Modern humans are not accustomed to searching for entertainment. Usually we have countless options. During the lockdown, many of the places we would normally go for entertainment are also in lockdown. The limited sources of entertainment that we do have access to has been having issues keeping up with demand. The internet is slow and video hubs like YouTube and Netflix are overwhelmed. We can only watch so much of the news. So, what do we do? Well there are several things that families can do together to pass the time. Here are 20 games and activities, with minimal supplies, that we can do with our families to pass the time, get to know each other, get some exercise, and reconnect to those who are closest to us.
1. IS IT THIS, IS IT THAT
The game is simple and the only supply that is needed is a pointer (you can always use a finger). This is also a game that can be played with 3 or more people; though the more the merrier. Player one (P1) stands in the center of the room with everyone else surrounding them. P1 asks a random player (P2) to assist them in finding out what “it” is. P1 walks around pointing to things and asking P2 “Is it this?” and “Is it that?” until the P2 guesses what “it” is. What everyone else playing doesn’t know is that there is a process to guessing what “it” is. P1 points to something specific (like a color, or item) just before they point to “it”. P2 also knows what the specific item is but NOT what “it” is. Everyone is left guessing how P2 knew what “it” is.
Example: P1 has informed P2 that they will point to something black first. P1 then proceeds to point to anything but something black. P2 answers no to “Is it this” and “Is it that” until P1 points to something black. P2 now knows that the next thing that is pointed at is “It”. At this point, ask the group if anyone thinks they know how to play? If someone says yes, they become P2 and the P2 of the previous round is now P1. If no one says yes, P1 and P2 try again. The penultimate (item previous to “it”) prompt can be different each round. Black, red, round, flat, etc. Any description will work.
2. PICTIONARY
If you have a clock and a dry-erase marker, this game can be played on the fridge, on a window, or a white board. Divide the players into two teams. Make sure that the item being drawn on is located where everyone can see it. If you don’t have the game, make a list of descriptive words or actions and put them in a bowl so that they are randomized. If you are playing with younger children, try and use words or actions that players of all ages would be able to guess.
Team 1 has one player approach the drawing surface and draws a word from the bowl. The time is set to 60 seconds. The player starts to draw and has 60 seconds to draw the word and have the team guess what the word is. There is no talking, letters, words or numbers allowed. If team one does not guess in the time given (this can be adjusted depending on the age of the players), then the other team has an opportunity to guess what the word was. If team two guesses the word, they receive a point and begin the next round.
3. HIDE AND SEEK
This one, of course, is a classic. There are no supplies that are needed aside from nooks and crannies. There is no limit to the number of people that can play. Determine who will be “It” (the seeker). You can always do it by age; rock, paper, scissors; drawing straws, etc. The seeker closes their eyes and begins to count to a predetermined number. Depending on how big the area is that the hiding will take place in, a longer or shorter timeframe could be allowed. While the seeker counts (out loud), everyone else hides. Once the counting is finished, the seeker opens their eyes and states “Ready or not, here I come!” and begins the search. The round is finished once everyone is found. The first hider found by the seeker, is the new seeker for the next round.
4. KICK THE CAN
This game is an altered version of Hide and Seek and takes place outside, at night. A can or bucket is placed in a well-lit area (usually center of the front yard, under the porch light). The seeker is chosen, closes eyes, and begins to count out loud. Everyone else hides. The seeker states “Ready or not, here I come!” and begins the search. When a hider is found, they go to a designated area near (but not on) the can/bucket area (usually sitting on front porch). Once everyone is found the round is over. The first hider found by the seeker, is the new seeker for the next round.
Where the can/bucket comes in. The seeker guards the can from being kicked by a hider that they haven’t found yet. If a hider that has not been found kicks the can/bucket, everyone is released to hide again. The seeker has to get the can/bucket, put it back where it was, and they have to start counting and searching again. If the seeker sees a hider going to kick the can, the seeker can try and beat them to the kick. If the seeker beats them to the kick, the hider is out and has to sit in the designated area.
The challenge is that the seeker has to leave the can/bucket to search for hiders. The hiders have to leave their hiding place to kick the can/bucket and release everyone else. This one was a favorite in my neighborhood when I was growing up.
5. GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Every player writes down (on separate papers, not a list) a few things that they figure the other players don’t know about them. Place those papers in a bowl or hat. Remember the more things that are written down, the longer the game can be played. The players then take turns pulling out a paper and guessing who wrote the paper.
6. SIMILIES
One player goes around, to one player at a time, saying the beginning part of a simile phrase and the other player is supposed to finish it. For example: P1 begins with “As tight as….” and P2 is supposed to respond with something that is known to be tight; like “a drum”. Another: P1 says “As quick as….” and P2 says “a whip”. If P2 answers correctly, they stay in for another question. If they answer incorrectly, they are out. The last player standing wins and is the new quizzer.
7. SIMON SAYS
We all remember this one from when we were young. If nothing else, this is a good one to do to get some exercise and get people moving around. Simon says is one of those classics that everyone can get into. One player is Simon. Everyone does what Simon says as long as Simon says “Simon says”. If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says” and a player does the action anyway, that player is out. For example. Simon says “Simon says touch your toes” the players are supposed to touch their toes. If the players don’t touch their toes, they are out. If Simon say “Touch your toes” the players are not supposed to touch their toes and any who do are out. The ones who don’t stay. Last player standing wins, and can be the next Simon.
8. SCATTEGORIES
If you have the game, great! Pull it out. If you don’t, you can still play an altered version. Get some paper, a timer of some kind, and a bowl full of alphabet letters. Pick a letter, start the timer, and write as many things as you can that start with that letter. After the time is up, each player takes turns reading aloud their list. Cross off identical answers from other players lists. The player with the most answers left on their list wins. Repeat for all the letters.
9. MUSICAL STATUES
The concept of this game is similar to musical chairs, except there are no chairs. Player 1 starts music. All other players dance to the music. Player 1 stops the music and all other players must freeze where they are, like statues. If a player falls before the music starts again, they are out. Last player standing wins. If you have enough room and chairs, why not play musical chairs after.
10. CHARADES
This one is like Pictionary but instead of the players drawing what is being guessed, they act it out. Players split into two teams. Make a list of descriptive terms, words, or phrases and put them in a bowl. Each team takes timed turns having one player draws a paper and acts out what is on it, without speaking, and having their team guess what it is. If the time runs out, the other team gets a chance to guess. If the other team guesses, they receive a point. This process is repeated with the second team.
11. TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
Players gather in a circle and take turns telling the other players two truths and a lie about themselves. The other players try to guess which one is the lie. This game is great to get to know a little more about the people around you and can help to break the ice in groups that don’t know each other very well. It is also a fun test to see how well we really know the people around us.
12. WHO AM I
Players are pinned with papers that have names of famous places, people, or things. Papers are attached to players so that the players cannot see theirs but can see everyone else’s paper. Throughout the gathering, the point of the game is to gather as much information in as little time as possible. It is important to mingle and ask as many yes and no questions that you can. Players are supposed to guess what is written on their paper that they cannot see. First player to guess, wins.
13. TWENTY QUESTIONS
Players separate into two teams. Put words, phrases, famous people, etc, in a bowl. One player from Team 1 chooses a paper from the bowl. The rest of the players on T1 have a total of 20 questions to guess what is on the paper. Only yes and no questions may be asked. If T1 is able to guess, they receive a point. If T1 is not able to guess what is on the paper, T2 gets a chance at guessing (without asking any additional questions). If T2 guesses, they receive a point. The next round is started by one player from T2 choosing a piece of papers and continuing like the first round.
14. NOVEL
Get a notebook or a piece of paper. Each player takes turns writing a story adding 1 line at a time on the same paper. Depending on how many players are working on the story, you can allow multiple turns to finish the story. After everyone has gone through their turns, the story is read aloud. This one is also fun if you keep it going throughout a day, or mini vacation as well.
