Looking for fun and creative Simon Says ideas for kids? Whether you’re planning a birthday party, entertaining toddlers at home, organising classroom activities, or simply looking for a quick family game, Simon Says is a wonderful activity that requires almost no preparation.
In my house, Simon Says is one of those games my children never seem to get tired of. We play it in the living room, at the park, and sometimes even before bedtime. What I love most is how easily I can change the commands depending on their ages, moods, and energy levels.
Sometimes we play silly rounds filled with funny movements. Other times, I choose commands that encourage careful listening, concentration, balance, patience, or coordination.
And the best part? You don’t need special equipment, expensive toys, or much space.
In this collection, you’ll find Simon Says commands organised by age group, developmental skill, difficulty level, and occasion. From easy toddler movements to challenging memory games and creative birthday party activities, there is something for almost every child.
I’ve also included ready-to-play ideas so you can quickly choose a section and start playing without having to invent commands on the spot.
Let’s play!
How to Play Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic listening game where children follow instructions, but only when the instructions begin with the words “Simon says.”
The rules are simple:
- Choose one person to be Simon, the leader who gives instructions.
- Simon gives commands such as “Simon says touch your nose.”
- Everyone follows the command if it begins with “Simon says.”
- When Simon gives an instruction without saying “Simon says,” the players should stay still.
- Traditionally, a player who follows a command without hearing “Simon says” is out. However, you can also play a friendly version where everyone stays in the game.
- Continue playing with increasingly funny or challenging instructions.
Example:
- “Simon says clap your hands!” — Everyone claps.
- “Simon says jump twice!” — Everyone jumps twice.
- “Touch your toes!” — Don’t move!
- “Simon says spin around!” — Everyone spins carefully.
- “Sit down!” — Stay where you are!
The fun comes from paying attention and resisting the temptation to copy every instruction.
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Should Children Be Eliminated From Simon Says?
Not necessarily!
Although traditional Simon Says is often played as an elimination game, I prefer a more relaxed version for younger children and mixed-age groups.
Instead of removing children when they make a mistake, you can ask them to do a funny action, such as making an animal sound or giving themselves a round of applause.
Then everyone continues playing.
This approach helps younger children feel included and gives them more opportunities to practise listening, remembering instructions, and controlling their movements.
For older children who enjoy competition, you can introduce points, timed challenges, or a final champion round.
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Tips for Playing Simon Says With Different Ages
- Toddlers: Use simple, familiar movements and demonstrate the actions. It’s fine to skip trick commands at first.
- Preschoolers: Introduce simple trick commands and short sequences.
- Primary school children: Use faster changes, more complicated instructions, and memory challenges.
- Older children: Introduce multi-step directions, reversed movements, and creative problem-solving.
- Mixed-age groups: Choose commands everyone can attempt and adjust the difficulty individually.
Safety tip: Make sure children have enough space to move. Avoid commands involving dangerous climbing, forceful movements, holding their breath, or balancing on unsafe surfaces. Children can skip or adapt any movement that feels uncomfortable.
Simon Says Ideas by Age Group
Children of different ages enjoy different levels of challenge. A command that makes a toddler laugh may feel too easy for a ten-year-old, while an older child’s memory challenge may frustrate a preschooler.
The following sections are organised by age to make it easier to find suitable commands.
Remember that every child develops at their own pace. The age ranges are suggestions, not strict rules.
Simon Says for Toddlers (Ages 2–3)
At this age, Simon Says is mostly about having fun, copying simple movements, learning body parts, and practising listening.
Use a gentle pace and show your toddler what each action looks like. You don’t need to insist on perfect responses or catching mistakes.
20 Easy Simon Says Commands for Toddlers
- Simon says clap your hands.
- Simon says touch your nose.
- Simon says wave hello.
- Simon says stomp your feet.
- Simon says give yourself a big hug.
- Simon says touch your tummy.
- Simon says wiggle your fingers.
- Simon says put your hands on your head.
- Simon says pretend to be a sleepy cat.
- Simon says make a funny face.
- Simon says touch your knees.
- Simon says flap your arms like a bird.
- Simon says pretend to eat a banana.
- Simon says make a little circle with your hands.
- Simon says blow a pretend kiss.
- Simon says stretch your arms up high.
