Cub Scout games aren’t just about having fun. It’s about helping kids learn important things while having fun with friends. Think about it. When we play, we often forget that we are learning because we are having fun. That’s what makes the game at Cub Scouts so special.
This game is like a magic trick to learn. we let children do things with their hands, see things with their eyes, and hear things with their ears. All this helps children remember better. Additionally, when children play together, they learn to work as a team, listen to each other, and make plans.
And don’t forget the best part: games are fun! When something is fun, kids want to do it again and again. This means that they continue to learn without realizing it.
In this article, we will share some cool Cub Scout games. Ready to find out more? Let’s go!
Cub Scout Games Ideas
Cub Scouts love games where they can be lucky sometimes. They don’t need prizes, and they don’t mind if they don’t finish the game.
They enjoy games that can start over easily. This way, everyone gets another chance to play. Cub Scouts like playing the same games again and again because it feels good to know what’s coming next.
Here are some games for Cub Scouts that you might want to try.
| No | Games |
|---|---|
| 1 | Treasure hunt |
| 2 | Lava floor |
| 3 | Capture the flag |
| 4 | Catch the dragon’s tail |
| 5 | Funny telephone |
| 6 | Tape tornado |
| 7 | Hula hoop relay race |
| 8 | Jigsaw challenge |
| 9 | Obstacle course game |
| 10 | Pass the parcel |
| 11 | Red light, green light |
1. Treasure hunt game
Imagine a game where you search for hidden goodies in a big area, like your backyard. This game, called the “Treasure Hunt,” is perfect for young kids, especially if it’s a birthday party for a 3-year-old.
Young kids sometimes feel shy at parties. This game helps them warm up and have fun with friends.
What You Need:
- Small cups or pots for each child.
- Lots of candies or tiny toys.
- A special big prize.
How to Play:
- Before the party, hide candies and small toys everywhere. You can put them under chairs, behind decorations, or even among flowers. Just be creative!
- When the party starts, tell the kids there are hidden treasures around.
- Give each child a cup or pot. This is for collecting their found treasures.
- Let them start searching! They should try to find as many hidden items as they can in a set time.
- When time’s up, bring all the kids together. Let them count what they found.
- The child who found the most treasures wins the special prize!
Tip: Make sure all the hiding spots are safe and reachable for the kids. Don’t put treasures too high or in tricky places. This game is all about fun, so let’s keep it simple and safe!
2. Lava floor game
Think of a game where the floor is “hot lava” and you can’t touch it. You need to get from one side of a room to the other without stepping on the floor. How? With newspapers! You and your friends use these newspapers as safe spots to step on.
Lay a newspaper down, step on it, and move to the next spot. The goal is to reach the other side using only the newspapers to step on. It’s a fun game where you work with friends, laugh, and try not to “burn” in the lava!
What You Need:
- Something to draw lines, like chalk or tape.
- Newspaper.
Set Up:
Draw a start line and an end line on the ground using your chalk or tape. You decide how far apart they should be.
How to Play:
- Divide everyone into teams, with about 4 or 5 players in each.
- All teams start at the starting line.
- The game leader hands out three newspaper sheets to each team.
- Now, pretend the ground is hot lava. Everyone has to work together to get to the end line without touching the floor!
- Use the newspaper sheets (which won’t burn in lava) to step on and cross. Each team can choose their own way to cross, like if everyone goes together or takes turns.
Stay Safe
Make sure everyone plays safely. Check the area for things that might cause accidents. Make sure there’s someone watching over and that you can tell everyone to stop if needed.
Ways to Make it Harder:
- You can decide the team size and the distance between start and end lines. A bigger distance can be more challenging.
- Maybe if someone touches the ground, they go back to the start.
- For a race feel, see which team gets everyone across first.
- If someone tears their newspaper, maybe they freeze for 10 seconds before continuing.
3. Capture the flag game
“Capture the Flag” is a fun outdoor game where teams work together. The main goal? Get the other team’s flag and bring it to your side without someone tagging you.
What You Need:
- A big open space outside.
- 10 or more players.
- Two bright objects to be the “flags”. This could be a scarf, Frisbee, or ball.
- Rope to mark the middle of the field.
