All nine games

🫡 How to play Simon Says with kids

Do what Simon says, but only when the command starts with "Simon says".

Ages 2+ · Players 2 or more · Time 5–10 minutes · You need nothing at all

Rules

1. Everyone stands where they can hear Simon.
2. Do what Simon says, but only if the command starts with "Simon says".
3. Got tricked? You're not out: do a wiggle and carry on.
4. Keep an eye on the grown-ups. They get caught the most.

Make it fit the youngest player

• Ages 2–4: "Copy me" mode: Simon always says it, so it's just about copying. No tricks.
• Ages 5–7: Some trick commands, at a steady pace.
• Ages 8–10: Lots of tricks, getting faster and faster.

Nobody is ever out: a mistake becomes a wiggle or a giggle, so the littlest player keeps playing.

No phone? No problem

Take turns being Simon. The youngest goes first; they love being in charge.

Or let the phone run it

Romparoo is Simon, so the grown-ups have to play too, and kids love catching a grown-up moving when Simon didn't say. Simon Says is one of nine games in Romparoo, a free iPhone app with no ads, no accounts and no tracking. It is coming soon to the App Store.

Play safely

Clear the floor, keep cushions low and never climb on furniture. A grown-up should always be around when little ones play.