- Simon says walk slowly like a turtle.
- Simon says make a quiet mouse sound.
- Simon says pretend to smell a flower.
- Simon says sit down and give yourself a clap.
Parent tip: With very young toddlers, it’s perfectly fine to say every command with “Simon says.” Once your child understands the game, occasionally leave out those words and see whether they notice.
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Simon Says for Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)
Preschoolers are usually ready for more imaginative commands and simple listening challenges.
This age is perfect for combining movement, animal pretend play, counting, and basic body awareness.
Try mixing easy instructions with a few trick commands. You can gradually increase the difficulty as children become more confident.
20 Fun Simon Says Commands for Preschoolers
- Simon says hop like a bunny.
- Simon says roar like a lion.
- Simon says touch something blue.
- Simon says flap your wings like a butterfly.
- Simon says take three giant steps.
- Simon says make a happy face, then a surprised face.
- Simon says walk like a penguin.
- Simon says pretend to brush your teeth.
- Simon says jump over an imaginary puddle.
- Simon says touch your shoulders.
- Simon says balance on one foot for three seconds.
- Simon says pretend you’re driving a bus.
- Simon says freeze like a statue.
- Simon says count to five while clapping.
- Simon says march like a soldier.
- Simon says make the sound of your favourite animal.
- Simon says stretch like a tall tree.
- Simon says pretend you’re stirring a giant pot of soup.
- Simon says give yourself a superhero pose.
- Simon says take a bow like a famous performer.
Simple Trick Commands for Preschoolers
Once children understand the rules, mix in instructions without saying “Simon says.”
For example:
- Touch your ears!
- Jump twice!
- Make a chicken sound!
- Sit on the floor!
- Clap your hands!
Children should remember to stay still when the magic words are missing.
Keep the mood playful. If someone makes a mistake, simply laugh together and continue.
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Simon Says for Kids Ages 6–8
Children in this age group often enjoy more energetic movements, silly challenges, counting games, and instructions that require careful attention.
They may also enjoy taking turns being Simon, inventing their own commands, and trying to trick their friends.
You can introduce simple two-step instructions and change the pace to make the game more exciting.
20 Creative Simon Says Commands for Ages 6–8
- Simon says touch your right knee with your left hand.
- Simon says do five jumping jacks.
- Simon says pretend you’re walking on the moon.
- Simon says clap twice, then stomp once.
- Simon says stand like a flamingo for five seconds.
- Simon says pretend you’re moving through thick mud.
- Simon says draw a giant circle in the air with your finger.
- Simon says make your funniest robot movement.
- Simon says walk backwards for three careful steps.
- Simon says pretend you’re a superhero taking off.
- Simon says touch your head, shoulders, and knees in that order.
- Simon says count backwards from ten.
- Simon says move like you’re swimming through the ocean.
- Simon says stand on your tiptoes for five seconds.
- Simon says pretend you’re carrying an enormous invisible watermelon.
- Simon says spell your first name aloud while clapping.
- Simon says act like you’re walking against a strong wind.
- Simon says make a funny face without laughing for five seconds.
- Simon says pretend you’re a clock and move your arms like its hands.
- Simon says freeze in the most unusual safe pose you can imagine.
Make It More Challenging
Try alternating between quick commands and slow ones.
For example:
“Simon says clap once!”
“Simon says touch your elbow!”
“Jump!”
“Simon says freeze!”
Children must listen carefully rather than simply copying everyone around them.
For an additional challenge, ask children to remember two or three movements and perform them in order.
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Simon Says for Older Kids (Ages 9–12)
Older children may find ordinary Simon Says commands too predictable.
The secret to keeping them interested is introducing unexpected instructions, complex movement patterns, memory games, and challenges that require attention and quick thinking.
Try making this version more competitive while still keeping it fun and inclusive.
20 Challenging Simon Says Commands for Older Kids
- Simon says touch your left ear with your right hand while standing on your right foot.
- Simon says clap twice, stomp three times, then freeze.
- Simon says count backwards from twenty in steps of two.
- Simon says draw a triangle in the air with one hand while your other hand stays on your hip.
- Simon says pretend you’re walking in slow motion for ten seconds.
- Simon says hold a superhero pose while naming three planets.
- Simon says spell your name backwards aloud.
