Simon Says Commands and Free Game Tool

Simon Says is one of the most beloved and timeless group games that has entertained generations of children and adults alike. Simple to learn yet endlessly engaging, this classic game requires nothing but attention and a willingness to follow directions, when given correctly, that is!

In our article, we’ve compiled 165 creative Simon Says commands across multiple categories, including basic movements, animal imitations, facial expressions, and themed actions to breathe new life into this traditional game. Whether you’re a teacher looking to energize your classroom, a parent planning a birthday party, or a camp counselor needing a quick activity for restless kids, our categorized commands make it easy to choose age-appropriate and situation-specific instructions.

Simon Says Command Generator Tool

Best of all, we’ve created a free Simon Says tool that’s super easy to use just click the generate command button, and a random command appears instantly, ready to spark giggles and quick thinking. No setup, no cost

The Educational Benefits of Simon Says

What appears to be just a simple children’s game is actually a powerful educational tool packed with developmental benefits. Simon Says offers much more than just entertainment—it provides numerous advantages for players of all ages.

Improves Listening Skills and Attention Span

Simon Says requires players to listen carefully to the leader’s instructions and determine whether the command begins with “Simon says” before acting. This enhances auditory processing and trains children to pay close attention to verbal cues. In our increasingly distraction-filled world, games that strengthen focused listening are more valuable than ever.

The need to concentrate on both the action being described and whether “Simon says” was mentioned helps children develop sustained attention, a skill that transfers directly to classroom learning. Research suggests that interactive games requiring close listening can help children improve their ability to follow classroom instructions and absorb information during lessons.

Teaches Following Directions

Following multi-step directions is a critical skill for academic success. Simon Says provides a fun, low-pressure environment for children to practice this skill. The game teaches players to process verbal instructions and respond appropriately, either by performing the action or resisting the impulse when “Simon says” is omitted.

This skill extends beyond just hearing instructions—it involves comprehending them, remembering them, and executing them correctly. These are foundational skills that support learning across all subjects and life situations.

Develops Body Awareness and Coordination

Many Simon Says commands involve physical movements that help children develop gross and fine motor skills. Instructions like “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says stand on one foot” encourage body awareness, balance, and coordination.

The game also helps children learn body part names and spatial concepts (up, down, behind, in front). For younger players especially, this reinforces anatomical vocabulary while developing the mind-body connection needed for physical education and sports.

Enhances Impulse Control

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Simon Says is how it builds self-regulation and impulse control. When players hear a command without “Simon says” prefacing it, they must inhibit their natural impulse to follow the instruction (this is really hard for under 5s). This strengthens the executive function skills that help children think before acting, a critical skill for social interactions and classroom behavior.

Studies have shown that games focusing on impulse control can support academic achievement and social development in children of various ages. The simple act of stopping to think “Did Simon say it?” develops crucial cognitive processes that benefit children throughout their education.

Builds Memory Skills

Simon Says challenges players to remember increasingly complex commands, especially in versions where actions must be performed in sequence. This exercises working memory, a cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and processing information.

As children play Simon Says regularly, they become more adept at holding multiple instructions in mind while evaluating which ones to follow. This memory development supports numerous academic tasks, from following multi-step math problems to remembering the sequence of events in a story.

Provides Physical Activity

In today’s world where screen time often dominates children’s recreation, Simon Says offers a welcome opportunity for physical movement. The game naturally incorporates stretching, jumping, balancing, and various other movements that provide light exercise.

Regular physical activity through enjoyable games contributes to overall health and can help meet daily activity recommendations for children. Even brief movement breaks using Simon Says can help increase blood flow, release energy, and improve focus for subsequent learning activities.

Game Variations

While the classic version of Simon Says offers plenty of fun and learning opportunities, try these creative variations to keep the game fresh and engaging for different situations and age groups.

Speed Simon Says

This high-energy version adds excitement by gradually increasing the pace of commands. Start at a normal tempo and slowly accelerate the rate at which you give instructions. Players must keep up with the quickening pace while still paying attention to whether “Simon says” precedes each command.

For an extra challenge, begin with slow, deliberate commands and increase to a rapid-fire pace, then suddenly slow down again to catch players off guard. This unpredictable pacing tests reflexes and concentration in new ways.

Elimination vs. Non-elimination Versions

The traditional approach to Simon Says involves eliminating players who make mistakes until one winner remains. While this competitive format works well for many groups, a non-elimination alternative keeps everyone engaged throughout the entire game.

In non-elimination Simon Says, players who make mistakes might perform a quick, fun action (like three jumping jacks) before rejoining the game. Alternatively, players could collect points for correct responses, with the highest score winning at the end of a predetermined time period. This approach ensures all players remain active and learning throughout the session.