15. LIMBO
All that is really needed for this game is at least three players and a broomstick. Two players hold the stick horizontally at a height of just below the tallest player. The other players walk forwards under the stick. Once all players take their turn, the stick is lowered a little bit, and the players begin walking under the stick again. This is repeated until the players can no longer walk under the stick. A player cannot lean forward, touch the stick, or the ground when traveling under the stick. Each time a player falls, touches the stick, or gives up, they are out and the game continues until no one is left. Some of the sticks get very low to the ground. This game is always good for a nice stretch or challenge.
16. HOW’S YOURS
One player (P1) leaves the room. The other players choose something that they all have in common. P1 is invited back into the room. The other players begin to ask each other, one at a time, “How’s yours?”. The player they ask is supposed to respond with a single adjective describing it: “tall”, “cold”, “itchy”, etc. P1 is supposed to guess what the rest of the players are referring to.
17. MOST LIKELY TO
Players gather in a circle. One player will say “Most likely to (Fill in the blank)”. Maybe this could be “graduate from college” or “star in a Hollywood movie”. Once the statement is made, everyone points to the player that they feel is most likely to do that. The player with the most fingers pointed at them is out. Last player standing wins.
18. WOULD YOU RATHER
Players gather together in a room or circle. One player (P1) asks other players “Would you rather (Fill in the blank)”. This could be any two options that are both undesirable. An example could be “Would you rather have no Spaghetti for the rest of your life, or eat it every day for a year?”. This is a good one to let the imagination flow and get a little introspection at the same time.
19. STRAIGHT FACE
Players write down funny and ridiculous jokes, statements, or phrases on a paper and put them in a bowl or hat. Players take turns pulling out the papers, one at a time, and reading them aloud. Any player that smiles or laughs while reading the paper loses and is out. The rounds continue until there is only one player left.
20. I SPY
This one is also a classic. Players gather in a room, car, or group outside. Players take turns saying “I spy with my little eye (Fill in the blank with a descriptive term)” and the other players state items that they see that are that description until the guess what item P1 was referring to. An example is “I spy with my little eye something blue”. That could be the sky, eye color, a shirt someone is wearing, the color of a book, etc. Keep guessing until the answer is found. This game is usually used to keep people entertained on a long car ride, but seeing as we may have a little more time on our hands than we planned, might as well play some games that take few supplies, get everyone involved, and allow us to connect with each other.
If there are any topics that you would like me to cover, please let me know. You can contact me through the blog or you can email me. If this information is helpful or you know someone who would be interested, please share. Thank you!
1. IS IT THIS, IS IT THAT
The game is simple and the only supply that is needed is a pointer (you can always use a finger). This is also a game that can be played with 3 or more people; though the more the merrier. Player one (P1) stands in the center of the room with everyone else surrounding them. P1 asks a random player (P2) to assist them in finding out what “it” is. P1 walks around pointing to things and asking P2 “Is it this?” and “Is it that?” until the P2 guesses what “it” is. What everyone else playing doesn’t know is that there is a process to guessing what “it” is. P1 points to something specific (like a color, or item) just before they point to “it”. P2 also knows what the specific item is but NOT what “it” is. Everyone is left guessing how P2 knew what “it” is.
Example: P1 has informed P2 that they will point to something black first. P1 then proceeds to point to anything but something black. P2 answers no to “Is it this” and “Is it that” until P1 points to something black. P2 now knows that the next thing that is pointed at is “It”. At this point, ask the group if anyone thinks they know how to play? If someone says yes, they become P2 and the P2 of the previous round is now P1. If no one says yes, P1 and P2 try again. The penultimate (item previous to “it”) prompt can be different each round. Black, red, round, flat, etc. Any description will work.
2. PICTIONARY
If you have a clock and a dry-erase marker, this game can be played on the fridge, on a window, or a white board. Divide the players into two teams. Make sure that the item being drawn on is located where everyone can see it. If you don’t have the game, make a list of descriptive words or actions and put them in a bowl so that they are randomized. If you are playing with younger children, try and use words or actions that players of all ages would be able to guess.
Team 1 has one player approach the drawing surface and draws a word from the bowl. The time is set to 60 seconds. The player starts to draw and has 60 seconds to draw the word and have the team guess what the word is. There is no talking, letters, words or numbers allowed. If team one does not guess in the time given (this can be adjusted depending on the age of the players), then the other team has an opportunity to guess what the word was. If team two guesses the word, they receive a point and begin the next round.