- Some markers like hula-hoops or cones to show the “jail” area.
Safety First: Make sure there’s nothing dangerous in the playing area. It’s also a good idea to have one person watch the game and make sure everyone plays fairly. And, try to play when it’s bright outside.
Setting Up:
- Split everyone into two teams.
- The playing field should have things like trees or bushes. This makes hiding the flags more fun. Use the rope to split the field into two halves.
- Each team gets a “jail” area.
- Each team also gets a “flag”. They should hide it on their side of the field.
How to Play:
- The main goal is to get the other team’s flag and bring it to your side.
- Some players should try to get the other team’s flag. Others should stay and protect your flag.
- If a player from the other team comes onto your side and you tag them, they go to “jail”. They can only get out if another player from their team touches them.
- The game ends when one team gets the other team’s flag and brings it back to their side.
Also Read: Cub Scout Skits
4. Catch the dragon’s tail
Do you want a fun game that requires teamwork? Try “Catch the Dragon’s Tail”! It’s an old Chinese game, and it’s great for big groups of kids. Here’s how it works:
What You Need:
- A handkerchief for each dragon.
- Cones to mark where the game is played.
Setting Up:
- You need a big group of kids, at least 10. But more kids mean more fun!
- Kids stand in a line and hold onto the shoulders of the person in front of them.
- The first person is the “dragon’s head”, and the last one is the “dragon’s tail”.
- The last person, or the tail, puts a handkerchief in their back pocket so it hangs out.
How to Play:
- The goal is for the dragon’s head (the first person) to try and catch the tail by tagging the last person.
- Everyone in the middle tries to keep the head from catching the tail. They have to move around but must stay connected. The line shouldn’t break.
- When the head catches the tail, the tail person moves to the front and becomes the new head. Everyone else moves back one spot.
For Bigger Groups:
- If you have many kids, split them into two or three teams.
- Each team forms their own dragon.
- Now, the dragons try to catch each other’s tails by grabbing the handkerchief.
- When one dragon catches another dragon’s tail, they join together to make a longer dragon. They keep chasing and growing, but they must always protect their tail.
It’s a simple game but requires teamwork and quick thinking. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off energy!
5. Telephone game
Have you ever played the “Telephone” game? It’s a fun and easy game where a message gets whispered from one person to another and often ends up sounding very different from the start!
How to Play:
- Getting Ready: Players either sit in a circle or stand in a line. Make sure players are close enough to whisper to the person next to them but not so close that everyone can hear the whisper.
- Starting the Game: The first person picks a word or a short sentence and whispers it to the person next to them.
- Passing the Message: That person then whispers what they heard to the next person. This keeps going until the message reaches the last person.
- The Big Reveal: The last person says out loud what they heard. It’s funny to see how the message changed as it went from person to person!
Some Rules to Remember:
- Each message is whispered only once, so listen carefully!
- It’s best to pick words or sentences that aren’t too common to make the game more fun.
- Only the first person should know the starting message. It might be a good idea for someone to write it down, so you can compare it with the final message later.
This game shows how things can change as they get passed along. It’s simple, funny, and great for players of all ages!
6. Tape tornado game
The “Tape Tornado” game is all about racing to move a fluffy ball using just your breath! Here’s how you play:
What You Need:
- Some colored tape.
- Cotton balls or pom poms for each player.
Setting Up the Game:
- Tape Lines: Put a tape line on the floor that’s at least 3 feet long. The length can be longer depending on how old the kids are. Each player should have their own line.
- Space: Leave some space between each line so players don’t bump into each other.
- Starting Point: Place a cotton ball or pom pom at the beginning of each tape line.
How to Play:
When you say “Ready, Set, Go!”, each player tries to blow their cotton ball or pom pom along the tape line until it reaches the end. The catch? They can only use their breath, no hands allowed! The first one to get their ball to the end wins.
It’s a simple and fun game that tests how good you are at controlling your breath!
7. Hula hoop relay race
Looking for a game that combines laughter, challenge, and teamwork? Dive into the “Hula Hoop Relay Race”! It’s not just about passing the hula hoop, but keeping the bond strong with teammates. As hands remain clasped and the hoop travels, you’ll see smiles, hear giggles, and feel the spirit of unity. Ready to test your team’s coordination? Let’s get rolling!