- Simon says touch your left knee, right shoulder, and nose in that order.
- Simon says silently act out your favourite sport.
- Simon says balance on one foot while counting backwards from ten.
- Simon says pretend you’re an astronaut repairing a spaceship.
- Simon says perform three different animal movements without repeating one.
- Simon says clap every time I say an even number. (Simon calls out a short sequence of numbers.)
- Simon says create a four-movement dance and repeat it twice.
- Simon says make a surprised face while walking like a robot.
- Simon says name five animals that live in water while standing still.
- Simon says trace the alphabet letter S in the air using your elbow.
- Simon says perform these actions in order: clap, crouch, stand, and stretch.
- Simon says pretend you’re controlling an invisible remote-control robot.
- Simon says freeze in a creative pose until I say “Simon says relax.”
Advanced Simon Says Trick Round
For an extra challenge, read these commands in quick succession, pausing briefly between each one.
- Simon says touch your left shoulder.
- Touch your right shoulder!
- Simon says clap three times.
- Simon says lift your right foot.
- Put your foot down!
- Simon says put your foot down.
- Simon says point toward the ceiling.
- Point toward the floor!
- Simon says close your hands into gentle fists.
- Open your hands!
The challenge isn’t simply moving quickly. It’s paying attention to exactly what Simon says.
You can award one point for each correctly followed instruction, or play cooperatively and see whether the group can complete an entire round without mistakes.
Simon Says Games for Focus and Listening Skills
Best for: Ages 4+
Skills practised: Listening, attention, noticing details, and responding to instructions.
One of my favourite ways to use Simon Says is to encourage children to slow down and listen carefully before moving.
Instead of giving ordinary instructions, try mixing similar-sounding commands, changing your voice, or adding unexpected movements.
The aim isn’t to catch children making mistakes. It’s to give them a fun opportunity to practise paying attention.
12 Simon Says Commands for Focus and Concentration
- Simon says touch your nose with one finger.
- Simon says clap exactly four times.
- Simon says listen carefully and raise your hand when you hear the word “banana.” (Say several different words, including banana.)
- Simon says point to something round in the room.
- Simon says close your eyes for three seconds while standing still, then open them. (Offer the option to keep eyes open.)
- Simon says wiggle only your little fingers.
- Simon says take two quiet steps forward.
- Simon says tap your knees once, then clap twice.
- Simon says point to your left ear without touching it.
- Simon says freeze and listen for three sounds around you.
- Simon says make a circle with your arms without moving your feet.
- Simon says copy my next movement only when I say “go.” (Demonstrate an easy movement.)
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Ready-to-Play Game: The Focus Detective
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Tell the children they’re secret detectives whose mission is to listen for important clues.
Begin with easy commands. Gradually introduce instructions that sound similar:
- “Simon says touch your nose.”
- “Simon says touch your toes.”
- “Touch your nose!”
- “Simon says touch your left ear.”
- “Simon says freeze!”
Children must listen instead of simply copying one another.
Make it harder: Use a softer voice, increase the pace slightly, or combine two actions.
Make it easier: Pause after each command and demonstrate the movement.
Simon Says Balance and Coordination Challenges
Best for: Ages 4+
Skills practised: Balance, coordination, body awareness, and controlled movement.
Balance challenges are especially fun in Simon Says because children can pretend to be animals, statues, gymnasts, or adventurers.
They also create opportunities to practise controlling movements rather than rushing through them.
Use a flat, non-slip surface and give children room to move. Let them use a wall or sturdy chair for support when needed.
12 Simon Says Commands for Balance
- Simon says stand like a flamingo for five seconds.
- Simon says walk along an imaginary straight line.
- Simon says balance on your tiptoes for three seconds.
- Simon says stretch your arms sideways like aeroplane wings.
- Simon says take five slow heel-to-toe steps.
- Simon says stand on one foot and wave hello.
- Simon says crouch down slowly and stand up again.
- Simon says balance a soft toy on your head while standing still.
- Simon says walk like a careful penguin.
- Simon says lift one knee and count to five.
- Simon says stand tall like a tree swaying gently in the breeze.
- Simon says make a statue pose and hold it for ten seconds.
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Ready-to-Play Game: The Balance Champion
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Tell the children they’re training for a pretend balance championship.
