Large Group Games for Kids

With some balloons and string, you can keep a large group occupied with a fun game.

Anyone who has found herself in charge of a large group of kids probably knows that the key to keeping order is to keep everyone occupied. Playing games is a great way to keep a large group occupied, and games can also provide an opportunity for kids to get some exercise or to learn new skills. Some games may require you to break kids up into smaller groups, while others can be played with as many as 20, or even 30, kids.

The Blob

The goal of this large group game is to be the last person who is not part of the blob. This game requires a fairly big area for the kids to run around in. Tell the kids what the boundaries for the game will be; they must stay within those boundaries. Pick three kids. These three should stand in a line, holding hands. They must continue to hold hands at all times. The three kids must then try to catch and touch the other kids. Once a child is touched, they must join the "blob" and hold hands with a person on either end. The blob must try to tag everyone, but must hold hands the entire time.

Copycat

This game works best with a group of more than 10 children, and can be played indoors. Children sit or stand in a circle, facing inwards. The first child makes a movement, such as a finger snap, a foot stomp, a jump or a double clap. The children must then go around the circle, with each one repeating that movement. The second child then adds another movement and repeats both movements. All the children must then repeat both movements. This continues until someone forgets or does a movement incorrectly. That person is then out. The game continues until only one person remains.

Marshmallow Tower

For this game, you should divide kids into teams of four or more, depending on the size of the group. This is a good opportunity to teach teamwork and cooperation while having fun. Each team is given several packages of marshmallows and dry spaghetti. Their goal is to build a tower by sticking the spaghetti and marshmallows together. The tower cannot be supported by anything else. The team with the tallest tower at the end of the allotted time is the winner.

Balloon Pop

This game makes a good icebreaker. It will work with any size group, although the larger the better, and is best played outside or in a large space. In advance, blow up one balloon for each kid and tie a string onto the end of the balloon. The string should be around three feet long. Give each child one balloon and have them tie the other end of the string around their ankle. The goal of the game is to try and pop everyone else's balloon, while keeping yours safe.

References

• Kids and Childrens Group Games: Great Group Games
• Youth Group Games: Games for Large Groups