Games for Kids: How to Play Red Light, Green Light

Red Light, Green Light is a great game for getting kids moving, encouraging children to listen and respond and requiring them to stay alert and be controlled in their movements. While many children think that the fastest child is sure to win, it is those who are sure and steady on their feet that have the best chance. Here’s how to play!

Let’s Play Red Light, Green Light

Number of players: 3+ (the more the merrier!)

Recommended Age: 3+ years

Equipment needed: None. You will however need a reasonably large, open space for the children to run in.

To play:

One person is chosen to be ‘it’ (the traffic light) and he/she stands a good distance away from the other players (5+ metres) with his back to them. The other players stand in a line facing It.

When It calls ‘Green Light,’ the other players move towards him until he spins around, calling ‘Red Light.’ When they hear the red light command the other players must freeze on the spot. Any child seen moving must return to the starting line. The children must remain frozen until the next ‘Green Light’ command is given.

Play continues in this manner until someone reaches and tags It. The tagger becomes the new It and the game begins again.

Variations

• Include a ‘Yellow Light’ command which requires the players to move in slow motion.
• Decide if shouting ‘Red Light’ more than once in a row is allowed as this will certainly get players listening.
• Before calling ‘Green Light,’ It or the supervising adult selects a way of moving – hopping, crawling, walking backwards, etc
• A simpler version for younger children involves the traffic light staying facing the other players.

What is your favourite group game to get kids moving?

Check out the other games in the Games for Kids series…