Classic babysitting games to play with kids

Want to transform an average day with the kids into an extraordinary adventure? Prepare to ditch the screens, push the furniture aside, and get ready for giggles, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether it's a thrilling treasure hunt or a whimsical world of make-believe, these classic babysitting games are your golden ticket to becoming the most legendary sitter on the block. 

Simon says

This classic game is perfect for keeping younger kids occupied. Give them silly instructions like "Simon says hop on one foot" and see how long they can follow along.

Memory match

This game is excellent for improving memory skills. Place a few items on a tray, let the kids study them for a minute, then cover the tray and have them try to remember all the objects.

Scavenger hunt

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Create a list of items for the kids to find around the house or yard. You can also hide small toys or treats for them to discover.

Freeze dance

Put on some music and let the kids dance, but when the music stops, they have to freeze in place. The last one moving is out, and the game continues until there's only one player left.

Pictionary(™)

For older kids, this drawing game can be a lot of fun. Have them draw things from a category like animals or objects, and see if the other players can guess what they are.

Charades

Similar to Pictionary, but instead of drawing, the player acts out a word or phrase without talking while the others try to guess.

Bowling with plastic cups

Set up a bowling alley using plastic cups as pins and a small ball. It's an easy game to set up, and kids will love knocking down the "pins."

Obstacle course

Create an obstacle course in your backyard or living room using pillows, chairs, and other household items. Time the kids as they navigate through it.

Storytelling game

Bring out the storybook magic without a book. Have each child contribute a sentence to a story and take turns to build an imaginative adventure. This activity boosts creativity and teaches cooperation as they piece together their very own tale.

Hot potato

Grab any small object to be the "potato" and start the music! Players pass the potato around the circle until the music stops. The one caught holding the potato when the music stops is out, and the game goes on until there's a winner.

Duck, duck, goose

All kids sit in a circle, and one is chosen to walk around tapping on each one's head while saying "duck, duck..." until they decide to say "goose!" The "goose" gets up, and the chase is on! If the "goose" catches the runner before they sit down in the open spot, the runner goes again.

Balloon pop

Write down fun activities on slips of paper and insert them into balloons before inflating them. Let kids pop a balloon to find out what the activity will be. It's a great way to decide what game to play next!

Red light, green light

One person plays the traffic light and stands at one end of the room or yard. The others stand at the opposite end. When the traffic light says "green light," everyone moves toward them until they call "red light" and everyone must freeze. The first one to reach the traffic light wins!

Tag, you're it!

A classic game that never gets old. One player is designated as "it," and they have to chase the other players to tag them. The last player tagged becomes the new "it."

Being an epic babysitter is all about creating moments that spark joy and imagination. By turning to these timeless games, you can keep the kids entertained by igniting their sense of wonder and giving them stories to tell.

Looking for more ideas on how to have fun with your little ones? Check out the Greenlight's Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.