The Ultimate List Of Simon Says Ideas & FREE Printable!
If you’re looking for some creative ideas to keep your kids entertained, look no further than Simon Says. Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity or something to get the whole family involved in, these Simon Says Ideas are perfect!

How To Play Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that can be fun for all ages!
TO PLAY:
- One person stands at the front of the group and acts as Simon.
- The objective is to follow the instructions that Simon gives, but only if they start with the words “Simon says”. If a command starts without “Simon says”, you should not follow it.
- During each turn, Simon will give commands such as “Simon Says touch your toes” or “Simon Says hop on one foot”.
- If a player performs the command incorrectly or does the command without the leader saying “Simon Says”, they are out of the game.
- This continues until there’s only one winner left standing.
- The winner can then be Simon in the next round.
Benefits of Simon Says
Simon Says is an excellent way to have some fun! It doesn’t require any prior preparation, or any expensive materials. All you need is a leader and players who can follow directions.
There are also several benefits of playing Simon Says:
- It helps improve gross motor skills and coordination since the practice involves repeating physical actions.
- It encourages listening and concentration since the rules depend on obedience and paying attention to the commands of the leader.
- It allows everyone to enjoy some quality time together while simultaneously helping develop critical skills.
- All different types of groups can play it in a variety of places.
- It helps kids use their imagination and build on vocabulary.
- It allows kids to be independent and can boost self-esteem.
When Is A Good Time To Play Simon Says?
Simon Says is perfect for when you’re stuck indoors on a rainy day, but it’s a great game on several occasions. Add it to your summer bucket list as a simple activity. It’s also an excellent option for birthday parties or family gatherings as it doesn’t require much space and it helps people bond.
It’s a great way for students to develop skills and have some fun in the classroom. Teachers could also have the students play as a ‘brain break’ from learning.
And best of all, Simon Says can be played either indoors or outside making it totally versatile!

The Best Simon Says Ideas
These commands include a mix of actions that are easy, hard, funny, active, and unique. I’ve jumbled together all the different categories to keep the game fun and exciting.
- Clap your hands
- Raise your right hand
- Drive a car
- Give yourself a hug
- Smile
- March in place
- Make a funny face
- Walk on a tightrope
- Dribble a basketball
- Raise your left hand
- Hop on one foot
- Jump up high
- Lift your left foot
- Wave your hands
- Sit down
- Stand up
- Shake your left arm
- Act surprised
- Run in place
- Bend down
- Close your left eye
- Swing a bat
- Hop like a frog
- Frown
- Balance on your right leg
- Bounce like a kangaroo
- Lift your right foot
- Touch your toes
- Spin around
- Stomp your feet
- Crawl on the floor
- Lay on your back
- Moo like a cow
- Touch your shoulder
- Play air piano
- Touch your back
- Jump up and down
- Balance on your left leg
- Nod your head
- Meow like a cat
- Do a push up
- Throw a ball
- Close your right eye
- Bark like a dog
- Touch your nose
- Pretend to sneeze
- Run around in a circle
- Take a bow
- Touch your elbow
- Cry like a baby
- Pat your head and rub your belly at the same time
- Play air guitar
- Oink like a pig
- Walk backwards
- Touch your legs
- Vacuum the floor
- Make a fish face
- Pick a flower
- Blow out candles on a cake
- Touch your knee
- Wash your hands
- Fly a kite
- Roar like a lion
- Play air drums
- Jump rope
- Do a yoga pose
- Fly like a plane
- Touch your stomach
- Look surprised
- Yawn
- Chirp like a bird
- Shake your right arm
- Milk a cow
- Wash your hair
- Wink
- Swing a tennis racquet
- Walk like a zombie
- Do jumping jacks
- Stick out your tongue
- Act like an elephant
- Walk slow with a cane
- Act like a robot
- Ride a scooter
- Ski down a hill
- Gallop like a horse
- Twist your body
- Do arm circles
- Do 3 squats
- Wave
- Talk on the phone
- Hiss like a snake
- Read a book
- Swim
- Brush your teeth
- Act like a monkey
- Lick an ice cream cone
- Do a cartwheel
- Bite into an apple
- Brush your hair
- Fold your arms

Tricks To Improve Your Odds Of Winning In Simon Says
While it seems like an easy game to win, Simon Says can actually be quite challenging. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to improve your odds of winning.
First of all, pay close attention to what “Simon” is saying. It’s important that you understand the instructions and don’t do anything unless they are prefaced with “Simon Says.”
Additionally, when doing a physically demanding task such as hopping on one foot – don’t rush. Take your time so you’re sure to execute the instructions correctly.
Finally, keep your focus on you. Try not to get distracted with the other players in the group, as they might try to mess you up.
How To Make Simon Says More Interesting
Simon Says is an enjoyable game for kids, but after a few rounds the novelty can wear off. Fortunately, there are many ways to make this classic game even more interesting!
One way to make Simon Says more exciting is by adding props. Try adding flashlights, balls or other lightweight objects into the mix while playing. As you give instructions like “Simon says jump up and catch the ball!” your players will have to think quickly on their feet. You could also try incorporating beanbags or Frisbees into the game for some added physical activity.
In addition to using props, you can change up the rules of Simon Says so that it’s based on something not physical at all like music. Ask your players to do activities according to musical patterns instead of verbal commands – they’ll have fun moving around in time with whatever song you pick out.
If you’re looking for an extra bit of excitement, consider introducing challenges like memory tests or tongue twisters during certain rounds where players need more agility than usual. Keep everyone on their toes with logic puzzles and problem-solving questions in order for them be able to keep up with Simon’s commands and win!
Games Like Simon Says
Simon says has been a classic game for generations, but if you’re looking to switch it up there are plenty of exciting games that share similar qualities. Here are some ideas:
Musical Chairs – Position a number of chairs in the room and play some upbeat music while everyone moves around in a circle. At regular intervals, when the music stops, each person must quickly find a chair to sit on while one person will be left out of the round. It’s an easy game to pick up and is sure to bring lots of laughter – especially when someone unexpectedly gets ‘out’!
Charades – This game requires players to act out words, phrases or sentences without speaking. Each player will have a chance to perform for their team and the team with the most correct guesses wins! This Charades Set is a favorite in our house.
Hot Potato – Pass an object, such as a ball, around the circle while music plays in the background. When the music stops, the person holding the object is out. It’s a simple yet entertaining game that also helps with hand-eye coordination. This Hot Potato game is already equipped with the music!
Follow The Leader – One person is chosen as the leader and they must think of a sequence of movements that the other players have to mimic. This game can be adapted depending on the age group and it encourages creative thinking in addition to physical coordination.
Telephone – A fun game that involves passing a message around the circle by whispering to the person next to you. It’s a great way to practice active-listening skills and it encourages teamwork since everyone has to work together in order for the message to be relayed accurately.
I Spy – A game where one person picks an object in the room and gives clues such as its color or shape. Everyone takes turns guessing what the object is until it’s correctly identified – great for stimulating problem-solving skills!

When it comes to having fun with your friends, Simon Says is the perfect game. With its simple and straightforward rules, you can have a great time.
You can make the game more challenging or even add special rules like ‘freeze’ for extra laughs. Whether you are playing with a huge crowd or just one other person, Simon Says is always an awesome way to spend some quality time with your favorite people.
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