Begin with easy movements and gradually introduce trickier poses.
Give everyone a chance to choose a favourite pose for the group to copy.
Instead of eliminating children when they wobble, challenge everyone to beat their own previous balance time.
Make it harder: Increase the balance time or combine an easy balance pose with counting.
Make it easier: Allow children to hold a stable surface or keep both feet on the floor.
Simon Says for Self-Control, Patience, and Following Rules
Best for: Ages 4+
Skills practised: Waiting, stopping and starting, listening, and managing impulses.
Simon Says is a playful way for children to practise pausing before acting.
For younger children, this can be surprisingly challenging. They may hear an instruction and begin moving before noticing whether Simon used the magic words.
With regular, enjoyable practice, children get opportunities to work on self-control without being lectured or punished.
The goal is not unquestioning obedience. Children should always feel comfortable refusing an unsafe or uncomfortable instruction.
12 Simon Says Commands for Self-Control
- Simon says hold your hands still for five seconds.
- Simon says move like a slow-motion robot.
- Simon says wait until I count to three before clapping.
- Simon says take one tiny step and stop.
- Simon says pretend you’re a statue in a museum.
- Simon says whisper the word “hello.”
- Simon says keep your feet still while waving your hands.
- Simon says take a slow breath before your next movement.
- Simon says pretend you’re a traffic light turning red and freeze.
- Simon says move your arms very slowly like a sleepy butterfly.
- Simon says wait quietly while I count backwards from five.
- Simon says give yourself a gentle hug and remain still for three seconds.
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Ready-to-Play Game: Red Light Simon
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Explain that the children are pretend cars driving along an imaginary road.
When Simon gives a movement command, they can move carefully around the playing area.
But when a command is given without “Simon says,” they must resist the temptation to move.
Mix slow and fast instructions while keeping the movements safe.
Extra challenge: Sometimes demonstrate a movement without saying “Simon says.” Children must follow the spoken rule rather than automatically copying the leader.
Simon Says Memory and Brain Challenges
Best for: Ages 6+
Skills practised: Working memory, sequencing, attention, and problem-solving.
Want to make Simon Says more challenging for primary school children?
Try asking them to remember several movements and perform them in the correct order.
Start with two actions and gradually increase the number depending on how confident the children feel.
12 Simon Says Memory Commands
- Simon says clap once, stomp twice, then wave.
- Simon says touch your head, knees, and shoulders in that order.
- Simon says remember these three animals: lion, rabbit, elephant. Now act them out in the same order.
- Simon says take one step forward, one step sideways, and one step backwards.
- Simon says make a triangle with your fingers, then a circle with your arms.
- Simon says tap your right shoulder twice and your left knee once.
- Simon says remember the numbers two, four, and six, then say them backwards.
- Simon says clap, spin once carefully, and freeze.
- Simon says name three fruits beginning with different letters.
- Simon says copy my three movements in reverse order. (Demonstrate three simple actions.)
- Simon says remember these colours: red, yellow, blue, green. Now repeat them backwards.
- Simon says invent a three-movement sequence and perform it twice.
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Ready-to-Play Game: Simon’s Secret Sequence
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Tell the children that Simon has a secret movement code.
Begin with two actions:
“Simon says clap and touch your nose.”
Next, increase the difficulty:
“Simon says clap, touch your nose, and raise your left hand.”
Keep adding movements as long as the children are enjoying the challenge.
Make it harder: Ask older children to repeat the sequence backwards.
Make it easier: Let children watch the leader demonstrate each movement.
Funny and Difficult Simon Says Challenges
Best for: Ages 7+
Skills practised: Creativity, coordination, listening, and flexible thinking.
Sometimes children want a Simon Says game that is ridiculously funny or surprisingly difficult.
This section is perfect for older children who feel they’ve mastered the basic rules.
The commands combine unusual actions, funny pretend situations, and challenges that require concentration.
12 Funny and Tricky Simon Says Commands
- Simon says walk like a penguin pretending to be a robot.
- Simon says make a serious face while pretending to ride a tiny bicycle.
- Simon says act like your shoes are stuck to the floor.
- Simon says pretend you’re a famous singer performing underwater.
- Simon says balance on one foot while naming three vegetables.
- Simon says pretend you’re an alien learning how humans wave.
