Simon Says Ideas For Kids + Printable

Playing the Simon Says Game is a wonderful activity for toddlers, preschoolers, and, frankly, children of all ages. Not only are there many benefits of playing Simon Says, it’s also plain old device-free fun! Children can play Simon Says in a classroom setting, in your backyard, indoors, on Zoom, or even on the playground. I’ve included a printable list of Simon Says Ideas for kids list too.

Simon Says Game

Playing a game of Simon Says was always a favorite when I was a young child. Now that I have kids, they love playing it too! Play is important for children

According to Dr. Jiff Jumaily, “Play is how children learn.”

What is Simon Says

Simon Says is a children’s game that includes a leader and players who must obey the commands spoken by the leader only if the leader says the word “Simon Says” before the command.
It is a classic game that is centuries old and universally loved by all children.

How to play the game

In order to play the game, a leader needs to be chosen. This leader is “Simon.” The leader then uses Simon Says commands that the rest of the players will need to follow.

Game Rules

Players should only follow the command if the leader says the words, “Simon Says” before the action.

If the leader did not say the word “Simon Says” before the action, then whichever players followed through the command would be eliminated from the gameplay for that round.

For example:

If the leader says, “Simon Says, touch your head.” Players should touch their heads.
The leader then says” Simon Says, touch your feet.” Players then touch their feet.
At any time during the gameplay, the leader can leave out the words Simon Says and say, “Clap your hands.” Whoever claps their hands loses because Simon didn’t say “Simon Says” before the action words.

The game is over when all players are eliminated.

When is a good time to play Simon Says?

• When you want to get the wiggles out.
• On a rainy day.
• When you need to come up with a fun indoor activity.
• When you need a brain break.
• During family game night.
• On Zoom as a fun reward. (These Simon Says ideas for Zoom would make a great break after sitting down for long periods of time.)
• During family game night.

Simon Says Game Ideas

These commands include a mix of funny actions, simple actions, and active actions to keep the game fun and exciting.

1. Touch your toes
2. Clap your hands
3. Raise your right hand
4. Raise your left hand
5. Hop on one foot
6. Jump up high
7. Lift your left foot
8. Lift your right foot
9. Wave your hands
10. Blow a kiss
11. Dance
12. Laugh out loud
13. Sit down
14. Stand up
15. Shake your left arm
16. Shake your right arm
17. Say MOO
18. Touch your knees
19. Bend down.
20. Balance on your left leg
21. Balance on your right leg
22. Shake your left foot
23. Shake your right foot
24. Do jumping jacks
25. Wink your eye
26. Shake your left hand
27. Shake your right hand
28. Whistle
29. Pat your stomach
30. Pat your shoulders
31. Raise your shoulders up and down
32. Skip
33. Put your hands in the air 
34. Do arm circles
35. Nod your head
36. Shake your head
37. Say yes
38. Say no
39. Stand on your tip toes
40. Walk on your tip toes
41. Sing a song
42. Act like a robot
43. Shake your knees 
44. Thump your chest like a gorilla
45. Do a push up
46. Touch your elbows
47. Freeze
48. Snap your fingers
49. Hiss like a snake
50. Make an animal sound
51. Smile
52. Frown
53. Gallop
54. Be silly
55. Fold your arms
56. Walk like a snail
57. Slither like a snake
58. Run in place 
59. Jump like a frog
60. Cover your eyes
61. Touch your nose
62. Touch your ears
63. Jump up and down
64. Make a sad face
65. Pretend you’re driving a bus
66. Walk like a duck
67. Act like an airplane
68. Do arm circles
69. Do a sit up
70. Shake your hips

GET THE SIMON SAYS PRINTABLE PDF HERE

Benefits of playing Simon Says

• Teaches children body awareness
• Some commands work on crossing the midline
• Teaches children to follow directions
• Helps their listening skills
• Some commands work on a child’s gross motor skills