Real talk — Simon Says is one of those games that has been saving parents, teachers, and party hosts from chaos since forever. But here’s the thing: the same old “Simon says touch your nose” gets boring fast. Kids are sharper than we give them credit for, and if you’re tossing out the same five commands on repeat, expect glazed-over eyes and someone sneaking away to find snacks. That’s why this list of 25 hilarious Simon Says commands exists — to rescue you and make the whole room erupt in giggles. You’re welcome.

Whether you’re running a birthday party, a classroom brain break, or just trying to burn off your kids’ energy before bedtime (we see you), these commands are pure gold. They’re physical enough to get the wiggles out, silly enough to cause uncontrollable laughter, and creative enough to keep everyone on their toes — including you. FYI, a few of these commands have been personally field-tested at kids’ parties, and yes, the adults ended up laughing just as hard as the kids. These commands also work great with School Carnival Games and classroom activities.

1. Simon Says Pretend You’re a Melting Ice Cream Cone

This one is absolute chaos, and that’s exactly why it works. When you call out this command, watch every single kid immediately go full drama-mode — arms drooping, knees buckling, making the most exaggerated “I’m melting” faces you’ve ever seen. It’s physically engaging, hilariously silly, and gives the more theatrical kids in the group a genuine moment to shine. Plus, it doubles as a surprise balance challenge because some kids melt a little too enthusiastically and end up on the floor.

What makes this command so effective is that it has no wrong answer — every kid’s version of “melting” looks completely different, which makes it endlessly entertaining for the whole group to watch. You’ll notice the competitive ones try to melt the slowest, while others nosedive immediately. Keep a timer and announce who can hold the melt the longest for an extra competitive spin. Spoiler: the floor is going to be very popular.

2. Simon Says Walk Like You’re Carrying 10 Backpacks

Ever watched a kid try to impersonate being weighed down by invisible weight? It’s Oscar-worthy, I promise. This command gets kids moving around the room while fully committing to the bit — hunched backs, shuffling feet, maybe some dramatic groaning thrown in for good measure. It’s great for burning energy and encouraging imaginative movement simultaneously. The best part? Kids who are a little shy tend to open up because everyone looks equally ridiculous.

This command also works brilliantly in classroom settings as a quick brain break. Teachers, you know the 2 PM energy crash is real — just throw this one out and watch the whole class reset with laughter. Add a layer by asking kids to describe what’s IN all those backpacks for extra creativity. You’ll get answers ranging from “homework” to “100 sandwiches,” and both are equally valid and hilarious.

3. Simon Says Do Your Best Robot Dance

The robot dance command is a certified classic move for Simon Says that never, ever gets old. Kids absolutely love hamming this one up — expect stiff arms, jerky neck movements, monotone robot noises, and at least one child who takes it extremely seriously and develops a full choreographed routine on the spot. It’s one of those commands that gets progressively funnier the longer you let it run. Don’t stop it too early — let the robots fully boot up.

IMO, this is one of the best commands for mixed-age groups because even teens and adults can’t resist joining in on a robot dance. It breaks the ice instantly and turns a roomful of strangers into a crew of malfunctioning automatons together. Pair it with a follow-up command like “Simon says robots have run out of battery” to watch every single person slowly power down to the floor. Absolute gold.

4. Simon Says Sneeze in Super Slow Motion

Okay, this one is genuinely underrated in the Simon Says world. Asking kids to do something as involuntary as a sneeze — but in slow motion — creates complete facial expression chaos. The build-up alone, with everyone squinting and tilting their heads back dramatically, is worth it. And then the eventual “ACHOOOO” in ultra-slow-mo delivery is comedy gold every single time.

What’s great about this command is that it works on multiple developmental levels. Younger kids love the silliness of the exaggerated face, while older kids appreciate the comedic timing element of stretching it out as long as possible. You can extend the fun by asking kids to rate each other’s sneeze performances on a scale of 1 to 10. Instant judging panel, instant chaos — you’re welcome.

