Simon Says is one of those rare games that needs zero equipment, works almost anywhere, and keeps kids laughing while quietly building their listening skills, focus, and coordination. The catch? After “touch your toes” and “clap your hands,” most grown-ups run out of ideas fast. This guide fixes that with 85+ Simon Says commands organized by type — classic, silly, tricky, calm, partner, and four themed sets — plus a quick refresher on the rules and a few tricks for catching kids out. Bookmark it for the next party, classroom, or rainy afternoon.
One player is “Simon” and calls out commands to the group. If a command begins with “Simon says,” everyone must do it. If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says” first, players must not do it — anyone who does is out. The last player remaining becomes the next Simon. That’s the whole game, and its simplicity is exactly why it works for ages 3 to 10 (and beyond). The real skill, as the caller, is in the rhythm: lull players into a pattern of “Simon says” commands, then slip in a sneaky one without the magic words.
Classic Simon Says Commands to Start
These are the warm-up commands — simple, physical, and easy for every age to follow. Start here to get the group moving and comfortable with the rhythm before you bring out the tricky ones.
Simon says, “Touch your toes.”
Simon says, “Clap your hands.”
Simon says, “Spin in a circle.”
Simon says, “Jump up and down.”
Simon says, “Put your hands on your head.”
Simon says, “Touch your nose.”
Simon says, “Wiggle your fingers.”
Simon says, “Pat your belly.”
Simon says, “Stand on one foot.”
Simon says, “Shake your whole body.”
Silly and Funny Commands
These are the commands that get the giggles going. Acting silly together breaks the ice and keeps energy high — perfect for parties or any time the group needs a laugh.
Simon says, “Quack like a duck.”
Simon says, “Walk like a penguin.”
Simon says, “Pretend to brush your teeth.”
Simon says, “Make a silly face.”
Simon says, “Pretend to play a guitar.”
Simon says, “Bark like a dog three times.”
Simon says, “Pretend to eat an ice cream cone.”
Simon says, “Do a funny dance.”
Simon says, “Make a heart shape with your hands.”
Simon says, “Pretend to be a superhero.”
Tricky Commands for Older Kids
Once kids have the basics down, these multi-step and balance commands raise the challenge. They’re ideal for older children (ages 7+) who need their focus and coordination tested to stay engaged.
Simon says, “Touch your nose and then your knees.”
Simon says, “Clap, then spin around.”
Simon says, “Pat your head while hopping on one foot.”
Simon says, “Pretend to do a slow-motion run in place.”
Simon says, “Balance on one foot for five seconds.”
Simon says, “Walk backward in a circle.”
Simon says, “Do three jumping jacks, then freeze.”
Simon says, “Pretend to be frozen like a statue.”
Simon says, “Touch your left foot with your right hand.”
Simon says, “Balance on one foot with your eyes closed.”
Quiet and Calm Commands
Use these to wind the group down — at the end of a party, before nap or bedtime, or as a classroom transition. They keep the game going while gently lowering the energy.
Simon says, “Close your eyes and take a deep breath.”
Simon says, “Sit down and cross your legs.”
Simon says, “Stretch your arms above your head.”
Simon says, “Whisper your favorite animal.”
Simon says, “Take three deep breaths.”
Simon says, “Give yourself a big hug.”
Simon says, “Tap your shoulders gently.”
Simon says, “Close your eyes for five seconds.”
Simon says, “Think of something that makes you happy.”
Simon says, “Put your hands together quietly.”
Partner and Group Commands
These commands get kids interacting with each other, which builds teamwork and makes the game more social. They work best with a larger group where everyone has a neighbor.
Simon says, “High-five someone near you.”
Simon says, “Give someone a thumbs-up.”
Simon says, “Walk in a circle with a partner.”
Simon says, “Pretend to shake hands with a partner.”
Simon says, “Mirror your partner’s movements.”
Simon says, “Pat a friend on the back.”
Simon says, “Wave to someone across the room.”
Simon says, “Do a silly dance with a partner.”
Simon says, “Pretend to pass an invisible ball to someone.”
Simon says, “Make a funny face at someone.”
Halloween-Themed Commands
Spooky-season fun for a Halloween party or classroom celebration. These commands lean into ghosts, witches, and monsters for giggly, themed play.
Simon says, “Pretend to be a spooky ghost.”
Simon says, “Walk like a zombie.”
Simon says, “Howl like a werewolf.”
Simon says, “Pretend to hold a pumpkin.”
Simon says, “Do a creepy laugh.”
Simon says, “Pretend to be a black cat.”
Simon says, “Point to something orange.”
Simon says, “Pretend to cast a spell.”
Simon says, “Pretend to fly on a broomstick.”
Simon says, “Cackle like a witch.”
Winter-Themed Commands
Perfect for a snow day, holiday classroom party, or winter birthday. These commands bring the chill indoors with snowmen, snowballs, and cozy cocoa.
Simon says, “Pretend to build a snowman.”
