Fun Games to Play In The Dark For Kids

Planning a sleepover party and looking for fun games to play in the dark with kids. Keeping the children entertained is easier than you think with these party game ideas.

When the children aren’t quite ready to go to bed, here are fun solutions to keep the fun going throughout the night. These activities were specifically created to be played in the dark.

What are some fun games to play in the dark for kids? Consider options like flashlight tag, hide and seek, telling scary stories, Ghost in the Graveyard, or shadow puppets. These options and more will entertain the kids all night long.

Fun Games to Play In The Dark For Kids

Whether you are having a sleepover party, have siblings that are looking for a little bonding time, or if you want some to create some lasting memories with your littles, here are things you can do in the dark with kids.

Flashlight Tag

If you enjoy traditional tag played during the day, you will LOVE this version at night. All you need are a few flashlights and four or more players.

The goal of this game is the same – to tag everyone in the game. However, instead of chasing the target and placing a hand on them to tag, the tagger has to find the other players first and point their flashlight on them.

Some variations of the game also require saying the name of the hidden player out loud. After someone is tagged, they then become IT! Imagine hiding in the dark – hearts pounding, adrenaline rushing, eyes straining to see. Super fun!

Hide and Seek

Playing hide and seek in the dark is scary. And you know what? I am all for it. The game requires more than three people (the more the merrier, of course), and the goal is to find every single player who is hiding.

If you play outdoors make sure clear borders are defined for safety reasons. When someone is found, try to scare them!

Ghost in the Graveyard

Ghost in the Graveyard is a genius mix of both tag and hide-and-seek. To be successful, you will need both speed and the ability to hide.

A group of players (three or more) needs to choose one place – home base – where they will define who the ghosts are for the game. The ghosts have to hide while non-ghosts count from “one o’clock” to “midnight”.

As non-ghosts look for ghosts they must warn the others by yelling “Ghost in the graveyard!” every time they spot one. Then everyone (except for the player who yelled the warning) races to the base. Ghosts try to outrun and tag non-ghosts before they reach the base. Whoever is too slow and gets tagged become the ghosts during the next round.

Scary Stories

Although it’s not exactly a game, telling scary stories is a classic moment in a child’s life. When you think about a group of friends hanging out at night, no sleepover or camping trip should be considered successful without a scary story. I mean, if nobody loses their desire to sleep because they were too scared… was it even worth it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtvDpuoR1j4

Gazing at the Stars

Ok, not every night should be associated with fear and monsters. While it’s a great time to play all these scary games, we can’t forget that kids can have an equally lovely time admiring the beauty of the moon and stars.

With younger kids, you can play the “What do you see?” game, guiding them to use their imagination and find shapes in stars. Teenagers can show off their knowledge of constellations.

Shadow Puppets

If you are looking for a game suitable for younger children, consider shadow puppet theatre! It’s the perfect game to play in the dark. Shadow puppets are easy to create, and you don’t need much to pull it off.

Create a shadow theatre by using a simple cardboard box, a lamp, and a white piece of paper. For the puppets, draw the outlines on your own, download a template, or purchase what you need from sites like Etsy.

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt

There are so many ways to play scavenger hunts – you can search for letters, art, secret code, leaves – but most of those are played when the players can see what they are looking for. Playing with a flashlight, however, makes it more challenging and infinitely more interesting.

All you need is enough flashlights for each player and a map. The best part of the game is that playing it indoors is just as great as playing it outdoors.

Zombie Base Survival

Of course, I could explain the rules of the game, but then I’d be robbing you of a good laugh. Just watch this video and watch how awesome Zombie Base Survival really is! I have a feeling you might start organizing a zombie base in your own home before the video even ends!

10 Imaginative Play Games to Do in the Dark:

Shadow Storytelling: Use a flashlight against a wall to create shadows while telling an imaginative story.
Mystery Sound Game: Blindfold players and have them guess objects or actions by sound alone.
Constellation Creation: Imagine and draw new constellations using glow-in-the-dark stickers on the ceiling.
Nighttime Nature Theatre: Use a flashlight to mimic moonlight, and act out stories featuring nocturnal animals.
Galaxy Quest: Pretend to be astronauts exploring a dark, unknown planet (room) with obstacles.
Pirate Treasure Hunt: Create a treasure map with invisible ink visible only under UV light.
Whispering Walls: Players create a story by whispering a sentence each, building upon the last person’s line.
Magical Creatures Hide and Seek: Each player represents a magical creature with unique sounds and movements.
Flashlight Pictionary: Draw in the air with a flashlight while others guess what you’re sketching.
Enchanted Forest: Turn the room into an enchanted forest using glow sticks and have players act as mystical characters.

10 DIY Games to Play in the Dark:

Glow Stick Ring Toss: Use glow sticks to create rings and targets.
Flashlight Tag: A classic game of tag where the ‘it’ person uses a flashlight to tag others.
Laser Maze: Create a maze with strings and bells in a hallway, players navigate without touching the strings.
Glow in the Dark Bowling: Fill bottles with glow sticks as pins and use a ball to bowl.
Shadow Puppet Show: Create shadow puppets with your hands or cardboard cutouts and a flashlight.
Glowing Water Balloons: Fill water balloons with glow sticks for a nighttime balloon fight.
Flashlight Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of objects to find using flashlights.
Dark Room Obstacle Course: Set up a safe obstacle course to navigate in the dark.
Glowing Message Hunt: Write messages with glow-in-the-dark paint and find them with a flashlight.
Nighttime Simon Says: Play Simon Says with flashlight signals instead of verbal commands.