3. HIDE AND SEEK
This one, of course, is a classic. There are no supplies that are needed aside from nooks and crannies. There is no limit to the number of people that can play. Determine who will be “It” (the seeker). You can always do it by age; rock, paper, scissors; drawing straws, etc. The seeker closes their eyes and begins to count to a predetermined number. Depending on how big the area is that the hiding will take place in, a longer or shorter timeframe could be allowed. While the seeker counts (out loud), everyone else hides. Once the counting is finished, the seeker opens their eyes and states “Ready or not, here I come!” and begins the search. The round is finished once everyone is found. The first hider found by the seeker, is the new seeker for the next round.
4. KICK THE CAN
This game is an altered version of Hide and Seek and takes place outside, at night. A can or bucket is placed in a well-lit area (usually center of the front yard, under the porch light). The seeker is chosen, closes eyes, and begins to count out loud. Everyone else hides. The seeker states “Ready or not, here I come!” and begins the search. When a hider is found, they go to a designated area near (but not on) the can/bucket area (usually sitting on front porch). Once everyone is found the round is over. The first hider found by the seeker, is the new seeker for the next round.
Where the can/bucket comes in. The seeker guards the can from being kicked by a hider that they haven’t found yet. If a hider that has not been found kicks the can/bucket, everyone is released to hide again. The seeker has to get the can/bucket, put it back where it was, and they have to start counting and searching again. If the seeker sees a hider going to kick the can, the seeker can try and beat them to the kick. If the seeker beats them to the kick, the hider is out and has to sit in the designated area.
The challenge is that the seeker has to leave the can/bucket to search for hiders. The hiders have to leave their hiding place to kick the can/bucket and release everyone else. This one was a favorite in my neighborhood when I was growing up.
5. GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Every player writes down (on separate papers, not a list) a few things that they figure the other players don’t know about them. Place those papers in a bowl or hat. Remember the more things that are written down, the longer the game can be played. The players then take turns pulling out a paper and guessing who wrote the paper.
6. SIMILIES
One player goes around, to one player at a time, saying the beginning part of a simile phrase and the other player is supposed to finish it. For example: P1 begins with “As tight as….” and P2 is supposed to respond with something that is known to be tight; like “a drum”. Another: P1 says “As quick as….” and P2 says “a whip”. If P2 answers correctly, they stay in for another question. If they answer incorrectly, they are out. The last player standing wins and is the new quizzer.
7. SIMON SAYS
We all remember this one from when we were young. If nothing else, this is a good one to do to get some exercise and get people moving around. Simon says is one of those classics that everyone can get into. One player is Simon. Everyone does what Simon says as long as Simon says “Simon says”. If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says” and a player does the action anyway, that player is out. For example. Simon says “Simon says touch your toes” the players are supposed to touch their toes. If the players don’t touch their toes, they are out. If Simon say “Touch your toes” the players are not supposed to touch their toes and any who do are out. The ones who don’t stay. Last player standing wins, and can be the next Simon.
8. SCATTEGORIES
If you have the game, great! Pull it out. If you don’t, you can still play an altered version. Get some paper, a timer of some kind, and a bowl full of alphabet letters. Pick a letter, start the timer, and write as many things as you can that start with that letter. After the time is up, each player takes turns reading aloud their list. Cross off identical answers from other players lists. The player with the most answers left on their list wins. Repeat for all the letters.
9. MUSICAL STATUES
The concept of this game is similar to musical chairs, except there are no chairs. Player 1 starts music. All other players dance to the music. Player 1 stops the music and all other players must freeze where they are, like statues. If a player falls before the music starts again, they are out. Last player standing wins. If you have enough room and chairs, why not play musical chairs after.
10. CHARADES
This one is like Pictionary but instead of the players drawing what is being guessed, they act it out. Players split into two teams. Make a list of descriptive terms, words, or phrases and put them in a bowl. Each team takes timed turns having one player draws a paper and acts out what is on it, without speaking, and having their team guess what it is. If the time runs out, the other team gets a chance to guess. If the other team guesses, they receive a point. This process is repeated with the second team.
11. TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
Players gather in a circle and take turns telling the other players two truths and a lie about themselves. The other players try to guess which one is the lie. This game is great to get to know a little more about the people around you and can help to break the ice in groups that don’t know each other very well. It is also a fun test to see how well we really know the people around us.
12. WHO AM I
Players are pinned with papers that have names of famous places, people, or things. Papers are attached to players so that the players cannot see theirs but can see everyone else’s paper. Throughout the gathering, the point of the game is to gather as much information in as little time as possible. It is important to mingle and ask as many yes and no questions that you can. Players are supposed to guess what is written on their paper that they cannot see. First player to guess, wins.
13. TWENTY QUESTIONS
Players separate into two teams. Put words, phrases, famous people, etc, in a bowl. One player from Team 1 chooses a paper from the bowl. The rest of the players on T1 have a total of 20 questions to guess what is on the paper. Only yes and no questions may be asked. If T1 is able to guess, they receive a point. If T1 is not able to guess what is on the paper, T2 gets a chance at guessing (without asking any additional questions). If T2 guesses, they receive a point. The next round is started by one player from T2 choosing a piece of papers and continuing like the first round.
14. NOVEL
Get a notebook or a piece of paper. Each player takes turns writing a story adding 1 line at a time on the same paper. Depending on how many players are working on the story, you can allow multiple turns to finish the story. After everyone has gone through their turns, the story is read aloud. This one is also fun if you keep it going throughout a day, or mini vacation as well.
15. LIMBO
All that is really needed for this game is at least three players and a broomstick. Two players hold the stick horizontally at a height of just below the tallest player. The other players walk forwards under the stick. Once all players take their turn, the stick is lowered a little bit, and the players begin walking under the stick again. This is repeated until the players can no longer walk under the stick. A player cannot lean forward, touch the stick, or the ground when traveling under the stick. Each time a player falls, touches the stick, or gives up, they are out and the game continues until no one is left. Some of the sticks get very low to the ground. This game is always good for a nice stretch or challenge.
16. HOW’S YOURS
One player (P1) leaves the room. The other players choose something that they all have in common. P1 is invited back into the room. The other players begin to ask each other, one at a time, “How’s yours?”. The player they ask is supposed to respond with a single adjective describing it: “tall”, “cold”, “itchy”, etc. P1 is supposed to guess what the rest of the players are referring to.
17. MOST LIKELY TO
Players gather in a circle. One player will say “Most likely to (Fill in the blank)”. Maybe this could be “graduate from college” or “star in a Hollywood movie”. Once the statement is made, everyone points to the player that they feel is most likely to do that. The player with the most fingers pointed at them is out. Last player standing wins.
18. WOULD YOU RATHER
Players gather together in a room or circle. One player (P1) asks other players “Would you rather (Fill in the blank)”. This could be any two options that are both undesirable. An example could be “Would you rather have no Spaghetti for the rest of your life, or eat it every day for a year?”. This is a good one to let the imagination flow and get a little introspection at the same time.
19. STRAIGHT FACE
Players write down funny and ridiculous jokes, statements, or phrases on a paper and put them in a bowl or hat. Players take turns pulling out the papers, one at a time, and reading them aloud. Any player that smiles or laughs while reading the paper loses and is out. The rounds continue until there is only one player left.
20. I SPY
This one is also a classic. Players gather in a room, car, or group outside. Players take turns saying “I spy with my little eye (Fill in the blank with a descriptive term)” and the other players state items that they see that are that description until the guess what item P1 was referring to. An example is “I spy with my little eye something blue”. That could be the sky, eye color, a shirt someone is wearing, the color of a book, etc. Keep guessing until the answer is found. This game is usually used to keep people entertained on a long car ride, but seeing as we may have a little more time on our hands than we planned, might as well play some games that take few supplies, get everyone involved, and allow us to connect with each other.
If there are any topics that you would like me to cover, please let me know. You can contact me through the blog or you can email me. If this information is helpful or you know someone who would be interested, please share. Thank you!
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