35+ Brilliant Waiting Games for Kids That Keep Boredom Away
Waiting in line, stuck in traffic, or biding time at a restaurant—these moments can feel endless when you’ve got restless kids in tow. But with the right waiting games for kids, you can turn those dull moments into memory-making fun.
These screen-free, simple activities don’t require any supplies and are perfect for all ages. Whether you’re at the doctor’s office or boarding a plane, these games will help your children stay calm, focused, and entertained.
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Why Waiting Games for Kids Matter
Kids thrive on stimulation and structure. When left without a plan during downtime, they can quickly spiral into frustration or misbehavior. That’s where waiting games for kids come in:
- They improve patience and self-regulation
- Help pass time more peacefully in public spaces
- Foster creativity, memory, and listening skills
- Promote positive parent-child connection
And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment—just your imagination and a willingness to play!
The Ultimate List of Waiting Games for Kids
Here’s a mix of classic, creative, and educational waiting games for kids to suit every age group—from toddlers to tweens.
1. I Spy
Perfect for restaurants, doctor’s offices, or anywhere with visual surroundings. Choose an object and say, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [color].”
🛒 Try this on-the-go version: Melissa & Doug Flip to Win Travel Game
2. Alphabet Categories
Pick a category like animals, food, or places, and go around naming something in that category from A to Z.
3. Would You Rather?
Silly or thought-provoking, this game is great for all ages. Try: “Would you rather eat broccoli every day or brush your teeth with pickle juice?”
4. The Quiet Game
Challenge your kids to be silent for as long as possible. Reward with praise or a sticker.
5. 20 Questions
Think of a person, place, or object. The other player has 20 chances to guess by asking yes/no questions.
6. Story Builders
Start with “Once upon a time…” and each person adds a sentence to build a silly or suspenseful story.
🛒 Want to take it up a notch? Rory’s Story Cubes are a fun visual version!
7. Guess the Animal
Act out an animal without speaking. The other player guesses based on your movements.
8. Mirror Me
One child makes a movement, and the other copies them exactly.
9. What’s Missing?
Place a few small items on the table (even sugar packets or crayons). Have your child close their eyes while you remove one. They guess what’s missing.
10. Memory Chains
Start a sentence with “I went to the market and bought…” Each person adds a new item and recites the list from memory.
11. Name 5
Pick a topic like “farm animals” or “things you wear on your feet” and name 5 as fast as you can.
12. Tongue Twisters
Challenge each other with fun phrases like “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
13. Hand Clapping Games
Great for waiting in line. Try rhythm-based games like “Miss Mary Mack.”
14. Penny Toss
If you have a coin, see who can flick it closest to a target (like a napkin).
15. Emoji Charades
Act out an emoji face and let others guess—great for expressive kids!
16. License Plate Game
During long waits in the car, look for different state/province plates and tally them.
🛒 Keep it engaging with the Melissa & Doug License Plate Game.
17. One-Minute Challenge
Set a phone timer and give a silly challenge: hop on one foot, hum a tune, or list 10 animals.
18. Simon Says
Classic and always fun. It’s ideal for burning off a little energy without leaving your spot.
19. Color Hunt
Pick a color and ask your child to point to five things around them that match.
20. ABC Hunt
Find letters in order around you—on signs, menus, or packaging.
21. Invisible Drawing
Trace a shape on your child’s back and have them guess what it is.
22. Clap and Count
Clap a rhythm and have your child repeat it back exactly. Great for auditory memory!
23. Odd One Out
Say three related things and one unrelated (e.g., banana, apple, car). Your child spots the odd one.
24. Pretend Scenarios
“What would you do if you were invisible for a day?” Let the imagination run wild!
25. Opposite Game
Say a word and ask your child to respond with its opposite—hot/cold, big/small, etc.
26. Body Freeze
Play music on your phone (or hum) and freeze when it stops.
27. Whisper Challenge
One person mouths a phrase silently while the other guesses. This works well in quiet places like libraries.
28. Tally Count
Pick something specific to count (e.g., how many red shirts pass by) and tally them up.
29. Echo Game
You say a word or sentence, and your child repeats it back in a silly voice—robot, baby, monster, etc.
30. Finger Puppet Play
Use fingers as characters in an impromptu mini-story.
🛒 Pack this adorable Animal Finger Puppets Set in your diaper bag.
31. Draw with Fingers
Pretend to draw letters or numbers on a foggy window or table—then guess!
32. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
Best of three? Or five? Or until the food arrives?
Related Activities They’ll Love
Looking for more playful ideas beyond waiting games for kids? Check these out:
- 🎒 7 Awesome Playground Games to Play at Recess
- 💦 10 Best Water Party Games for Kids
- 🚗 Road Trip Activities for Kids
- 🧠 7 Imagination Games for Toddlers
- 🎲 50 Best Board Games for 2-Year-Old Toddlers
FAQ: Waiting Games for Kids
What are the best waiting games for toddlers?
Simple, interactive games like “I Spy,” “Mirror Me,” and “Finger Puppets” work wonders for toddlers. Keep it visual and playful!
Can waiting games help reduce tantrums?
Yes! Waiting games for kids help redirect attention, reduce frustration, and improve emotional regulation—especially in toddlers.
Are there waiting games suitable for tweens?
Absolutely. Story Builders, 20 Questions, Would You Rather, and Memory Chains offer more challenge and creative thinking for older kids.
Can I use these games in classrooms or therapy sessions?
Many of these activities are also used in classrooms, speech therapy, or occupational therapy for improving memory, focus, and emotional resilience.
Are there printable versions of waiting games for kids?
Yes, many educational bloggers and teachers offer printable activity sheets. You can also check out PBS Parents or Scholastic for free printables.
Final Thoughts
With these waiting games for kids, you’ll never dread those in-between moments again. They’re simple, portable, and perfect for keeping your little ones engaged, learning, and having fun—anytime, anywhere.
🧩 Pack a few travel-friendly toys like Magnetic Mazes or Mini Doodle Boards to always be ready!