around the seats, and hosts will play a song. Players will walk around the chairs and sit down when the music stops. Whoever does not get a chair to sit in is out of the game. For the next round, hosts will remove another seat. Play will continue until only one chair remains. The last player to sit down wins! This game is a great bonding exercise that encourages quick thinking.
9. Duck Duck Goose
Duck Duck Goose is one of the most classic playground games for large groups that is fun and simple for kids to understand. First, have all the kids sit in a circle on the ground. One child starts as the “picker” and walks around the outside of the circle. The picker taps each child on the head, saying “duck” until they decide to choose a friend as the “goose.”
When the picker taps the goose, that child has to jump up and chase the picker around the circle. The picker tries to sit in the goose’s spot before getting tagged. If the picker succeeds, then the goose becomes the new picker, and the game starts again. If the goose tags the picker, then they have to be the picker again for the next round.
This game encourages active play and enhances children’s motor skills. Additionally, this game is great for all ages and is perfect for playing at parks, in school, or even backyards.
10. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is one of the most thrilling games for big groups of kids. To host this activity, divide the kids into two teams. Each group claims a territory on opposite sides of the playing area. Next, both teams hide a flag in their territory.
During gameplay, players try to capture the other team’s flag while also protecting their own. If a player tags an opponent trying to steal the flag, then they must go to jail. Other teammates can tag players to free them from jail. The game continues until one team successfully captures the other team’s flag.
This game promotes teamwork while physically engaging kids with plenty of running. The bigger the group, the more fun and challenging the game becomes!
11. Relay Race
A Relay Race is one of the top children’s large group games. This exercise promotes teamwork, communication, and healthy competition.
To set up a relay race, divide the kids into teams and mark out a course with start and finish lines. Each team member takes turns running a set distance before passing the baton to the next teammate. The first team to complete the race wins!
Relay races provide physical activity and teach important skills like coordination and sportsmanship. Relays are a fun way for kids to bond and work together toward a common goal.
Here are more field day games.
12. Parachute Game
A Parachute Game is a great choice for large group games for kids. Players enjoy flying a brightly colored parachute high and low. You can play several games with a big parachute. For instance, during Parachute Ball, players keep balls bouncing on the parachute. Another example is Sharks and Lifeguards, where kids become pretend sea creatures under the chute. Playing with a parachute is a fun and engaging game that helps develop motor skills.
13. Circle Game
The Circle Game requires zero equipment, just a group of energetic kids. Ideal for large groups, this game boosts listening skills and friendships. A leader calls out commands like “switch,” making participants swap places, or “down,” making players sit. The unexpected element is the “circle” command, where kids form a circle. The last player to join the circle ends up in the center to direct the next round. This game is proof that simplicity can lead to loads of fun!
14. Obstacle Course
An Obstacle Course is a thrilling exercise suitable for big groups of kids. Items like cones, hula hoops, and pool noodles create a fun, challenging circuit. Depending on the ages of the kids, you can change the difficulty level to keep the course fair and enjoyable. The first team or individual to complete the course is the winner! Kids get to improve their coordination and agility while racing each other. Obstacle courses are fun bonding games that develop a sense of competitiveness and teamwork.
15. Treasure Hunt
Treasure Hunt is an exciting adventure for kids. This game brings out players’ problem-solving and teamwork skills. When planning this game, design a treasure map, and split large groups into teams. Adding riddles and puzzles makes the game even more intriguing. Kids will solve clues to uncover hidden treasures. This hunt is fun, interactive, and customizable.
Here are more treasure hunt ideas.
16. Tug-of-War
Playing Tug-of-War with a large group of kids is a blast! First, divide the kids into two teams and make sure they are evenly matched in size and strength. Next, mark a line on the ground and have each team stand on either side of it. Each team can take one end of a long rope. Then, on the count of three, both teams start pulling as hard as they can, trying to get the other team to cross the line. The team that manages to pull the other team across the line wins! Tug-of-war is a fun game that encourages teamwork, strength, and friendly competition.
17. Simon Says
Playing Simon Says with a large group of kids is super fun! To start, choose one player to be “Simon.” Simon stands in front of the group and gives commands, like “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says jump up and down.” The twist is that the kids should only do the action if Simon says “Simon says” before it. If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says” and a kid follows it, then they are out. The last kid left in the game wins and becomes the next Simon! This simple and entertaining game encourages listening skills and following instructions.
18. Red Rover
Red Rover is a classic schoolyard game that is perfect for big groups. Children split into two lines facing each other. Each team chants, “Red Rover, Red Rover, let (name) come over!” This phrase challenges a player from the opposite team to break through their linked hands. If the player fails, then they join the opposite team. The team that gathers all their opponents on their side wins! This game encourages teamwork, strategy, and physical activity, keeping kids entertained and engaged.
19. Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is an excellent game for large groups of kids. During this high-energy activity, hosts will play music the kids enjoy. Participants will dance, showing off their best moves. When hosts stop the music, dancers must freeze in place. Any player who moves after the music stops is out of the game. Whoever is the last dancer standing wins!
This game promotes listening skills, physical activity, and lots of laughter. In addition, this game can be even more fun when kids get to choose the dance music. Some variations include making funny faces or poses when the music stops to add extra entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Large group games are a great chance for children to learn important life skills. For instance, kids can develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a fun way. You can adapt games to suit different age groups and settings, from playgrounds to classrooms. Moreover, you can add an educational element to these games to make learning more engaging.
Next, check out our posts on take your child to work day ideas, one minute games, and family day activities.
