How to Play What’s the Time, Mr Wolf? (Classic Game for Ages 3–8)

ByChristie Burnett Updated on

Inside: Perfect for teachers and parents looking for a simple, active game that builds counting, listening, and gross motor skills.

Games for Kids: How to Play What's The Time Mr Wolf?

Game Snapshot: What’s The Time, Mr Wolf?

Age: 3–8 years
Number of players: 3+
Space needed: A flat space – grass, game court, playground, hall
Equipment: None
Skills: Counting (1–12), listening, turn‑taking, running, risk management

Learning outcomes:

  • Develops counting confidence and early number sense (moving forward by o’clock counts)
  • Build gross motor coordination and spatial awareness
  • Promote social skills through turn‑taking and shared rules
  • Supports transitions & group focus before/after lessons

How to Play

1. Choose a Wolf:
 Choose one student to be Mr (or Miss) Wolf. Mr Wolf stands at one end of the playing space with their back to the group. Everyone else stands side by side in a line, facing Mr Wolf at the opposite end.
2. The Call:
 All players together call, “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?”
3. The Response:
 Without turning around, Mr Wolf answers with an o’clock time, for example, “It’s three o’clock!”
4. Counting:
 The players then take three steps forward, counting aloud as they go
5. Play Continues:
 This call/response continues, bringing the group gradually closer to Mr Wolf (who is not allowed to turn around or look to see where the players are).
6. The Chase:
 When Mr Wolf is ready (usually when he/she suspects players are near), he can switch his response to, “It’s dinner time!” At that cue, everyone runs back to the starting line as Mr Wolf chases after them, trying to tag a player.
7. Repeat:
 The player caught becomes the next Mr Wolf, and the game starts again.

Classroom Variations & Tips

  • Learning Extension (Telling Time): After play, use a paper plate clock or simple clock face to explain (or remind students of) the concept of “o’clock” – great for linking movement to early time‑telling concepts.

Why This Game Works for 3-8 Year Olds

This classic play activity naturally blends movement with cognitive skills – counting aloud, anticipating outcomes and adjusting movement based on peer cues. It also builds confidence in group settings and can be adapted easily for different ages or abilities.

Play More Classic Games

Looking for more active games perfect for preschool and early primary students? Check out our Classic Outdoor Games for Preschool & Early Elementary Students hub to find games like Duck Duck Goose, Red Light Green Light, Captain’s Orders and more!

Explore all of the classic outdoor games for 3-8 year olds here.


Christie Burnett is a teacher, author and mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to find engaging, high quality learning ideas.

12 Comments

  1. I grew up with this game. (Canada). Great for practicing that one to one correspondence. Tried this in the preschool a couple years ago and most kids took it as ” take as many steps before you count to the selected number as possible.” Haha.

  2. johnymilton001 says:

    i would like to play this game with my children. This is really good and interesting. My both children like to play this with me.

  3. In western Canada we call this “What time is it, Mr. Wolf” and play it in many variations — it’s a great way to practice foot handling a soccer ball (tiny kicks) or dribbling a basketball. They all love it.

    I just learned a new one at small boy’s skating lesson they call “Wax Museum”. Whoever is It stands a ways away, on a mark, with their back to the group, who are slowly moving towards him; when It calls stop, everybody freezes. Then It gets to go try to make them laugh (no touching…but making faces, staring contests etc are fair game). If you move you go to the back of the group. Whoever makes it to the mark first gets to be It next. It’s a huge hit with this group of 4-6 year olds. I think the skates are probably optional 🙂

    1. Love the variations, Frances, and Wax Museum sounds like lots of fun too 🙂

  4. Thank you for reminding me about this game-my kids in tutoring will love it.
    Ann Foster

  5. My kids love that game. Another good game for early childhood kids to get them moving is a game called busy bees. Each gets a string that they make into a circle on the groundso that they have their beehive. Teacher calls out body parts that need to be put in the beehive. When teacher calls “busy bees” everyone runs to a new beehive. Play continues. Some body parts get more difficult because I call 3 knees so kids have to figure out how to pair themselves up in one beehive. Great game to teach body awareness and the kids love some of the weird body parts i make them put in the beehives.

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