What You Need:
- A hula hoop.
- An open area for the kids to stand and play.
How to Play:
- Make Teams: Split the kids into two groups.
- Hold Hands: Everyone in each group holds hands, forming a circle.
- Start with the Hoop: Place a hula hoop over one person’s arm in each group.
- Pass the Hoop: The challenge? Each player must move the hula hoop from one arm to the other, and then onto the next person’s arm. But here’s the tricky part: no one can let go of each other’s hands while doing this!
- Race to Finish: The team that gets the hula hoop all the way around their circle first, without breaking the hand-hold, wins!
Also Read: Cub Scout Flag Ceremony
8. Jigsaw challenge
Want a fun race game with a brainy twist? Try the “Jigsaw Race” game, perfect for older kids!
What You Need:
- 50-piece jigsaw puzzles (all with the same picture) for each team.
- A table or flat surface to build the puzzle.
How to Play:
- Get Ready: Buy some simple 50-piece jigsaw puzzles. Make sure they all have the same picture. You need one puzzle for each team.
- Race to Build: The aim is to build the puzzle piece by piece. One at a time, each player grabs a puzzle piece from the box, runs to a table, and tries to fit it into the picture.
- Teamwork: Every team member takes a turn to add a piece to the puzzle.
- Alternative Way: If a team wants, they can first gather all the puzzle pieces on the table. After that, they can pick just one person to put the entire puzzle together.
9. Obstacle course game
Every child is an explorer at heart, eager to jump, roll, and discover the wonders of movement. Recognizing this natural curiosity, obstacle courses have become a beloved activity by both educators and parents alike. Designed with little adventurers in mind, this game offers a blend of fun and fitness that’s perfect for your three-year-old and their buddies.
What You Need:
- Things from around your house, like tables or tape, to set up the course.
- A stopwatch or timer.
- A simple 6-piece jigsaw puzzle.
How to Set It Up:
- Choose Your Players: If you have many kids, make teams so everyone gets a turn.
- Lay Down the Tightrope: Put a long piece of tape on the ground. Kids must walk on this tape without stepping off. If they step off, they start that section over.
- Table Tunnel: Place a table that kids have to crawl under.
- Hop the Spots: Put four X’s on the ground using tape. Kids hop from one X to the next, trying not to lose their balance.
- Pillow Challenge: Give each kid three big pillows. They need to carry all of them without dropping any to the next part.
- Puzzle Finish: At the end, there’s a table with a simple 6-piece puzzle. They need to solve it to finish the course.
How to Play: Start the timer and let each kid or team go through the course. The one who completes it the fastest is the winner!
Safety Tip: Make sure the kids wear socks that won’t slip. And always double-check to make sure everything in the course is safe for them to play with.
10. Pass the parcel
“Pass the Parcel” is a fun game often played at birthday parties. Kids sit in a circle and pass around a wrapped gift while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel gets to unwrap a layer. Let’s see how to set it up and play!
What You Need:
- A small gift.
- Many layers of wrapping around the gift. You can use colored papers or regular gift wrap. Make sure there are as many layers as kids playing.
- If playing with very young kids, you might add a small candy or treat in between some layers.
- Something to play music, like a CD player.
How to Play:
- Sit in a Circle: Have the kids sit in a circle. Give the wrapped gift to the birthday child.
- Start the Music: Play the music and the kids pass the parcel around the circle.
- Stop the Music: Suddenly stop the music. The child holding the parcel unwraps one layer. If there’s a treat, they can take it.
- Keep Going: Repeat the passing and unwrapping until the last layer reveals the main gift.
Helpful Tips:
- Little kids might not want to pass the parcel. They might need some help understanding the game.
- Make sure the music stops in a way that each child gets a turn to unwrap a layer. And it’s nice if the birthday child doesn’t get the main gift every time.
- You can remember the last wrapping layer’s design. This way, you can make sure a specific child, like the youngest or shyest, gets the main prize.
It’s a classic game that brings joy, suspense, and lots of smiles. Just make sure to guide the little ones so everyone has fun!