Simon says, “Shiver like you’re cold.”
Simon says, “Do a snow angel on the ground.”
Simon says, “Pretend to throw a snowball.”
Simon says, “Pretend to drink hot cocoa.”
Simon says, “Pretend to skate on ice.”
Simon says, “Wrap an imaginary scarf around you.”
Simon says, “Pretend to be a snowflake falling.”
Simon says, “Blow into your hands like you’re warming them up.”
Simon says, “Pretend to wear big snow boots.”
Birthday Party Commands
Tailor-made for the guest of honor’s big day. These celebratory commands tie the game right into the party theme.
Simon says, “Pretend to blow out birthday candles.”
Simon says, “Dance like you’re at a party.”
Simon says, “Pretend to open a gift.”
Simon says, “Clap and shout ‘hooray!'”
Simon says, “Pretend to take a big bite of cake.”
Simon says, “Strike a pose like a rockstar.”
Simon says, “Pretend to sing Happy Birthday.”
Simon says, “Pretend to throw confetti.”
Simon says, “Pretend to take a picture with friends.”
Simon says, “Do a happy birthday dance.”
Animal-Themed Commands
Kids love pretending to be animals, which makes these a reliable hit with younger players. Each one combines movement with a sound or motion for extra fun.
Simon says, “Walk like an elephant.”
Simon says, “Flap like a bird.”
Simon says, “Hop like a bunny.”
Simon says, “Slither like a snake.”
Simon says, “Gallop like a horse.”
Simon says, “Stomp like a dinosaur.”
Simon says, “Pretend to be a lion and roar.”
Simon says, “Crawl like a turtle.”
Simon says, “Buzz like a bee.”
Simon says, “Pretend to be a dog and wag your tail.”
Bonus: Sneaky “Gotcha” Commands
These are the commands a clever Simon uses without saying “Simon says” — designed to catch players who’ve fallen into a rhythm and aren’t listening for the magic words. Mix them in after a fast run of legitimate commands.
“Touch your nose.” (no “Simon says” — anyone who does it is out)
“Jump three times.”
“Sit down right now.”
“Put your hands up.”
“Freeze!”
“Turn around quickly.”
“Clap twice.” (slipped in right after a real “Simon says clap”)
“Wave goodbye.”
Tips for Choosing the Right Commands by Age
Ages 3–4: Stick to single-action classics and animal commands (“hop like a bunny,” “clap your hands”). Skip multi-step instructions.
Ages 5–7: Add silly and themed commands, and start slipping in gentle “gotcha” tricks to teach careful listening.
Ages 8+: Use the tricky multi-step and balance commands, speed up your pace, and get sneakier with the no-“Simon-says” traps.
Mixed ages: Alternate easy and hard commands so younger kids stay in the game while older ones stay challenged.
People Also Ask
What are some good Simon Says commands?
Good Simon Says commands mix simple actions (touch your toes, clap your hands), silly ones (quack like a duck, do a funny dance), and tricky multi-step ones (pat your head while hopping on one foot). Themed commands for Halloween, winter, birthdays, and animals keep the game fresh and tie it to any occasion.
How do you make Simon Says harder?
Speed up your pace, use multi-step commands (clap, then spin, then freeze), and slip in commands without saying “Simon says” right after a fast run of legitimate ones. Balance challenges with eyes closed and quick direction changes also raise the difficulty for older kids.
What age is Simon Says good for?
Simon Says works well for ages 3 to 10, with the commands scaled to the group. Younger kids enjoy simple single-action and animal commands, while older kids thrive on multi-step instructions, balance challenges, and sneaky “gotcha” tricks.
FAQ
How many players do you need for Simon Says?
You can play with as few as two (one Simon, one player), but it’s most fun with a group of four or more. Larger groups make the partner commands and the process of elimination more exciting.
What skills does Simon Says teach?
Simon Says builds listening and attention, impulse control (resisting commands without “Simon says”), gross-motor coordination, body awareness, and — with partner commands — social cooperation. It’s a favorite of teachers and therapists for exactly these reasons.
Is Simon Says good for the classroom?
Yes — it needs no equipment, can be played in a small space, and works as a quick brain break or transition activity. The calm commands are especially useful for settling a class down after a high-energy moment.
With these 90+ Simon Says commands, you’re equipped to keep kids entertained, engaged, and active in a simple, screen-free way. Whether you want something high-energy, calm, silly, or themed, there’s a command here for every occasion and mood — so the next time playtime needs a spark, you’ve got more than enough to keep every round fresh. Happy playing!
Hannah Carter is the party food and entertaining writer at Party & Beyond. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, she specializes in showstopping charcuterie boards, easy party snacks, and holiday desserts that turn ordinary gatherings into memorable celebrations. With years of hosting experience , from Thanksgivings to engagement parties , Hannah believes the best party food impresses guests without keeping the host stuck in the kitchen. Her golden rule: if a recipe pulls you away from your own celebration, it's not worth making.