Team Simon Says

Transform the individual challenge into a collaborative experience by dividing players into teams. Teams must perform commands correctly as a unit, requiring coordination and communication.

One engaging team format divides the room into two or more groups. Each team receives a point when all members correctly follow (or correctly ignore) a command. This encourages teams to watch out for each other and creates a supportive atmosphere where players help their teammates succeed.

Silent Simon Says

This variation removes verbal commands entirely, relying instead on visual cues. The leader performs actions without speaking, sometimes prefacing movements with a predetermined silent signal (such as tapping their head) to indicate “Simon says.”

Silent Simon Says emphasizes visual attention and non-verbal communication. It’s particularly beneficial for developing observation skills and is naturally inclusive for players with hearing impairments. This version also works well in noisy environments where verbal commands might be difficult to hear.

Reverse Simon Says

In this mind-bending twist, players do the opposite of what Simon says! When Simon says “touch your toes,” players should reach up. When Simon says “hands up,” players put their hands down. However, if the command doesn’t begin with “Simon says,” players should perform the action exactly as stated.

This challenging variation requires significant mental flexibility and creates plenty of laughter as players struggle to reverse their actions. It’s especially suitable for older children and adults who have mastered the traditional game and need an additional challenge.

Tips for Game Leaders

Becoming an effective “Simon” requires more than just calling out random commands. Master these techniques to create an engaging, educational, and entertaining Simon Says experience for all participants.

Gradually Increase Difficulty

Start with simple, straightforward commands that all players can easily understand and perform. As the game progresses, incrementally introduce more complex instructions.

Begin with basic body movements like “Simon says touch your nose” before advancing to more challenging commands like “Simon says hop on your left foot while patting your head.” This progression keeps the game accessible for beginners while providing appropriate challenges for experienced players.

Use Clear, Concise Commands

Effective instructions are delivered in a clear, easily understood manner. Speak loudly enough for all players to hear and articulate each word precisely, especially the crucial “Simon says” phrase.

Keep commands simple enough that players can process them quickly. Avoid unnecessarily complicated wording that might confuse participants or draw attention away from whether “Simon says” was included.

Maintain a Good Pace

Finding the right rhythm for giving commands significantly impacts gameplay. Too slow, and players may lose interest; too fast, and they might not have time to process instructions properly.

Allow sufficient time for players to complete one action before issuing the next command. Watch your participants to gauge their readiness for the next instruction. Most experienced leaders settle into a natural cadence with brief pauses between commands, creating a dynamic but manageable flow.

Mix Up Commands With and Without “Simon Says”

The core challenge of Simon Says lies in distinguishing between commands that begin with “Simon says” and those that don’t. Create engagement by varying your pattern unpredictably.

Sometimes include several “Simon says” commands in succession before slipping in a command without the prefix. Other times, alternate regularly between the two forms. This unpredictability keeps players alert and engaged throughout the game.

Use an Expressive Voice

Your vocal delivery adds an important dimension to the game. Vary your tone, volume, and speed to create interest and occasionally misdirect players in a playful way.

Try emphasizing unexpected words, whispering certain commands, or delivering instructions with theatrical flair. These vocal variations not only make the game more entertaining but also train players to focus on the actual words rather than getting caught up in your presentation style.

Age-Appropriate Modifications for Simon Says

Simon Says can be enjoyed by nearly any age group when properly adapted. Here’s how to tailor the game to different developmental stages for maximum engagement and benefit.

Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)

For the youngest players, simplicity is key. Use only “Simon says” commands, eliminating the trick commands until children understand the basic concept. Focus on simple body movements they can easily identify and perform:

• “Simon says touch your nose/ears/tummy”
• “Simon says clap your hands”
• “Simon says jump up and down”

Keep sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to match shorter attention spans, and demonstrate each action as you say it. Praise participation rather than perfect execution, and avoid elimination formats that might frustrate young players who are still developing listening skills.

Elementary Students (Ages 6-11)

Elementary-aged children are ready for the full Simon Says experience with both “Simon says” and non-Simon says commands. They enjoy slightly more complex physical challenges:

• “Simon says hop on one foot three times”
• “Simon says touch your right elbow with your left hand”
• “Simon says make a silly face”

This age group benefits from non-elimination variations where they can rejoin after a mistake. They also enjoy themed commands connected to curriculum topics (animals, sports, occupations) and can handle faster-paced play as they develop greater coordination and processing speed.

Teenagers (Ages 12-17)

Adolescents respond well to Simon Says when the game incorporates more complexity, social elements, and appropriate challenges:

• Complex coordination: “Simon says pat your head while circling your right foot”
• Memory challenges: “Simon says repeat the last three movements in order”
• Team formats where groups compete against each other

Teens appreciate humor and creativity in commands. Incorporate current trends, references to popular culture, or commands that allow for creative interpretation. The game can serve as an effective ice-breaker or energy booster between academic activities.

