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Kids (3+)

Red Light, Green Light

A playground staple that tests reaction time and balance. Simple rules make it perfect for young children.

Red Light, Green Light is more than just a simple race; it’s a foundational childhood game that teaches focus, listening skills, and physical coordination. Known as "Statues" or "Grandmother's Footsteps" in other cultures, its universal appeal lies in the tension of the "freeze" and the excitement of the "run." For young children, it is an excellent way to practice following instructions and managing excitement. The game requires no equipment and can be played almost anywhere, from a long hallway to a wide-open park. It’s the perfect "time-filler" game that can be started and ended in minutes while providing high-quality engagement for a group of kids.

Players

Duration

10 mins

Budget

Free

Mess Level

Low

Note:Very low mess. No materials or clean-up needed.

📋What You Need

None required
Start and Finish lines

Hungry Players? 🍕

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How to Play

The Traffic Cop

One person acts as the "Traffic Cop" and stands at the finish line with their back to the players.

Green Light

Cop yells "Green Light!" and players run forward.

Red Light

Cop yells "Red Light!" and spins around. Players must freeze instantly.

Caught

If the Cop sees anyone moving, they are sent back to the start line.

Pro Tips & Tricks

The Traffic Cop can vary the speed of their calls to trick players.
Great for teaching toddlers impulse control!
Encourage funny "frozen" poses to make the game more entertaining.

Fun Variations to Try

✨Yellow Light Twist

Add a "Yellow Light" where players must walk in slow motion. This increases the difficulty of balancing and adds more variety to the movement.

✨Animal Traffic

Players must move like a specific animal (e.g., hopping like a bunny on green) and freeze in that animal's pose on red.

Common Questions (FAQ)

QWhat if there is a dispute about moving?

The Traffic Cop's word is final! To avoid arguments, you can have an adult act as a neutral judge for the first few rounds.

QCan this be played indoors?

Yes, as long as you have a clear path and set the rule that players must "fast walk" instead of run to ensure safety.

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