- Simon says move your arms like a windmill while counting to eight.
- Simon says pretend you’re carrying an invisible elephant feather.
- Simon says make the funniest silent laugh you can.
- Simon says act like a superhero whose cape is stuck in a door.
- Simon says draw a square in the air with one hand while your other hand draws a circle.
- Simon says create the most dramatic slow-motion victory celebration.
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Ready-to-Play Game: The Ultimate Simon Challenge
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Choose six difficult commands from the list.
Give each child a chance to attempt them.
For a fun variation, award points for completing commands correctly or for creative interpretations of pretend-play instructions.
Children can also invent their own challenges.
Remember that being funny is more important than being perfect!
Simon Says Ideas for Birthday Parties
Best for: Ages 4–12, with adjustments
Perfect for: Birthday parties, family gatherings, school celebrations, and group games.
Simon Says is one of the easiest birthday party games to organise because you don’t need expensive equipment or complicated preparation.
It’s also flexible enough for children with different interests.
For a birthday party, choose commands that are energetic, silly, and easy for the whole group to understand.
12 Birthday Party Simon Says Commands
- Simon says pretend you’re blowing out birthday candles.
- Simon says dance like you’re at the funniest party ever.
- Simon says balance an imaginary birthday cake on your hands.
- Simon says sing “Happy Birthday” in a robot voice.
- Simon says pretend you’re opening a giant present.
- Simon says make a balloon shape with your arms.
- Simon says walk like you’re wearing enormous clown shoes.
- Simon says pretend you’re decorating a birthday cake.
- Simon says make your best party celebration pose.
- Simon says pretend you’re a balloon slowly floating into the sky.
- Simon says act like you’re carrying a tower of birthday cupcakes.
- Simon says cheer for the birthday child!
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Ready-to-Play Game: Birthday Party Simon Says
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Gather the children in a circle or a spacious area.
Choose an adult or older child to be Simon.
Begin with a few simple commands to explain the rules, then move into the birthday-themed challenges.
For younger children, use a cooperative version where everyone continues playing even after making mistakes.
For older children, you can introduce a points system or a final challenge round.
Party tip: Let the birthday child become Simon for the final round. Children often love having a turn as the leader.
For larger parties, divide children into smaller groups so everyone can move comfortably.
Outdoor and Playground Simon Says Ideas
Best for: Ages 3+
Perfect for: Parks, gardens, playgrounds, picnics, and outdoor family time.
Outdoor Simon Says is wonderful because children have more room to move and can interact with the natural world around them.
You can use trees, clouds, grass, birds, and other nearby objects as inspiration.
Always choose commands that suit the space, and avoid climbing equipment, running toward roads, or touching unfamiliar plants and animals.
12 Outdoor Simon Says Commands
- Simon says stretch your arms toward the sky.
- Simon says walk carefully around an imaginary puddle.
- Simon says find something green without picking it.
- Simon says flap your wings like a bird.
- Simon says pretend you’re a tree growing taller.
- Simon says point toward a cloud.
- Simon says march like you’re exploring a jungle.
- Simon says listen quietly for a bird sound.
- Simon says take three giant dinosaur steps.
- Simon says pretend you’re jumping over tiny imaginary rivers.
- Simon says make a butterfly with your hands.
- Simon says stand still and feel the breeze on your face.
Ready-to-Play Game: The Nature Explorer
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Tell the children they’re nature explorers on a special mission.
Use commands inspired by whatever you can safely see around you.
For example, ask them to notice a cloud, imitate a bird, or pretend to move through an imaginary forest.
You can even create a nature adventure story as you play.
Make it educational: Include colours, counting, shapes, and observations about the environment.
Calming Simon Says Before Bedtime
Best for: Ages 2+
Perfect for: Evening routines, quiet time, and calming down after active play.
Simon Says doesn’t always have to involve jumping and running.
A gentle version can become a lovely family activity before bedtime.
Choose slow movements, quiet voices, gentle stretching, and imaginative pretend play.
The goal is to help children transition from energetic activities to a quieter atmosphere, not to turn bedtime into another competition.
12 Gentle Simon Says Commands Before Bed
- Simon says stretch like a sleepy kitten.
- Simon says give yourself a warm hug.
- Simon says take three gentle breaths.
