Kids Games for Small Groups

Hide and Seek

• Hide and seek is a classic game that can be played by both large and small groups of children. One person selected to be "it" counts to ten with his eyes closed while the other children find a hiding place. The person who is "it" must find a child and tag him so that the new child becomes "it." Continue the game until all children have the opportunity to be "it." Hide and seek is appropriate for both indoor and outdoor play, making it an good game to fit a variety of circumstances.

Snakes in the Gutter

• If you are working with a group of six or more children, designate three kids to be "snakes." Have the snakes form the gutter by standing in a line at least on arm length apart from each other, facing the rest of the kids. To start the round, you or one of the children yell, "Snake in the gutter!" The children attempt to run through the gutter without being tagged by a snake. Those who get tagged are now snakes and join the line of snakes. Those who make it through can make another run through the gutter. Continue the game until everyone has been caught.

Group Storytelling Game

• In cases where the children need a game to unwind after a day of constant activity, choose a game that relies on creativity instead of high energy. Arrange the group into a circle. Explain to the children that you are going to start a story and pass it along to the person sitting next to you. You begin your story with just a few sentences to start the setting and then pass it along. The child next to you must pick up where you left off using the information you gave. Each child will continue contributing to the story, but remember it is more fun if you go fast. The crazier the story, the better.