Adults (Office Team Building, etc.)

Adults enjoy Simon Says as a nostalgic activity that can break down barriers and create shared experiences in professional settings:

• Use profession-relevant commands: “Simon says type on your keyboard”
• Incorporate office-appropriate humor: “Simon says look busy”
• Challenge mental flexibility with complexity: “Simon says touch your left ear with your right pinky while standing on your left foot”

For corporate environments, frame the game as a mindfulness exercise that improves concentration and provides a physical break from sedentary work. Short rounds (3-5 minutes) work well as energizers during long meetings or training sessions.

Virtual Simon Says

The shift toward remote learning and digital gatherings has created new opportunities for virtual Simon Says. With some thoughtful adaptations, this classic game translates effectively to video platforms.

Setting Up Your Virtual Game

Before beginning, establish clear parameters for your digital Simon Says experience:

• Ensure all participants can see the leader clearly on screen
• Request that players position their cameras to show at least their upper bodies
• Test audio levels so commands can be heard distinctly by all players
• Consider using the “Gallery View” option so players can see each other (optional)
• Establish how “out” players will be identified in non-elimination formats

Adapting Commands for Video

Not all traditional Simon Says commands work well in a video environment. Focus on actions that:

• Are clearly visible on camera (facial expressions, upper body movements)
• Can be performed in limited space
• Don’t require players to move away from their cameras

Examples of video-friendly commands include:

• “Simon says show me jazz hands”
• “Simon says touch your ears”
• “Simon says make a surprised face”
• “Simon says put both hands on your head”

Managing Participation

In virtual settings, it can be challenging to track who follows incorrect commands. Consider these approaches:

• For smaller groups, the leader can call out players who make mistakes
• In larger groups, implement an honor system where players turn off their cameras briefly when they make an error
• Use the chat feature for players to track their own points or “lives”
• Assign a co-host to help monitor player actions

165 Categorized Simon Says Commands

Basic Movements Classic Simon Says Commands

1. “Simon Says touch your head”
2. “Simon Says clap your hands”
3. “Simon Says stand on one foot”
4. “Simon Says jump up and down”
5. “Simon Says spin around”
6. “Simon Says pat your tummy”
7. “Simon Says touch your toes”
8. “Simon Says cross your arms”
9. “Simon Says sit down”
10. “Simon Says stand up”
11. “Simon Says reach for the sky”
12. “Simon Says put your hands on your hips”
13. “Simon Says stretch to the left”
14. “Simon Says stretch to the right”
15. “Simon Says balance on your tiptoes”

Facial Expressions

16. “Simon Says make a silly face”
17. “Simon Says smile big”
18. “Simon Says wiggle your eyebrows”
19. “Simon Says make a surprised face”
20. “Simon Says blink your eyes”
21. “Simon Says make a sad face”
22. “Simon Says make an angry face”
23. “Simon Says make a fish face”
24. “Simon Says show your teeth”
25. “Simon Says wiggle your nose”
26. “Simon Says puff your cheeks”
27. “Simon Says wink one eye”
28. “Simon Says raise one eyebrow”
29. “Simon Says stick out your tongue”
30. “Simon Says scrunch your nose”

Animal Imitations

31. “Simon Says hop like a bunny”
32. “Simon Says walk like a penguin”
33. “Simon Says crawl like a crab”
34. “Simon Says act like a monkey”
35. “Simon Says pretend to be a lion”
36. “Simon Says bark like a dog”
37. “Simon Says walk like a zombie”
38. “Simon Says act like a chicken”
39. “Simon Says act like a frog”
40. “Simon Says flutter like a butterfly”
41. “Simon Says slither like a snake”
42. “Simon Says swim like a fish”
43. “Simon Says gallop like a horse”
44. “Simon Says waddle like a duck”
45. “Simon Says howl like a wolf”

Hand and Arm Movements (Gross Motor Skills)

46. “Simon Says wave your hand”
47. “Simon Says wiggle your fingers”
48. “Simon Says give a thumbs up”
49. “Simon Says make a circle with your arms”
50. “Simon Says roll your shoulders”
51. “Simon Says jazz hands”
52. “Simon Says make a peace sign”
53. “Simon Says tap your shoulders”
54. “Simon Says hug yourself”
55. “Simon Says rub your hands together”
56. “Simon Says make binoculars with your hands”
57. “Simon Says clap three times”
58. “Simon Says put hands behind your back”
59. “Simon Says snap your fingers”
60. “Simon Says salute like a soldier”

