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Circle Games for Kids

Circle games are wonderful games to play with large groups of kids. Not only do children find circle games very entertaining, but it is also a great way to keep track of where children are at all times. These games can be played by kids of all ages, but are best suited to children under the age of eight.

Duck Duck Goose
- Duck Duck Goose is a classic circle game that children up to age 10 will happily play over and over. One child is chosen as the picker for the game. All other children sit around in a large circle. The picker walks around the circle tapping every child on the head saying "duck, duck, duck." When the picker has completed a few rotations around the circle he then taps one child as the goose. That child tapped as goose then gets up as fast as possible and tries to catch the picker. If the picker can reach the vacated seat before the goose catches him then the goose becomes the new picker. If the goose can tag the picker then the picker must sit in the center of the circle and stay there until another picker is caught.
Hot Potato
- Hot Potato is a fun game that children of all ages enjoy. Every child sits in a large circle. A ball or potato is given to one child. An adult starts a clip of music and the children pass the ball around the circle clockwise until the music stops. When the music stops the child holding the ball is out. Play continues until there is only one child left that has not been declared out.
Farmer in the Dell
- This game is a singing circle game. Children sit in a large circle. One child is declared the farmer. The song is sung as the farmer travels around the outside of the circle. When it comes time for the next verse, following the lyrics of the song, the farmer chooses another child from the circle to be his "wife" in his walk around the circle. Play continues like this until the last verse is sung and the "rat" chooses the "cheese." When the last verse is sung all of the children except one are now outside of the circle. The child that is left in the middle is the cheese; she also becomes the new farmer and play starts again.
Widows and Doors
- This game is a very active circle game. Children stand in a large circle, just close enough to hold hands with each other. The children raise their hands high into the air to make arches. One child is declared "It." That child then weaves in and out of the upraised arms of the other kids. The children in the group randomly lower their arms to try and block the progress of It. If It is not able to get away then he joins the outer circle and a new child is declared It.

Kids Games