When we think of childhood games, it’s amazing to see how the definition has changed over the years. However, there are childhood games that have stood the test of time and are still fun for players of all ages. Here are some childhood games we love to play!
Classic Childhood Games To Play
What’s The Time Mr Wolf
What’s The Time Mr Wolf is an engaging game that can be played across a wide age range and is a great activity to play both indoors and outdoors. It’s best suited for kids who know how to count and an interesting way to test their reflexes. The aim of the game is for the “wolf” to tag one of the other players. The players will start the game by asking in unison “What’s the time Mr Wolf?” Read our article on how to play at the link here.
Eagle and Chick Game
What is said to be a popular game that originated in Taiwan, the “Eagle Catch Chick” or 老鹰捉小鸡 (Lǎoyīng zhuō xiǎo jī ) game is easy to learn and requires little to no setup. Players will take on the role of an eagle, mother hen or chick. The aim of the game is for the “eagle” to try to catch one of the “chicks” and the “mother hen’s” aim is to try to protect the “chicks” from the “eagle”. Read our article on how to play at the link here.
Police and Thief
Not related to the local hit TV comedy sitcom “Police And Thief” that aired in 2004, the game Police and Thief has many variations but we like to play this version as a hybrid of ice and water and a bit of hide & seek. Read how to play Police And Thief and the variations you can try at the link here.
Wink Murder
A play on the phrase of “giving a deadly wink”, Wink Murder is a fun game to play with a group of people. In this game, a secret “murderer” winks at players to get them eliminated. Players have to catch the murderer before they get everyone in the group! Read how to play the game of Wink Murder here.
Blind Man’s Bluff
A popular game that is played around the world, Blind Man’s Bluff is a fun game to play as a group, especially at parties. Blind Man’s Bluff is like the traditional game of tag, with the exception that the person who is the catcher must be blindfolded. Here’s how to play Blind Man’s Bluff.
Pass The Parcel
Pass The Parcel is a straightforward yet popular game to play at many parties and gatherings. The excitement of unwrapping presents does not get old no matter how many times it is played. Read all you need to know and prepare if you want to play a game of Pass The Parcel at the link here.
Simon Says
Who is Simon and why do we follow what he says? Regardless of theories, this is a popular classic game that can be played in a group and across different ages. It is similar to the game follow the leader. Read how to play Simon Says.
Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a popular party game and a childhood game many would have played, at least once or twice. A fun game to test the attentiveness of players and reaction time, the aim of the game is to try to get a seat before the music stops and to be the last player seated! Simply play some music and music and remove a chair each time the music stops!
I Spy
I spy is a fun game that can be played anytime and anywhere with another person. Simply take turns to pick a different object that you can see and ask them to take a guess based on the clue that is given. There are endless rounds and possibilities and it’s a great way to pass the time. Read more here.
Floor Is Lava
A versatile game that tests creativity, reflex and agility, The Floor Is Lava is a game in which players pretend that the floor or ground is made of and thus must avoid touching the ground to avoid getting burned or “killed”. The concept is a popular reference in media such as movies and competitor games. Here’s how to play The Floor Is Lava.
Hide And Seek
One of the well-known games played around the world, Hide and Seek is a classic game that can be played both indoors and outdoors at almost any age. It is a game that engages and develops many skills such as observation, quick thinking, dexterity and more. Here is how to play Hide and Seek and the different variations.
Freeze Tag
Freeze Tag is a variation on the classic game of Tag. The main difference of freeze tag is that when a person is tagged, the player must be “frozen” and is unable to move until a fellow teammate tags the frozen player to release them. The player who is “it” wins by freezing all the other players.
Twister
A childhood game that requires good balance, flexibility and endurance, twister is a game where players have to stand on a mat with various coloured circles and based on the options that are landing on the wheel, players will have to twist to put their corresponding body part on the chosen colour. It’s a game that is sure to bring hours of laughter and even test a bit of core strength from holding the unique positions.
Follow The Leader
A game that is especially popular amongst little ones who love to copy adults, players can pick a leader whose actions that the rest of the players must mimic. The game can also be played in a “secret leader” variation where a player has to guess who the leader is by observing the person who dictates the change of actions.
Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a simple game that requires very little to no setup and a few variations can be added to keep it interesting. This is a game that requires 4 or more people and is best played as an outdoor game. Read how to play the game Red Light, Green Light here.