Leg and Foot Movements

61. “Simon Says stomp your feet”
62. “Simon Says tap your feet”
63. “Simon Says wiggle your toes”
64. “Simon Says shake one leg”
65. “Simon Says touch your ankles”
66. “Simon Says march in place”
67. “Simon Says bend your knees”
68. “Simon Says hop on one foot”
69. “Simon Says squat down”
70. “Simon Says kick your leg out”
71. “Simon Says walk in place”
72. “Simon Says do jumping jacks”
73. “Simon Says tiptoe in place”
74. “Simon Says cross your ankles”
75. “Simon Says stand on your heels”

Simon Says Everyday Actions

76. “Simon Says pretend to brush your teeth”
77. “Simon Says pretend to read a book”
78. “Simon Says pretend to eat”
79. “Simon Says pretend to drive a car”
80. “Simon Says pretend to sleep”
81. “Simon Says pretend to swim”
82. “Simon Says pretend to take a photo”
83. “Simon Says pretend to paint”
84. “Simon Says pretend to brush your hair”
85. “Simon Says pretend to be on the phone”
86. “Simon Says pretend to climb a ladder”
87. “Simon Says pretend to stir a pot”
88. “Simon Says pretend to play piano”
89. “Simon Says pretend to write”
90. “Simon Says pretend to tie your shoes”

Simon Says Sports and Dance Moves

91. “Simon Says pretend to throw a ball”
92. “Simon Says pretend to kick a ball”
93. “Simon Says play air guitar”
94. “Simon Says pretend to dance”
95. “Simon Says pretend to ride a horse”
96. “Simon Says do the twist”
97. “Simon Says pretend to row a boat”
98. “Simon Says act like a ballerina”
99. “Simon Says pretend to swing a bat”
100. “Simon Says pretend to shoot a basketball”
101. “Simon Says pretend to swim freestyle”
102. “Simon Says do a dance move”
103. “Simon Says pretend to hula hoop”
104. “Simon Says pretend to surf”
105. “Simon Says pretend to skate”

Commands with Directional Instructions (Great for Maths)

106. “Simon Says look up”
107. “Simon Says look down”
108. “Simon Says turn in a circle”
109. “Simon Says face the window”
110. “Simon Says face the door”
111. “Simon Says take two steps forward”
112. “Simon Says take three steps back”
113. “Simon Says look to your left”
114. “Simon Says look to your right”
115. “Simon Says touch the floor”
116. “Simon Says point to the ceiling”
117. “Simon Says touch the wall”
118. “Simon Says turn right”
119. “Simon Says turn left”
120. “Simon Says move in slow motion”

Weather and Nature Themed Commands

121. “Simon Says act like you’re freezing”
122. “Simon Says pretend it’s raining”
123. “Simon Says shake like you’re cold”
124. “Simon Says act like a tree in the wind”
125. “Simon Says pretend to catch snowflakes”
126. “Simon Says pretend to be a flower growing”
127. “Simon Says act like you’re in a hurricane”
128. “Simon Says pretend to be a cloud”
129. “Simon Says act like you’re in hot sand”
130. “Simon Says imitate thunder”
131. “Simon Says pretend to be a raindrop”
132. “Simon Says act like you’re melting in the sun”
133. “Simon Says pretend to be a leaf falling”
134. “Simon Says act like you’re walking in mud”
135. “Simon Says pretend to be a rainbow”

Simon Says Be Noisy Commands

136. “Simon Says pretend to sneeze”
137. “Simon Says pretend to laugh”
138. “Simon Says moo like a cow”
139. “Simon Says meow like a cat”
140. “Simon Says make a train sound”
141. “Simon Says buzz like a bee”
142. “Simon Says roar like a dinosaur”
143. “Simon Says quack like a duck”
144. “Simon Says make a siren sound”
145. “Simon Says whisper your name”
146. “Simon Says neigh like a horse”
147. “Simon Says make a ghost sound”
148. “Simon Says hiss like a snake”
149. “Simon Says make a robot voice”
150. “Simon Says make a explosion sound”

Classroom and Party Friendly

151. “Simon Says show me your listening ears”
152. “Simon Says show me your quiet mouth”
153. “Simon Says show me your thinking face”
154. “Simon Says put your hand up if you like pizza”
155. “Simon Says freeze like a statue”
156. “Simon Says count to five on your fingers”
157. “Simon Says act like your favorite superhero”
158. “Simon Says pretend to blow out birthday candles”
159. “Simon Says show me how old you are with fingers”
160. “Simon Says make a shape with your body”
161. “Simon Says pretend to unwrap a present”
162. “Simon Says show me you’re ready to learn”
163. “Simon Says make a star shape with your arms”
164. “Simon Says pretend to blow bubbles”
165. “Simon Says show me excited hands”

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