Are you tired of hearing “I’m bored” from your preschooler? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are 30 indoor and outdoor group games for preschoolers to keep them entertained, active, and learning new skills.
This list has something for every child’s interest and energy level, from classic favorites to creative new games. So, let’s get started! Let’s take you through these fantastic indoor games for your kids.
Fascinating Group Games for Preschoolers
Musical Chairs
This classic game is always a hit with preschoolers. Line up chairs, play music, and have the kids walk around the chairs. When the music stops, the kids have to find a chair to sit on quickly. The child who doesn’t get a chair is out, and one is removed. Repeat until there is only one child left.
Freeze Dance
Turn on some music and have the kids dance. When the music stops, they have to freeze in place. Keep repeating until every child has had a chance to be the leader.
Balloon Volleyball
Blow up a balloon and have the kids hit it repeatedly over a string or tape “net.”
Simon Says
One child is “Simon” and gives commands starting with, “Simon says.” For example, “Simon says touch your nose.” The other children must follow the order only when Simon says, “Simon says.” If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says,” and a child follows the command, they’re out.
Follow the Leader
Have one child be the leader and have the others follow their actions. Make it fun by adding silly activities like hopping, skipping, and crawling.
Hot Potato
Pass around a softball or stuffed animal while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the object is out.
Duck, Duck, Goose
Children sit in a circle, and one child walks around tapping each child’s head, saying “duck.” Eventually, they tap a child and say “goose.”
The child tapped as “goose” chased the child who tapped them around the circle, trying to tag them before they reached the empty spot in the process.
Red Light, Green Light
One child is the “stoplight” and stands at one end of the room, facing the other children, who stand at the other end.
The stoplight calls out “green light,” and the children move towards them. The stoplight then calls out “red light,” and the children must stop. Anyone caught driving after the “red light” call is out.
Three-Legged Chicken Race
This variation of the classic three-legged race involves pairing children up and tying their inside legs together, but with a silly twist – they must flap their arms like chickens while they race to the finish line.
Bean Bag Bonanza
Set up a cardboard box target and have children toss bean bags into the box. Assign different point values to box sections for an added challenge, like a “bullseye” in the center.
Bowling Bonanza
Bring the bowling alley indoors with this DIY bowling game. Set up plastic pins and have the children roll a soft ball to knock them down. Set up the pins in different shapes, like triangles or circles, for an added twist.
Super Scavenger Hunt
Hide items around the room and give children a list of clues to find them. Make it more challenging by adding riddles or puzzles to solve.
Dress-Up Relay Rumble
This relay race involves dividing children into teams and setting up two piles of clothing across from each group.
One child from each team has to run to the clothing pile, put on a piece of clothing, run back to their team, and tag the next player in line to do the same. Make it even more fun by including silly costumes like superhero capes or oversized sunglasses.
Shadow Showdown
In this twist on the tag, players tag each other’s shadows instead of their bodies. Watch as the children try to outrun their shadows and avoid getting “tagged.”
Storytelling Spectacular
Gather the children in a circle and take turns adding a sentence to a story. To make it more interactive and engaging, encourage the children to act out the story as it unfolds, using their imaginations to bring the characters to life.
Let us now analyze the outdoor games for the kids to enjoy:
Sardines
Get ready for some squishy fun! In this game, one child hides while the others search for them. Once they find the hider, they join them in their hiding spot until everyone is squeezed like sardines. Who will be the last one to find the hiding spot?
Scavenger Hunt
Take the scavenger hunt outdoors and hide items around the yard or park for the children to find. Want to make it more challenging? Add clues or riddles to the quest to get their brains working.
Duck, Duck, Splash
A summertime twist on the classic game of Duck, Duck, Goose. Instead of tapping heads, the “it” person carries a cup of water and drips a little on each child while saying “duck.”
The lucky person chosen to be “splash” gets the whole cup dumped on their head! Prepare to get soaked!
Simon Says Obstacle Course
Combine Simon Says with an obstacle course! Set up different challenges outside and play, Simon Says, as the children navigate them. For example, “Simon says crawl under the table” or “Simon says jump over the hula hoop.” Who will be Simon’s master?
Tag
It’s a classic game that never gets old! Chase and tag your friends, but add some variations like freeze, tunnel, or shadow tags for extra fun. Get ready to run and laugh!
Red Light, Green Light
This outdoor version of the indoor game will have kids stopping in their tracks. Instead of stopping when the stoplight calls “red light,” children have to freeze in place. Who will be the first to reach the finish line?
Kick the Can
Ready for a game of strategy? This game is similar to Capture the Flag but with a can. One team tries to kick the can while the other tries to guard it. If the can is kicked over, the kicker’s team wins. Can you come up with the best game plan?
Hopscotch
Draw a hopscotch grid with chalk and have the children take turns hopping through it. Add variations, like hopping on one foot or jumping from one square to the next. Who will be the hopscotch champion?
Tug of War
It’s time for a game of strength and teamwork! Divide the children into two teams and have them tug on opposite ends of a rope until one team crosses the center line. Who will be the ultimate champion and prove their strength?
Obstacle Course
Set up an outdoor obstacle course with cones, tires, and other objects for the children to crawl under, jump over, and weave through. Who will complete the course the fastest and be the most agile?
Bubble Soccer
Take soccer to the next level with Bubble Soccer! Children wear inflatable bubbles and bump into each other while trying to score a goal. It’s a hilarious and exciting way to play soccer. Who will be the MVP and achieve the most goals?
Water Balloon Toss
Pair children up and have them toss a water balloon back and forth. Step back after each successful catch and keep going until there’s only one team left with an unbroken balloon. Who will have the best teamwork and coordination to win the game?
Capture the Flag
Divide children into two teams and have them try to capture the other team’s flag without being caught. It’s a classic game of strategy and stealth. Who will have the best plan to capture the flag and win the game?
Lawn Twister
Bring the fun of Twister outside with Lawn Twister! Spray paint circles on the grass and have the children play a game of Twister. It’s a great way to get active and have fun. Who will be the most flexible and able to hold their balance?
Four Square
Draw a four-square court and have children bounce a ball into each other’s squares. It’s a simple game that requires quick reflexes and coordination. Who will be the master of Four Square and dominate the competition?
There you have it, 30 indoor and outdoor group games for preschoolers that will keep them entertained and engaged.
Whether stuck inside on a rainy day or enjoying the sunshine outside, these games are perfect for promoting physical activity, socialization, and learning new skills. So, gather up some friends and let the fun begin!
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)