Games for preschoolers don’t have to be expensive; in fact, they don’t have to cost anything. If you have a classroom of little ones or are having kids over for a play date, play group or party, pull out a few simple game ideas that involve nothing more than a group of happy-go-lucky kids.

Spy

If you need an instant game, wherever you are, play a spying game. This game can be played with any number of preschoolers, though it works best with small groups, even just one preschooler. Look around the room or area, and find an item to describe. Let the kids ask questions or give them clues until they guess the items you picked out.

Race

Races are a great option for preschoolers. Of course, you can encourage them to run a traditional race from one place to another. You can also assign a task, depending on where you are. At home, you might encourage kids to run from the living room to the laundry room, where they can fold an article and put it away. These games are a great way to get kids involved in chores.

Simon Says

Play Simon Says with the kids and give them simple instructions. Kids can touch their noses, jump in the air, turn in circles or any number of other activities. Let kids take turns being Simon and use their names instead.

Tag

Let kids play various versions of tag, such as regular tag or freeze tag. This game works well with medium-sized groups. Large groups can get a little unruly as kids dart around. Seven to 10 kids are the ideal number for preschool tag. If you are not playing outside or are in a large area, have kids walk, skip or tip toe.

Charades

Preschoolers love to play pretend. Let kids take turns pretending to be their favorite animal or character. Help the audience guess what the main preschooler is acting as. Have a list of ideas ready for reluctant preschoolers. You may find the oldest preschooler to be a good guesser, but let kids each have an opportunity to be “it.”

Something, Something, Something Else

Duck, Duck, Goose is a popular game for preschoolers and can be changed for any situation. You can play Fish, Fish, Shark or Red, Red, Green or any other variations. Again, encourage kids to walk if you don’t have enough space for them to run.