11. Red light, green light
“Red Light, Green Light” is a fun running game where kids listen to commands and either run or stop. It’s a great way for them to learn about following instructions and controlling their movements.
This game also helps kids with:
- Physical Skills: Like running, stopping, and balancing.
- Listening Skills: They have to listen and react quickly to the commands.
- Social Skills: Kids learn to play together and follow rules.
What you need:
- Optional: Something red and something green
- Cones or markers
Getting Ready:
- Mark a starting area and a finishing area on opposite ends of your playing space using cones or markers.
How to play:
- All kids start at the marked starting zone.
- Shout “Green Light” (or show something green) which means all kids run towards the finish area.
- Shout “Red Light” (or show something red). Kids should stop and balance on one foot for 5 seconds.
- If a child loses balance during “Red Light”, they must go back 10 steps towards the starting area.
- Keep giving “Red” or “Green” light commands until everyone reaches the finish area.
Advanced Version:
- Have one kid be the “traffic controller” standing at one end. Other kids line up at the opposite end.
- When the controller shouts “Green Light”, everyone moves forward. When “Red Light” is shouted and the controller turns around, all kids must freeze.
- If the controller spots anyone moving, that kid goes back to the start.
- The goal is to pass the controller without being seen moving.
Tips:
- Make sure the play area is safe and free of hazards.
- Explain the rules clearly to everyone.
- If kids find the game too easy or hard, change things up! Maybe they can hop instead of run, or you could add more obstacles.
- The important thing is for everyone to have fun and be safe!
Cub Scout Indoor Games
| No | Games |
|---|---|
| 1 | Scout law stick game |
| 2 | Freeze dance |
| 3 | Quicksand |
| 4 | Word game |
| 5 | Let’s roll game |
1. Scout law stick game
Mastering the Scout Law is a key step for every scout. With the “Scout Law Stick Game,” learning becomes a fun-filled activity. Using craft sticks and a touch of teamwork, scouts can grasp the law in an enjoyable and memorable way. Ready to play and learn? Let’s begin!
What You Need:
- 12 craft sticks for each group.
- A marker.
Setting Up:
- Write on Sticks: Using the marker, write one part of the Scout Law on each stick. The Scout Law has words like “trustworthy,” “loyal,” “helpful,” and so on until you have all twelve.
- Mix It Up: Shuffle or mix up the sticks and put them on a table.
How to Play:
- Arrange the Sticks: Players must arrange the sticks in the correct order of the Scout Law.
- Race Against Time: For more fun, make more than one set of sticks. Divide players into teams and see which team can arrange their set in the correct order first.
- Make it Trickier: To add a challenge, add some sticks with words that are NOT part of the Scout Law like “happy” or “organized.” This way, players must think more about which words belong and which don’t.
The game helps kids remember the Scout Law in a playful way. It’s not just about knowing the words, but understanding their order and meaning too. So, grab some sticks and get learning!
2. Freeze dance game
“Freeze Dance” is a game that combines the joy of dancing with the thrill of freezing in place. It’s as simple as turning up your favorite songs, dancing along, and then stopping suddenly when the music pauses.
Hold your pose for a moment, and when the music starts again, let the dance continue! This game is perfect for letting out energy or adding some excitement to your gatherings.
What You Need:
- A music player: This can be a phone, a radio, or any device that plays music.
- Space to dance: A living room, backyard, or any open area will do.
Setting Up:
- Clear the dance space of any obstacles to make sure it’s safe.
- Choose your favorite upbeat songs. Create a playlist if you want!
- Decide who will be the DJ – the person controlling the music.
How to Play “Freeze Dance”:
- Start the music and let everyone dance their hearts out.
- Without any notice, the DJ stops the music. This is the signal for everyone to ‘freeze’ immediately, holding the position they are in.
- Everyone stays frozen like statues for a few moments.
- The DJ then plays the music again, and the dancing resumes.
- The game continues with random stops. Each time the music stops, dancers try to strike a fun or silly pose.
- Though everyone’s a winner in this game, you can add a twist by picking the funniest or most unique pose as a “champion” after a few rounds.
