The Best Casual Games for Kids

Simon Says

• In the game of Simon Says, one adult or older child stands in front of the other kids. He says an action for the others, but the players should only move when he says, "Simon Says" first. If a child does the movement without a "Simon Says," she is out. Simon Says works well at large birthday parties in the yard or in the living room. It is a good game for focusing and listening. The child who remains at the end is the winner.

Musical Chairs

• Musical Chairs needs more equipment than other casual games, but it is a classic children's game. Set up the number of chairs for all the children playing, minus one. Play music to start all the children walking around the chairs. Once the music stops, the children run for a chair. The child that cannot find a chair to sit on is out. Another chair is taken away and the music starts up again. After each child is out, another chair is taken. The last child is the winner.

Hide and Seek

• Hide and seek needs no equipment and it can be played indoors and out. One child counts to twenty or more, while the other children find a hiding spot. Once the child finishes counting, he searches for the others. The game works for ages three and up. One variation may be having a home base where children can run to and be safe if they are not found in their hiding places. Once all the children are found, another player is "It" and becomes the counter and searcher.

Red Light, Green Light

• Red Light ,Green Light is a casual game where one older child or adult is at the front directing the other children. The players start at the same point, and the traffic light person says "Green light" for the children to move. When "Red light" is said, everyone must freeze at that exact moment. Once "Green light" is said again, the children move freely. The first child to reach the traffic light person is the winner.

Tag

• Tag is a classic casual game for large number of children or just a few. One child is "It", while the others chase her. Once tagged, a child is out. Children take turns being "It." One variation is called Veggie Tag, where the "It" child is fast food and the others are healthy veggies. Also, there may be a doctor child who can revive the players who are out.