5. Simon Says Laugh Like a Cartoon Villain

This command taps into every kid’s secret dream of being the villain for exactly thirty seconds. Expect thrown-back heads, hands on hips, eyes narrowed, and the most over-the-top “MUAHAHAHA” sounds you’ve ever heard echoing around the room. The beauty here is that it’s emotionally freeing — kids get to be loud, dramatic, and totally ridiculous with zero consequences. What’s not to love about that?

This command is particularly brilliant for shy or reserved kids because it gives them full permission to be loud within a structured, silly context. Have you ever watched a quiet kid absolutely snap into cartoon villain mode? It’s a transformation. Follow it up with “Simon says now act like you’ve lost your evil plan” and watch the entire group collapse into dramatic despair. Storytelling and silliness all in one.

6. Simon Says Waddle Like a Confused Penguin

There’s something universally funny about penguin waddling, and adding “confused” to the mix elevates this command to another level entirely. Kids immediately get the assignment — arms out, feet splayed, tiny shuffling steps, heads turning side to side as if searching for something that doesn’t exist. It’s physically demanding in the best way and produces non-stop laughs from the sidelines. Nobody can waddle with dignity — that’s kind of the point.

This command also works wonderfully as a movement activity in smaller spaces since waddling naturally keeps kids in a contained area. No one’s making a break for the back of the room when they’re committed to the penguin life. Turn it into a relay race format for birthday parties — first penguin to reach the finish line wins a prize. The competitive element makes it even more entertainingly chaotic.

7. Simon Says Howl at an Imaginary Moon

If you want to hear a room full of kids go absolutely feral in the most delightful way, this is your command. Howling at an imaginary moon gives every child full permission to make as much noise as possible while also being completely committed to the wolf narrative. The combination of sound, physical movement, and imaginative play makes this one of the most memorable Simon Says commands in the entire list. It’s loud. Embrace it.

This one is especially perfect for outdoor gatherings or backyard parties where the noise level isn’t a concern. But honestly, even indoors, it’s worth the temporary chaos because the energy release is incredible and kids genuinely love the feeling of being wild and free for a moment. End the howling session with “Simon says the moon disappeared” to watch every wolf instantly freeze in place. Perfect payoff.

8. Simon Says Type an Invisible Email as Fast as Possible

This one’s a sneaky favorite because it’s funny AND secretly educational. Kids who have watched adults frantically type get an instant reference point and dive straight into the most overdramatic keyboard-mashing you’ve ever witnessed. The intensity on their faces as they “type” their imaginary email is absolutely priceless. It also helps develop fine motor awareness and coordination in a completely sneaky, fun way.

Ask kids to announce what they’re emailing about while they type for an extra layer of hilarity — the subjects range from “telling the president about my dog” to “ordering 1000 pizzas.” Totally unhinged and totally perfect. This command works especially well for slightly older kids (ages 7–10) who have enough real-world context to really commit to the bit. Their email subjects will genuinely make you question everything.

9. Simon Says Tiptoe Like You’re Sneaking Past a Sleeping Dragon

This command is pure storytelling magic packed into a Simon Says format. The moment you say “sleeping dragon,” every child’s imagination fires up instantly, and they switch into full stealth mode — exaggerated tiptoes, wide eyes, holding their breath, arms out for balance. It’s one of those commands that creates a completely immersive experience without any props or setup required. Just words and instant magic.

The tension this command creates is genuinely palpable — kids get quiet, focused, and intensely committed to not waking the imaginary dragon. It’s one of the best commands for transitioning from high-energy to calm without it feeling forced. Follow up with “Simon says the dragon woke up — RUN!” for the ultimate payoff moment that sends everyone into absolute joyful chaos. The whiplash between calm and chaos is comedic perfection.

10. Simon Says Pretend to Be Spaghetti in Boiling Water

When you want maximum physical looseness and unbridled energy release, this is the command that delivers every time. Pretending to be spaghetti in boiling water means kids go completely limp and wiggly, arms and legs flailing without coordination, which is genuinely hilarious to watch. It’s also a brilliant tension-release command that physically mimics what loosening up actually looks like. Secretly therapeutic, loudly ridiculous.

