Favorite Simon Says Ideas

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I was volunteering in my child’s acting class the other day.  The teacher pulled out an acting version of Simon Says.  As I watched the kids scramble to play, it reminded me what a fun party game Simon Says is.  

We used to play Simon Says at parties when I was a kid all of the time.  It’s such a simple and easy group game that keeps kids entertained for prolonged periods.  Plus you can create different versions to match your party theme.

As I watched the teacher call out different actions for the kids to do, I realized the only problem with Simon Says is having enough Simon Says ideas on the spot.  I don’t think my brain works quick enough.

So, I created a free printable list of my favorite Simon Says Ideas.  There are over 60 easy actions that will get kids moving and giggling.  I’ve also listed them below so you can use this post as a guide.

Who is Simon?

My one fascination about the game Simon Says is who is Simon.  It turns out that the game had a precursor – Cicero Says.  Cicero, as in the famous Roman orator.  The game evolved from the Latin phrase “Cicero dicit fac hoc,” meaning “Cicero says to do this”.  Why Cicero?  Because if Cicero says something, you will listen.  End of story.

But how did we get to Simon?  One theory is that the Simon referred to in Simon says is the great 13th century French-English noble Simon De Montfort. He commanded so much authority from those around him that he was able to imprison King Henry III.  No wonder we are still listening to him all of these centuries later.

How Do You Play Simon Says?

The great news about Simon Says is that it’s really easy to play.  Gather your guests into a group.  Designate one person as “Simon”.  Depending on the age group, you might want an adult to be “Simon”.

Start play by reading off an action from the Simon Says Ideas list.  Players must only perform tasks that begin with “Simon Says”.  If they perform a task that doesn’t, they are out. 

The last person standing when play is over, win.  Play continues until only one player is remaining.

Best Times to Play Simon Says

• Use as a fun kids party game (you can make the actions themed)
• Have as an in between activity in a classroom setting (class parties, Sunday School and co-op class)
• Keep the PDF on your phone to use while waiting in line at an amusement park
• Make it an activity at a campfire night or sleepover
• Play as an icebreaker to get to know each other
• Use as a game for Family Game Night

Free Printable Simon Says Ideas

Since we don’t always have access to this webpage or our phones (and might not want to carry them around all of the time), I created a FREE Printable Simon Says Ideas list.  Download, print and then you can have a hard copy of all of these ideas with you.  

It’s perfect to keep tucked away in your bag or the kitchen drawer for easy accessibility.

Simon Says Ideas

So, here they are.  My favorite 60 Simon Says Ideas.  I tried to include all kinds of ideas so you can choose the type of Simon Says game you want to play.

• Pat your head.
• Stomp your feet.
• Wiggle your fingers.
• Clap your hands.
• Touch your nose.
• Stand on one foot.
• Rub your belly.
• Hop like a frog.
• Pretend to be invisible.
• Beep and move like a robot.
• Touch your toes.
• Pretend to juggle.
• Look surprised.
• Do 3 jumping jacks.
• Pretend to dribble a basketball.
• Play an air guitar.
• Walk backwards.
• Put both hands on your head.
• Roar like a lion.
• Pretend to swim.
• Fly like an airplane.
• Pretend to walk on a tightrope.
• Stand on your tiptoes.
• Twirl like a ballerina.
• Pretend to play the drums.
• Stick out your tongue.
• Do a push up.
• Smile as big as you can.
• Pretend to kick a soccer ball.
• Act like your falling asleep.
• Slither like a snake.
• Jog in place.
• Pretend to blow bubblegum.
• Blink fast.
• Frown.
• Wiggle your eyebrows.
• Pretend to eat an ice cream cone.
• Tromp like a dinosaur.
• Hop like a kangaroo.
• Pretend to shovel snow.
• Meow like a cat.
• Pretend to blow up a balloon.
• Tap dance with your feet.
• Waddle like a penguin
• Stomp like an elephant.
• Blast off like a rocket ship.
• Pretend you’re climbing a mountain.
• Do a push-up.
• Walk backwards.
• Yawn.
• Pretend to brush your teeth.
• Freeze like a statue.
• Pretend to jump in a puddle.
• Balance on your knees.
• Fly like a butterfly.
• Breathe fire like a dragon.
• Gallop like a horse.
• Crawl like a crab.
• Jump up and down.
• Pretend to sneeze.

Grab your FREE printable of all of these Simon Says Ideas here.

Looking for more classic party game ideas?  Check out these fun relay races or plan to play the piñata game at your next celebration.  Or, if it’s summer, check out these super “cool” water balloon games.

Happy Celebrating,

Natalie