- Simon says pretend you’re a flower closing for the night.
- Simon says make a tiny, quiet wave.
- Simon says rest your hands gently on your tummy.
- Simon says move your fingers like soft falling rain.
- Simon says pretend you’re a peaceful cloud floating in the sky.
- Simon says slowly stretch your arms above your head.
- Simon says make the quietest mouse sound possible.
- Simon says lie down comfortably and look at the ceiling.
- Simon says close your eyes if you want to and imagine a beautiful starry sky.
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Ready-to-Play Game: Sleepy Simon
Duration: 3–5 minutes
Lower your voice and slow the pace of the game.
Begin with gentle stretching and end with quieter, slower instructions.
You can play while sitting on a rug or lying comfortably in bed.
Avoid fast commands, surprises, or competitive challenges that might make children excited again.
My favourite idea: Let the final command always be something peaceful, such as taking a slow breath or giving yourself a gentle hug.
Simon Says for Classroom Brain Breaks
Best for: Ages 5–12
Perfect for: Classroom breaks, homeschooling, learning transitions, and group activities.
A quick round of Simon Says can provide a fun movement break between learning activities.
Teachers and parents can also combine the game with counting, letters, vocabulary, and simple maths.
Choose movements that children can perform safely beside their desks, without bumping into furniture or one another.
12 Educational Simon Says Commands
- Simon says clap five times.
- Simon says make the shape of the letter T with your arms.
- Simon says count backwards from ten.
- Simon says point to something shaped like a rectangle.
- Simon says name an animal beginning with the letter B.
- Simon says show the number seven using your fingers.
- Simon says name three things you can find in a classroom.
- Simon says stretch both arms toward the ceiling.
- Simon says make a triangle shape using your hands.
- Simon says say the next number after nineteen.
- Simon says count in twos up to twenty.
- Simon says whisper one kind word you could say to a friend.
Ready-to-Play Game: The Learning Leader
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Choose a learning topic such as numbers, shapes, letters, or animals.
Create Simon Says commands related to that topic.
For example, during a maths lesson, children can clap a certain number of times or use their fingers to demonstrate an answer.
During a language lesson, ask them to name words beginning with particular letters.
Teacher tip: Keep the game short, positive, and accessible to children with different movement and learning needs.
Creative Simon Says Adventures and Pretend Play
Best for: Ages 3–10, with adjustments
Skills practised: Imagination, listening, expressive movement, and creative thinking.
This is one of my favourite ways to make Simon Says feel like a completely new game.
Instead of giving unrelated commands, turn the entire round into an imaginary adventure.
Children can become astronauts, explorers, underwater creatures, superheroes, or characters in a magical story.
You can create a new adventure every time you play.
12 Creative Simon Says Adventure Commands
- Simon says put on your imaginary astronaut helmet.
- Simon says walk carefully across the surface of the moon.
- Simon says pretend you’re discovering a hidden underwater city.
- Simon says swim like a friendly dolphin.
- Simon says climb an imaginary mountain using slow climbing movements while keeping your feet on the floor.
- Simon says look through imaginary binoculars.
- Simon says pretend you’re riding a gentle dragon through the clouds.
- Simon says move like a robot exploring a new planet.
- Simon says protect an imaginary treasure from a gust of wind.
- Simon says pretend you’re steering a pirate ship through a storm.
- Simon says make a magical doorway with your arms.
- Simon says celebrate because your adventure mission is complete!
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Ready-to-Play Game: The Space Mission
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Tell the children:
“Today, we’re travelling into space. You’re all astronauts, and Simon is your mission commander!”
Start with an imaginary countdown.
Then give commands involving space helmets, slow-motion moonwalking, alien discoveries, and careful spaceship repairs.
Remember to occasionally give instructions without saying “Simon says.”
Extra challenge: Ask the children to invent their own space mission commands and take turns being Simon.
Alternative adventures: Underwater explorers, jungle detectives, dinosaur expeditions, fairy-tale kingdoms, and superhero rescue missions.
How to Make Simon Says More Fun for the Whole Family
One of the best things about Simon Says is how easily you can adjust the game to suit your family.
You can make it energetic, educational, competitive, cooperative, silly, or calming depending on the moment.