3. Quicksand game
This is a fun game where kids pretend the floor is “quicksand.” They must walk on special paths to avoid the quicksand. If they touch the floor, they must start over.
How to set it up?
- Place two straight lines of things to step on, like cushions, towels, or newspapers. Each line should have at least 5 items.
- Keep some space between each item in the line, about the length of a foot or adjust based on the child’s age.
- Make sure the two lines are far apart so kids don’t bump into each other when playing.
- If a kid steps on the floor, they have to go back to the start.
- If you play outside, you might not want to use cushions. Newspapers are good, but if it’s breezy, put some small rocks on them to keep them in place.
What do you need to play?
- Things to step on like cushions, towels, or newspapers.
4. Word Game
This is a word game where kids use letters from a chosen word to think of related words based on a category. They earn points for the words they think of.
How to play?
- Choose a word with at least 5 letters.
- Each kid writes this word vertically on the left side of their paper, one letter on each line.
- One kid picks a category (like animals, fruits, or places).
- Every kid has 5 minutes (or give more time if they’re very young) to think of words that fit the category. Each word they think of should start with one of the letters from the chosen word.
For instance, if you pick the word “oyster” and the category is “animals,” kids might write:
O – Ostrich
Y – Yak
S – Snake
T – Tiger
E – Elephant
R – Rabbit
- Each kid gets 1 point for every word they list. If they list a word that no one else does, they get 2 points.
What do you need to play?
- Lined paper for each kid.
- A pen or pencil for each kid.
5. Let’s roll game
“Let’s Roll” is a simple dice game where kids try to make the biggest number possible using the numbers they roll.
How to play?
- One child rolls 3 dice.
- After rolling, the child arranges the dice to form the biggest number. For instance, if the dice show 2, 4, and 5, the biggest number is 542.
- The child writes this number on their paper.
- The dice are then passed to the next player who repeats the process.
- After everyone has had a turn, compare the numbers. The kid with the biggest number is the winner.
What do you need to play?
- 3 dice.
- A sheet of paper for each kid.
- A pencil for each kid.
This is one of many simple and fun games kids can play.
Cub Scout Outdoor Games
| No | Games |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rattlesnake |
| 2 | Island rivalry |
| 3 | Ping pong air hockey |
| 4 | Spud game |
| 5 | Mystery object game |
1. Rattlesnake game
The “Rattlesnake” game is a fun and simple game where kids try to make their friends touch an object (the “rattlesnake”) while avoiding touching it themselves.
How to play?
- First, you need an object to be the “rattlesnake”. This could be a milk carton, a paper bag, or anything of a similar size that you have around.
- Place the “rattlesnake” in the middle of the room.
- All the kids stand around it forming a circle and hold hands with the person next to them.
- The game begins! Everyone tries to make the others touch the “rattlesnake” without touching it themselves.
- If a kid touches the “rattlesnake”, they get a point. Remember: getting points is not a good thing in this game!
- Keep playing until you decide to stop. At the end, the kid with the fewest points wins.
What do you need to play?
- An object to be the “rattlesnake” (like a milk carton or paper bag).
- Enough space for kids to form a circle around it.
2. Island rivalry game
“Island Rivalry” is a fun twist on the classic tug of war game. Instead of just using strength, players also need to balance and be quick on their feet. It’s like tug of war, but players stand on buckets, trying to pull their opponent off their bucket without falling off themselves.
How to play?
- Pair up the players. Each pair will face off in a one-on-one match.
- Give each player a 5-gallon bucket. These are their “islands.”
- Place the buckets upside down about 15 feet apart from each other.
- Each player stands on top of their bucket or “island.”
- Give the pair a rope, with each player holding one end.
- The game starts! Players try to pull their opponent off the bucket using the rope.
- If a player falls off their bucket, their opponent wins.
- If a player lets go of the rope and their opponent can pull the rope all the way to their side, the one holding the rope wins.
- A player wins if:
- The other player falls off their bucket.
- They manage to pull the entire rope to their side.
What do you need to play?
- A 5-gallon bucket for each player.
- A 25-foot rope for every two players.