Yoga teachers and child therapists actually use similar “floppy noodle” exercises to help kids decompress, so this command is basically disguised mindfulness wrapped in total silliness. Use it after a high-energy round to bring the group back down without killing the vibe. Pair it with “Simon says the spaghetti just got drained and is now cold,” and watch everyone dramatically stiffen up and freeze. The contrast gets them every time.

11. Simon Says Make Your Funniest Face and Hold It

This command is so beautifully simple, yet it produces genuinely priceless moments. Every kid has a signature funny face stored in their arsenal, and this command gives them full permission to unleash it. Expect tongue-out-eye-cross-cheeks-puffed combinations that you genuinely didn’t think human faces could produce. The “hold it” part is what makes it, because holding a funny face while everyone else is also holding a funny face makes everyone start genuinely laughing. Circular laughter is the best laughter.

This command is fantastic for photo opportunities at parties — if you snap a group photo during this command, you’ll end up with one of the best candid shots of the whole event. Parents will genuinely thank you for capturing their kids mid-ridiculous face. It’s also a great command for building confidence in self-expression, since being silly in front of others is actually a small but real act of bravery. Bravery and giggles, all at once.

12. Simon Says Jump Like You Just Sat on a Cactus

The imagery in this command does all the heavy lifting. The moment kids hear “sat on a cactus,” their brains paint the picture, and they physically react with a wild leap that’s half surprise, half agony, and 100% hilarious. It’s a great command for kids who need a bit of a physical spark because the reaction is so involuntary and immediate. Even the most reluctant participants can’t resist jumping for this one.

Pair this with a competition for who can add the best sound effect to their cactus jump, and you’ve unlocked a whole new level of entertainment. Some kids will go “YEOWWW!” while others produce sounds that defy description entirely. It’s a perfect high-energy command to use mid-game when attention starts to drift, because the laughter it generates resets everyone’s focus instantly. Cactus: the unsung hero of Simon Says.Looking for more active fun? Try these Summer Games for Kids.

13. Simon Says Moonwalk Across the Room

Few things are funnier than watching kids attempt the moonwalk with absolutely zero technique and maximum confidence. They will slide, stumble, walk backwards very aggressively, and declare themselves the greatest moonwalker who ever lived. The gap between their self-perceived performance and the actual performance is where all the comedy lives. Highly recommend this command for its pure entertainment value alone.

This command also secretly introduces kids to a piece of pop culture history without them even realizing it — bonus points for the unintentional music education. If you can play a few seconds of a classic MJ track while they moonwalk, the whole thing transforms into an actual performance. Announce a “Moonwalk Championship” at the end and let kids vote for the most creative interpretation. Democracy, dancing, and disaster — what more could you want?

14. Simon Says Sneakily Pass an Invisible Ball to Someone

This command brings a social and collaborative element into Simon Says, which is fantastic for group bonding. Kids have to make eye contact, use nonverbal communication, and decide together who the ball is going to — all while being as covert as possible, which immediately descends into the most obvious “sneaking” you’ve ever seen. Exaggerated winking and finger-gun pointing tend to feature heavily. Stealth is not their strong suit. Yet.

What’s brilliant about this command is how it develops social awareness and reading of nonverbal cues in a completely low-pressure, fun environment. Kids who struggle with social interaction often shine here because the game framework removes the pressure and replaces it with play. It’s one of those commands that looks purely silly on the surface but has genuine developmental value baked right in. Smart play disguised as pure silliness.

15. Simon Says Roar Like the Loudest Dinosaur in History

Dinosaurs are basically a universal language for kids, so this command lands every single time without fail. Add “loudest in history” to the instruction, and you’ve officially permitted them to be as loud as biologically possible, which they will absolutely take seriously. The roars you’ll hear will range from genuinely terrifying to oddly squeaky, and both ends of the spectrum are equally wonderful. Earplugs optional.

Noise-based commands like this are particularly valuable for kids who carry tension in their bodies, as the full-body vocal release is genuinely cathartic. Teachers, this one’s golden right before a big test or after a particularly long, quiet activity — it resets the nervous system in about ten seconds flat. Crown the “Dino Champion” based on volume, creativity, or physical commitment to the roar for maximum engagement. The competition brings out the best (and loudest) in everyone.