Here are a few simple ideas to keep children interested:
Let Children Take Turns Being Simon
Children often enjoy inventing commands just as much as following them.
Giving them a turn as the leader encourages creativity, communication, and confidence.
Mix Different Age Groups
If you’re playing with toddlers and older children together, choose commands everyone can attempt.
You can give younger children simpler versions of the same movement while offering an additional challenge to older children.
For example, a toddler might stand like a flamingo while holding a parent’s hand, while an older child attempts the pose independently.
Use Everyday Objects
Soft toys, cushions, balloons, or imaginary objects can make the game more interesting.
You don’t need to buy anything specifically for Simon Says.
Create Your Own Family Traditions
You might have a special bedtime Simon Says round, a Sunday afternoon family challenge, or a favourite set of commands for the park.
Over time, these simple games can become lovely family memories.
Remember That Fun Comes First
Simon Says can give children opportunities to practise listening, attention, movement, and self-control.
However, it shouldn’t feel like a test.
Encourage effort, adapt movements when needed, and keep the atmosphere positive.
The most important part is enjoying time together.
10 Creative Simon Says Game Variations
Once children know the basic rules, you can make Simon Says feel completely different simply by changing how the game works.
Here are ten variations you can try at home, in the classroom, or at a birthday party.
1. Reverse Simon Says
Best for: Ages 8+
In this tricky version, children must do the opposite of what Simon says.
For example, when Simon says “raise your arms,” the players lower their arms instead.
When Simon says “stand up,” they sit down.
Agree on the opposites before beginning, and use movements with clear, safe alternatives.
This version encourages children to pause and think rather than respond automatically.
2. Silent Simon Says
Best for: Ages 5+
Instead of speaking every instruction, Simon uses picture cards or simple gestures.
For example, a picture of a star means stretch your arms and legs into a star shape.
Agree on a special visual signal that means an instruction counts. Without that signal, everyone stays still.
This variation provides a different kind of attention challenge and can be adapted for children with hearing differences.
3. Musical Simon Says
Best for: Ages 4+
Play some cheerful music in the background.
Simon gives movement instructions while the music plays, then occasionally pauses it.
Children can freeze during the silence and continue once the music starts again.
Keep the volume comfortable so everyone can hear the instructions.
4. Animal Kingdom Simon Says
Best for: Ages 2–7
Every command must involve an animal.
Children might flap like butterflies, stomp like elephants, stretch like giraffes, or waddle like penguins.
You can even choose a different habitat for each round, such as the jungle, ocean, farm, or Australian bush.
5. Superhero Simon Says
Best for: Ages 4–10
Turn the children into superheroes completing imaginary missions.
They might strike a heroic pose, pretend to rescue a teddy bear, activate imaginary shields, or move in slow motion through a pretend obstacle course.
Avoid real jumping from heights or dangerous rescue stunts.
6. Memory Master Simon Says
Best for: Ages 7+
Simon gives a sequence of movements, and the children must remember the correct order.
Start with two actions, then increase to three or four.
For a harder variation, ask children to repeat the movements in reverse.
7. Team Simon Says
Best for: Ages 5+
Divide the players into small teams.
Each team gets the same instructions, and members help one another remember the rules.
Instead of eliminating individuals, give each team a point when everyone completes a challenge together.
This is a lovely cooperative variation for parties and school groups.
8. Mystery Voice Simon Says
Best for: Ages 5+
Simon changes their voice to sound like a robot, a giant, a whispering fairy, or a sleepy bear.
The rules stay exactly the same, but the unusual voices make the instructions funnier.
Children can take turns choosing Simon’s next voice.
9. Colour Hunt Simon Says
Best for: Ages 3–7
Choose a colour and ask children to point toward or find safe objects matching it.
You can also include shapes, sizes, and textures.
For younger children, allow extra time and help them recognise each colour.
This is especially useful in the living room or classroom.
10. Family Challenge Simon Says
Best for: Mixed ages
Invite parents, grandparents, and siblings to join in.
Give younger children simple versions of the commands and older children an optional extra challenge.
Let everyone take a turn as Simon.
The aim is to laugh together rather than find the fastest or most skilful player.
How to Adapt Simon Says for Different Abilities
Simon Says should be enjoyable and accessible for as many children as possible.