Also Read: Scout Law Principles
3. Ping pong air hockey
“Ping Pong Air Hockey” is a fun game where players try to blow a ping pong ball off the table using only their breath. It’s like combining ping pong and air hockey without using paddles or mallets.
How to play?
- Players stand around a table. You can have 2 players (one on each end), 4 players (one on each side), or 8 players (two on each side).
- Place the ping pong ball in the center of the table.
- The goal is to blow the ball so it falls off the table, but NOT on your side. For example, if there are two players, each tries to blow the ball off the opposite side.
- Rules:
- Players can only use their breath. No touching the ball, table, or using clothes.
- If the ball falls off your side, the other player gets 2 points.
- If you accidentally touch the ball or the table, you get 1 point.
- The game goes on for a set time. At the end, the player or team with the fewest points wins.
What do you need to play?
- A table (like a card table).
- A ping pong ball.
- 2, 4, or 8 players.
4. Spud game
“Spud” is a fun ball game where players get numbers and try to avoid being hit by the ball. The goal is to collect the least number of letters, “S-P-U-D”, or to stay in the game the longest.
How to play?
- Every player gets a unique number, starting from 1 up to the total number of players.
- Players stand in a tight circle, and one player (with the ball) stands in the center.
- The center player throws the ball high up in the air and calls out a number.
- All players, except the one whose number was called, run away. The player whose number was called must try to catch or pick up the ball.
- As soon as that player has the ball, they shout “SPUD!” and everyone else must stop moving.
- The player holding the ball can then take 3 large steps toward any player they choose. They try to hit that player with the ball.
- The target player can dodge using their body, but they can’t move their feet.
- If the target player is hit, they get the letter “S”. If they avoid being hit, the thrower gets the letter “S”.
- Play resumes with everyone forming a circle again. The person who got a letter (either the thrower or the target) then throws the ball in the next round.
- Players keep collecting letters in the order “S-P-U-D”. Once someone spells “SPUD”, they’re out.
- The game can end when there’s only one person left or after a certain time. The winner is the one with the fewest letters.
What do you need to play?
- A soft ball that’s safe and won’t hurt anyone when thrown.
5. Mystery object game
“Mystery Object” is a fun guessing game for a small group of kids. One child is blindfolded, and the others give clues about a secret object. The blindfolded child tries to guess what it is based on their hints.
How to play?
- Choose a group of 5 to 7 kids to play.
- Blindfold one child and have them stand in a spot.
- Pick an object that’s a bit tricky to describe.
- One by one, the other kids will give clues about the object. They describe its features without saying its name. And each clue should be different; no repeating what someone else said!
- The blindfolded child can ask questions to get more clues. They keep guessing until they figure out what the object is.
- Once they guess correctly, it’s time to switch. Another child gets blindfolded, and a new object is chosen.
- Keep playing until every child has had a chance to be blindfolded and guess.
What do you need to play?
- Something to use as a blindfold, like a scarf.
- Different objects for guessing.
The “Mystery Object” game is a great way to practice describing things and guessing based on clues. Plus, it’s a lot of fun for everyone involved!
Benefits of Playing Cub Scout Games
Playing games isn’t just fun for kids; it’s also super helpful for their growth. Here, we’ll talk about the 6 big ways Cub Scout games help kids grow and develop.
- Physical Growth: Active games make kids move a lot! This helps them improve their body coordination, balance, and movement skills. When kids play active games, they’re also setting themselves up for a healthy lifestyle when they grow up.
- Handling Emotions: Kids have lots of feelings, and sometimes they don’t know how to handle them. Role-playing games teach them how to deal with emotions like fear or anger in a good way.
- Playing Well With Others: Games often need teamwork. This teaches kids how to share, understand other people’s feelings, and work together.
- Talking and Listening: Games can help kids get better at talking and explaining things. They also learn to understand non-verbal clues like facial expressions and body language.
- Thinking Skills: Games make kids think! They learn to solve problems, make choices, and think critically.
- Being Creative: Games let kids use their imagination. They can make up stories, design things, or think of fun challenges for their friends.
Remember, these are just a few examples. There are tons of Cub Scout games out there on various websites for you to explore and try with kids. Playing these games is not only entertaining but also a fantastic way to help kids grow in many areas of their life!