16. Simon Says Conduct an Invisible Orchestra

This command is delightfully unexpected, which is exactly why it works so well. Kids go from whatever they were doing to suddenly wielding an imaginary baton and commanding a full invisible philharmonic — and they take it with dead seriousness, which makes it even funnier. The sudden shift to dramatic conductor energy is genuinely one of the funniest things you’ll witness. The furrowed brows of concentration are priceless.

Ask each conductor to describe the invisible music they’re conducting for extra comedy — “it’s very loud and also about tigers” is a perfectly valid answer. This command naturally builds creative expression and gives kids a moment to be in charge, which they love. Rotate the “conductor” role so multiple kids get the spotlight, and encourage the audience to actually hum and make instrument sounds. Suddenly, you have an actual performance on your hands. :/

17. Simon Says Chew Invisible Super-Sour Candy

The sour candy face is one of the most universally recognizable expressions on the planet, and kids absolutely love performing it on demand. Watch as they screw up their faces into the most dramatic pucker you’ve ever seen, complete with shudders, eye-watering, and sound effects that capture the full sourness experience. It’s a command that’s physically expressive, genuinely funny, and requires zero props. Maximum silliness for zero effort.

This command rewards kids with overactive imaginations because the more vividly they can imagine the sourness, the more extreme their reaction becomes. Encourage the full experience — the initial shock, the slow acceptance, and finally the “actually I love it” face at the end. Breaking it into stages turns it into a three-act performance that keeps the group engaged for longer. Three acts, zero candy, maximum entertainment.

18. Simon Says Pretend You’re a Bursting Popcorn Kernel

This command combines two actions in one — starting small and tight as an unpopped kernel, then EXPLODING outward as loud popcorn — and that physical contrast is inherently hilarious and also genuinely satisfying. Kids love the buildup-to-explosion format because the anticipation is half the fun. Start them all crouched and silent, then shout “POP!” and watch the room erupt. It works as a standalone command or as a whole-group synchronized moment.

The popcorn command is also a fantastic metaphor tool — ask kids afterward how it felt to “pop,” and you’ll get some surprisingly thoughtful answers alongside the inevitable “like when I sneeze.” Use it as a group reset command — everyone crouches down quietly, takes a breath, then pops up refreshed and ready to go. Mindfulness and mayhem, together at last.

19. Simon Says Hug an Invisible Giant Teddy Bear

After a string of energetic and loud commands, this one hits like a warm wave of adorableness. Watching kids wrap their arms around an imaginary giant teddy bear — fully committing to squeezing it, nuzzling it, maybe even patting its invisible back — is one of the sweetest things the human eye can witness. Use this strategically as a calming command between high-energy segments. It works like an emotional reset button.

The tactile imagination this command requires is actually a great sensory activity — kids who find physical touch comforting often respond especially well to this one. It also creates a natural moment of stillness in the game, which makes it perfect for pacing the energy of a long session. Ask kids to name their imaginary teddy bear and give it a personality for extended engagement. Emotional investment in a nonexistent bear is peak childhood magic.

20. Simon Says Balance Like a Flamingo at a Disco

Two things that don’t naturally go together — flamingo and disco — combine here for a genuinely absurdist command that kids find endlessly funny. Balancing on one leg is already a physical challenge, but adding the disco arm movements destroys any chance of actual balance, which is obviously the whole point. The wobbling, the arm-flailing, the inevitable toppling — it all becomes part of the performance. Nobody is landing this one gracefully, and that’s fine.

This command sneaks in real balance and coordination work while disguising it as pure goofiness, which is the secret to the best kids’ activities. You can turn it into a competition — who can hold the flamingo disco pose the longest before toppling. Add music for maximum commitment to the bit. Encourage a “flamingo face” (beak pose, serious expression) while doing the disco moves for an extra layer of contradiction that kids love. Absurdism is an art form.

21. Simon Says Speak Only in Whispers for the Next 10 Seconds

This one’s a sneaky gem for teachers and parents because it achieves an actual volume reduction while being presented as a game challenge. Kids love the contrast of having to be suddenly quiet when they’ve been screaming about imaginary dragons two seconds earlier. The dramatic commitment to whispering — complete with hunched shoulders and conspiratorial expressions — is absolutely charming. Works as both entertainment and covert crowd control.