Some children may find particular movements, sounds, or instructions difficult. That doesn’t mean they should be excluded from the game.
Here are some simple ways to adapt it:
- Allow seated movements instead of standing or jumping.
- Use gestures, pictures, or demonstrations alongside spoken commands.
- Give children extra processing time before expecting a response.
- Offer a quieter version for children who find loud noises overwhelming.
- Allow children to skip any uncomfortable movement.
- Keep instructions short and predictable when introducing the game.
- Avoid elimination when it creates unnecessary frustration.
- Let children invent their own accessible commands.
A seated player can still stretch, point, clap, make facial expressions, remember sequences, and take turns leading.
The goal is participation, enjoyment, and playful practice—not perfect performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simon Says
What age is Simon Says suitable for?
Simon Says can be adapted for a wide range of ages.
Children as young as two may enjoy a simplified version where they copy easy movements. Preschoolers can gradually learn the traditional rules, while older children often enjoy memory sequences, tricky instructions, and competitive challenges.
The best commands depend on the child’s individual abilities and interests.
What skills can children practise through Simon Says?
Simon Says gives children opportunities to practise listening, attention, memory, movement coordination, balance, turn-taking, and self-control.
The specific skills involved depend on the commands you choose.
For example, balance commands offer movement practice, while multi-step instructions provide a working-memory challenge.
Although Simon Says can support playful skill practice, it shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for individual developmental support or therapy.
Can Simon Says help children with listening and concentration?
Simon Says can be a fun way to practise attentive listening and responding to instructions.
Children must notice whether a command begins with “Simon says” before deciding to move.
You can make the activity more challenging by adding multi-step instructions or simple memory games.
However, playing Simon Says alone is not proven to produce lasting improvements in every child’s attention or concentration.
How do you play Simon Says with toddlers?
Start with simple actions such as clapping, waving, touching body parts, and pretending to be animals.
Demonstrate each movement and give your toddler plenty of time to respond.
At first, you can include “Simon says” in every instruction and focus on copying movements.
Introduce trick commands only when your toddler begins to understand the rules.
How can I make Simon Says harder for older children?
Try combining several movements in one command, changing the pace, using opposite actions, or asking children to remember a sequence.
You can also let older children become Simon and invent their own challenges.
Is Simon Says a good birthday party game?
Yes! Simon Says is a simple birthday party activity because it requires little equipment and can be adapted for different group sizes.
For younger children, try a cooperative version where nobody gets eliminated.
For older children, you can introduce points, team challenges, or a final championship round.
How many children can play Simon Says?
You can play with just one child or with a larger group.
For birthday parties and classrooms, make sure everyone has enough space to move safely.
Large groups may be easier to manage when divided into smaller teams.
Can Simon Says be played while sitting down?
Absolutely.
Children can clap, point, make facial expressions, move their arms, practise counting, and complete memory challenges while seated.
This is useful for quiet activities, classroom transitions, and children who prefer or need seated movement.
Can Simon Says be played before bedtime?
Yes, as long as you choose gentle, calming commands.
Try slow stretches, quiet animal movements, soft voices, and comfortable breathing.
Avoid energetic challenges, loud music, and competitive rounds immediately before sleep.
What happens if a child makes a mistake in Simon Says?
Traditional Simon Says may eliminate a player who follows an instruction without hearing the words “Simon says.”
However, elimination isn’t necessary.
For younger children, I recommend allowing everyone to continue playing so mistakes become opportunities to laugh, practise, and try again.
Final Thoughts: Making Simon Says a Family Favourite
Simon Says is one of those wonderfully simple games that can turn an ordinary moment into something memorable.
You don’t need special toys, a large playing area, or hours of preparation. A few creative commands can be enough to entertain children in the living room, at the park, during a birthday party, or even before bedtime.
I especially love how easy it is to adjust the game for different ages and interests.
One day, the children might enjoy hilarious animal movements. Another day, they might ask for tricky listening challenges, balance games, or an imaginary adventure.
With these 200 Simon Says commands and creative variations, I hope you’ll always have a fresh idea ready whenever your children ask to play.
Save or bookmark this page so you can return to it whenever you need a quick and easy kids’ activity.
And I’d love to know: What is the funniest Simon Says command your children have ever tried? Share it in the comments so other families can enjoy it too!
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