65+ Simon Says Ideas & Commands for Kids (Free Printable)

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Looking for fun Simon Says ideas for kids? This collection includes more than 65 easy, silly, active and challenging Simon Says commands, along with simple game instructions and a free printable list you can keep nearby while you play.

Simon Says requires no special equipment and works at home, in the classroom, at parties or outdoors. It is an easy choice when you need a quick movement activity, listening game or screen-free way to keep a group engaged.

If you need even more activities for several children, browse our collection of group games for kids.

How to Play the Simon Says Game

One player becomes Simon and gives the group a series of directions. The key is listening for the words “Simon says” before completing an action.

1. Choose Simon: Select one person to lead the game.
2. Give a command: Simon says something such as “Simon says touch your nose.”
3. Listen carefully: Players complete the action only when the direction begins with “Simon says.”
4. Watch for trick commands: If Simon gives a direction without saying “Simon says,” players should stay still.

You can play without eliminating anyone, especially with toddlers or classroom groups. For a more competitive version, a player who follows a trick command sits out until the next round. See our complete guide to the Simon Says game and rules for more ways to lead a successful round.

Benefits of Playing Simon Says

Simon Says turns simple movement into an enjoyable listening activity. While playing, children can practice several useful skills:

• Listening: Children must hear the complete instruction before acting.
• Following directions: Players practice responding to one-step and multi-step commands.
• Self-control: Trick directions encourage children to pause instead of reacting immediately.
• Coordination: Movement commands give kids opportunities to practice balance and body awareness.
• Turn-taking: Different players can take turns giving directions and leading the group.

Easy Simon Says Game Variations

Small changes can keep the game interesting without requiring additional equipment:

• No-elimination Simon Says: Everyone keeps playing even after making a mistake.
• Reverse Simon Says: Players do the opposite of the command.
• Team Simon Says: Divide players into small groups that complete the directions together.
• Themed Simon Says: Use only animal, classroom, holiday or exercise commands.

For more twists—including themed and group versions—try these different ways to play Simon Says.

Adapting Simon Says for Different Ages and Abilities

Toddlers and preschoolers: Use short one-step directions, demonstrate movements and avoid eliminating players. A five-minute round is often plenty for young attention spans.

Older children: Combine two or three actions, add direction words such as left and right or let players take turns creating challenging commands.

Small spaces or seated play: Choose facial expressions, hand motions, sounds and upper-body movements instead of running or floor-based actions. Players can always substitute a comfortable movement.

Example Simon Says Script

A short practice round can help children understand the difference between a real command and a trick command:

• “Simon says clap your hands.”
• “Simon says touch your nose.”
• “Jump one time.” Players should stay still because Simon did not say “Simon says.”
• “Simon says make a silly face.”

65+ Simon Says Ideas and Commands for Kids

Choose commands that fit your players’ ages, available space and comfort levels. Mix easy actions with silly prompts and an occasional trick direction to keep everyone listening.

Easy Simon Says Commands

Start with these simple one-step actions when teaching new players how the game works.

• Simon says clap your hands.
• Simon says touch your toes.
• Simon says pat your head.
• Simon says raise your arms.
• Simon says stand up straight.
• Simon says put your hands on your hips.
• Simon says rub your tummy.
• Simon says point to the sky.
• Simon says nod yes.
• Simon says shake your head no.
• Simon says look up and smile.
• Simon says wave hello.

Simon Says Commands for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Use short directions, demonstrate the movement when needed and focus on participation instead of eliminating young players.

• Simon says touch your nose.
• Simon says wiggle your fingers.
• Simon says tap your knees twice.
• Simon says blink your eyes three times.
• Simon says stomp your feet twice.
• Simon says sit down.
• Simon says stand up.
• Simon says touch your ears.
• Simon says point to your shoes.
• Simon says pretend you are sleeping.
• Simon says show five fingers.
• Simon says give yourself a high five.

Silly and Pretend Simon Says Ideas

These imaginative commands are especially fun for parties, family game nights and classroom brain breaks.

• Simon says make a silly face.
• Simon says laugh out loud.
• Simon says pretend to be an airplane.
• Simon says wiggle like a worm.
• Simon says act like a robot.
• Simon says make a funny noise.
• Simon says pretend to be a tree.
• Simon says fly like a bird.
• Simon says act like a puppy.
• Simon says act like your favorite animal.
• Simon says walk like a penguin.
• Simon says pretend to be a giant.

Active Movement Commands

Choose movements that suit the available space and remind players to leave room around one another.

• Simon says jump up and down.
• Simon says spin around once.
• Simon says hop on one foot.
• Simon says squat down low.
• Simon says shake your shoulders.
• Simon says stomp five times.
• Simon says swing both arms in circles.
• Simon says twirl once.
• Simon says jog in place.
• Simon says take two steps forward.
• Simon says march in place.
• Simon says flap your arms like wings.

Classroom Simon Says Commands

Mix movement with colors, counting and simple language skills for a quick classroom listening game.

• Simon says point to something red.
• Simon says clap the syllables in your name.
• Simon says count to five.
• Simon says show three fingers.
• Simon says spell your first name.
• Simon says make an X with your arms.
• Simon says whisper your favorite color.
• Simon says pretend to write with a pencil.
• Simon says point to your left.
• Simon says point to your right.
• Simon says freeze and hold still.
• Simon says sit quietly with your hands in your lap.

Challenging Simon Says Commands for Older Kids

Older players can follow two-step directions and sequences that require closer listening.

• Simon says clap twice, then stomp once.
• Simon says touch your nose, then touch your toes.
• Simon says spin around twice, then freeze.
• Simon says balance on one foot and count to five.
• Simon says march four steps and jump twice.
• Simon says touch your left knee with your right hand.
• Simon says take two steps backward and one step forward.
• Simon says make a triangle with your hands above your head.
• Simon says move in slow motion until the next command.
• Simon says pretend to swim for five strokes.
• Simon says do three jumping jacks, then freeze.
• Simon says snap your fingers while marching in place.

Grab the Free Printable Simon Says Commands List

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Simon Says FAQ

With a ready-to-use list of commands, Simon Says can become a quick classroom brain break, party game or family activity whenever kids need to listen, move and have fun.