Extend the whisper challenge by having kids whisper something they want to do next, then voting silently by raising hands. It turns the command into a mini-democracy exercise that kids think is incredibly important and official. Time the whisper stretch and see if the group can beat their record each round for a stamina-building challenge they’ll actually care about. Quiet kids, big wins.

22. Simon Says Swim Through Invisible Peanut Butter

The moment kids picture swimming through peanut butter, their brains essentially short-circuit most delightfully. The slowness, the effort, the gooey texture — all of it translates into the most exaggerated, slow-motion swimming movements imaginable. It also works as a genuine gross motor exercise since moving through “resistance” requires full-body engagement. Accidentally beneficial, loudly ridiculous.

Ask kids to narrate what the peanut butter swimming feels like for extra comedic content — the descriptions you’ll receive are genuinely next-level creative. “It smells good, but my arms are stuck” is objectively a sentence worth hearing. Follow up with “Simon says the peanut butter turned to water” and watch everyone suddenly swim at full speed for the contrast payoff. Resistance to freedom in two seconds flat.

23. Simon Says Do Five Jumping Jacks in Slow Motion

Slow motion transforms the most ordinary physical exercise into something absurdly cinematic. Jumping jacks at normal speed are barely interesting — jumping jacks in slow motion look like an art installation that came to life. The sheer effort required to maintain genuine slow motion is what makes this command both funny and physically challenging. Kids take the slow motion very seriously, which is exactly why it’s so funny.

This command is a personal favorite for classroom brain breaks because it gets the body moving without creating the chaos of full-speed activity. Teachers can actually use this during transitions without the room escalating to pandemonium — a rare and precious quality in a Simon Says command. Add a slow-motion sound effect (a deep, drawn-out “woooosh”) that everyone does while moving for maximum immersion. Synchronized absurdity at its finest.

24. Simon Says Freeze Like You Just Saw Something Absolutely Shocking

A twist on the classic freeze command, this version requires kids to not just stop moving but to commit to a specific emotional expression — shock. The results are spectacular. Expect wide eyes, dropped jaws, hands on cheeks, mid-step freezes, and at least one child who somehow manages to look personally offended by invisible information. The creativity of individual “shocked” expressions is a window into each child’s dramatic range. And some of them have a serious range.

This command also works brilliantly for photos — a group freeze in shocked expressions produces an amazing shot that looks spontaneous but is actually perfectly orchestrated. It’s one of those commands that blends game, acting exercise, and photo opportunity all in one moment. Ask kids to announce what they were shocked by for storytelling gold — the answers are always, without exception, completely unhinged. “A flying burger” was a real answer once. Truly.

25. Simon Says: Take a Bow Like the Greatest Performer Alive

Save this one for the very end of your Simon Says session and watch it land perfectly every time. After a game full of melting, roaring, waddling, and swimming through peanut butter, every single kid in that room deserves to take a bow — and this command permits them to do it with full theatrical grandeur. It’s a perfect game-ender that sends everyone out on a high note. Full circle energy.

The closing bow also teaches kids that finishing an activity with acknowledgment and celebration is something to embrace — not rush past. The kids who go deepest into the bow with the most sweeping arm gestures are always the ones who had the absolute best time. Clap for them loudly, because they earned it. All the melting, howling, and cactus-jumping? That was a full performance. Give them their flowers. Kids who enjoy Simon Says will also love these Bottle Flip Game Ideas.

Final Thoughts: Go Forth and Command Chaos

There you have it — 25 genuinely hilarious Simon Says commands that cover every energy level, every personality type, and every occasion you could throw at them. Whether you need to burn off pre-bedtime energy, run a classroom brain break, or keep 20 sugar-fueled party kids entertained without losing your mind, this list has your back. The secret sauce is the variety — mix silly with calm, loud with quiet, physical with imaginative.

The best Simon Says sessions are the ones where the grown-ups end up just as unhinged as the kids. So don’t just stand there reading commands off a list — get in there, melt like ice cream, howl at the moon, and take that bow. You’re the greatest Simon in history. Act like it.