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Games for Children at the Age of Five

When they reach the age of five, children are starting to have a better understanding of games. They are becoming more independent and play well on their own, but they like to play with other children and adults as well. At five, children have a basic understanding of rules and are able to follow simple directions. They are coordinated enough to run, dance and wiggle. They may be learning the alphabet or the colors of the rainbow. Playing with them, as well as encouraging them to play with other children, can help them strengthen their coordination, build social skills and encourage them to learn how to be team players.

Red Light, Green Light
- This game requires children to focus while allowing them to get some exercise. Choose a starting point and an ending point. Have the children wait at the starting line while you go to the finish. The goal of this game is to get from the starting line to the finish line. Call out "Green light" as you turn around and face away from the children. They can run as close to you as possible while your back is turned. Shout "Red light" as you turn back around. This signals the children to freeze. If they continue to move forward, send them back to the beginning. Vary the lengths of time you face away to keep the children focused.
Hot &Cold
- For this game, hide a child's toy and ask him to find it. If he is close, tell him he is "getting warmer." The closer he gets to his toy, the "hotter" he gets. If he moves away, he is "getting colder". This can help a child develop his ability to follow audible directions. He knows that hot means he is close and cold means he still has some searching to do. He must rely on your clues to find the toy. Once the toy is found, allow the child to hide it and direct you as you search for it.
Alphabet/Color Games
- The alphabet or color game is good for afternoons spent at home or long car rides. It encourages children to practice the letters and colors they have learned and can help them with spelling and describing objects. Ask a child to pick a color. If the color is green, for example, each player takes turns naming something they see of that color. Each item can only be used once (this helps develop memory). You can also play this game with the alphabet. Ask the children to name objects that start with "A" or think of a list of names that begin with that letter.
Duck, Duck, Goose
- Duck, Duck, Goose is an active game that helps develop speed and coordination. It requires several players and is helpful for building sportsmanship. Have the children sit in a circle, leaving one child out. This child is "It." He moves around the circle, gently touching each player on the head and saying, "Duck" as he does. He can choose whichever player he wants to name the "Goose." Once a goose is named, she must chase the child who was "It" around the circle. If she catches him before he steals her spot, he is It again. If he claims the spot in the circle, it is her turn to choose a Goose.

Kids Games