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Toddlers & Kids

Sleeping Lions

The parents' favorite game because it involves children lying still and being quiet.

Sleeping Lions is the secret weapon of parents and party hosts everywhere. It is one of the few games that incentivizes children to be completely still and silent, making it the perfect transition activity after high-energy moments like cake-cutting or gift-opening. Beyond being a "peace-maker," it challenges children's self-control and ability to resist distraction. The "Hunter" role allows for creative, non-contact engagement, often resulting in suppressed giggles and intense concentration. Itโ€™s a game that proves you donโ€™t need flashing lights or loud music to keep a group of children fully engagedโ€”sometimes, the quietest games are the most memorable.
Players
2+
Duration
10-20 mins
Budget
Free
Mess Level
Low

Note:Zero mess. Players simply lie on the floor.

๐Ÿ“‹What You Need

  • None required

Hungry Players? ๐Ÿ•

Planning the food for after the game? Don't guess! Use our free party tools to feed the crowd.

How to Play

1

Sleep

All players (Lions) lie down on the floor and pretend to be asleep. They must not move or make a sound.

2

The Hunter

One person (or parent) is the Hunter.

3

Distract

The Hunter walks around trying to make the Lions move or laugh without touching them.

4

Out

If a Lion moves or giggles, they are out and join the Hunters.

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Perfect game for calming kids down after cake!
  • Hunters can tell jokes or make funny noises, but cannot tickle.
  • Use a "sleepy time" playlist of gentle music to set the mood.

Fun Variations to Try

โœจThe Wake-Up Call

Once a "Lion" is out, they become a "Hunter's Assistant." They can help the Hunter distract the other lions, but still without touching.

โœจStatue Garden

Instead of lying down, children must freeze in a standing pose. This makes it much harder to stay still as balance becomes a factor.

Common Questions (FAQ)

QHow long does a typical round last?

Depending on the age of the kids, a round can last anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes. If they are very good at staying still, you can introduce "external noises" to speed things up.

QCan the Hunter touch the players?

Strictly no! The challenge for the Hunter is to use only their words, funny faces, and sounds to get a reaction.
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Printable Asset

Sleeping Lions

Free PDFA4/Letter

Includes high-quality rules, setup guide, and variation cards.
Perfect for hosting without a screen.