10 Family Bonding Games to Play in the Dark:

Family Campfire Stories: Share stories or family anecdotes around a faux campfire indoors.
Stargazing and Constellation Stories: Lay blankets outside and identify constellations, sharing myths behind them.
Nocturnal Nature Walk: Take a family walk at night with flashlights, discussing nocturnal animals and nature.
Flashlight Memory Game: Shine a flashlight on various objects, then quiz each other on what was seen.
Glow Stick Dance Party: Dance in the dark with glow sticks to family-favorite songs.
Darkened Room Charades: Play charades in a dimly lit room for added challenge and fun.
Silent Night Challenge: Communicate only through gestures and flashlight signals for a set time.
Night Vision Art: Create art together using glow-in-the-dark paints.
Camp-In Movie Night: Set up a tent indoors, watch movies, and tell stories in the dark.
Moonlit Picnic: Have a late-night picnic outside under the moonlight, sharing favorite snacks and stories.

Playing in the dark is exciting for kids and it’s an easy way to add a little excitement to a boring night in. Even the games you grew up with suddenly have a bit of thrill to them once you turn the lights off.

But remember to tell your kids that darkness isn’t all fun and games. You have to take added precautions when you turn off the lights. It’s always best to have some source of light with you – no matter your age. Adult supervision is always recommended.

Ensuring Safety During Nighttime Games

Engaging in fun games in the dark can be an exhilarating experience for kids, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Here are essential tips to ensure your young ones remain safe while they enjoy these nighttime activities.

Appropriate Supervision: Always ensure adult supervision during these games, especially for younger children. An adult presence can help manage the play area, oversee the activities, and intervene if necessary to prevent accidents or injuries.
Use of Safe Flashlights: Opt for kid-friendly flashlights that are durable, have a soft light, and are easy to handle. Avoid flashlights with small parts or those that are too heavy for young children to carry safely.
Establishing Boundaries: If playing outdoors, set clear, visible boundaries to ensure kids don’t wander off into unsafe areas. Indoors, make sure play areas are free of obstacles that could cause tripping or injuries in low-light conditions.
Wearing Reflective or Bright Clothing: Encourage children to wear bright or reflective clothing so they are easily visible in the dark. This is particularly important for outdoor games.
Pre-Game Safety Briefing: Before starting the game, have a safety briefing with the kids. Explain the rules clearly, emphasizing the importance of staying within the designated areas and using the flashlights safely.
Emergency Plan: Have a simple, understood plan in case of emergencies. This could include a specific meeting point, or a signal for stopping the game immediately.
Regular Check-Ins: For longer games, schedule regular check-ins or breaks to ensure all children are safe and accounted for.
Avoiding Scary or Risky Play: Ensure the games are age-appropriate and not overly frightening or risky for the younger participants.
First Aid Kit: Keep a basic first aid kit handy for minor scrapes or bruises. It’s always better to be prepared for small accidents.
Respect for Each Child’s Comfort Level: Acknowledge and respect if a child does not feel comfortable playing in the dark. Offer alternative activities they can enjoy.

By following these safety tips and precautions, parents and guardians can create a secure and enjoyable environment for children to play these delightful night games. Remember, safety enhances the fun and ensures a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Adapting Games for Indoor and Outdoor Environments

Whether you’re playing in the comfort of your home or under the stars, adapting games to suit indoor and outdoor environments enhances the experience while keeping safety and practicality in mind. Here’s how you can tailor these fun activities for different spaces.

Space Considerations:

Indoors: When playing inside, choose games that require less space and minimal physical activity to avoid accidents. Ensure the play area is clear of furniture or any objects that might cause injury. Games like shadow puppets, storytelling, or flashlight scavenger hunts are ideal for smaller, confined spaces.
Outdoors: Outdoor environments offer more space and freedom for movement. Utilize the larger area for games like flashlight tag or ghost in the graveyard. Ensure the play area is free from potential hazards like holes, water bodies, or uneven terrain.

Safety Measures:

Indoors: Maintain a well-lit path to the play area to prevent tripping in the dark. Use soft, cushioned mats to protect against falls, and keep emergency lights or candles handy in case of a power outage.
Outdoors: Establish clear boundaries and ensure the area is secure. If playing at night, check the area beforehand for safety. Consider using glow sticks or reflective tapes to mark boundaries or potential hazards.

Noise Levels:

Indoors: Be mindful of noise levels, especially if playing in an apartment or shared housing. Choose quieter games or incorporate silent rules to keep the noise to a minimum.
Outdoors: While you have more freedom with noise outdoors, be considerate of neighbors and local noise ordinances. Encourage laughter and joy, but avoid overly loud or disruptive activities late at night.

Adapting to the Environment:

Indoors: Get creative with indoor adaptations. Use hallways for scavenger hunts, living rooms for puppet shows, and bedrooms for storytime. Encourage imagination and creativity within the confined space.
Outdoors: Use natural elements to your advantage. Trees for hide and seek, open fields for tag games, and the night sky for stargazing. The natural environment adds an exciting dimension to the games.

Weather Considerations:

Outdoors: Always check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities. Have a backup indoor plan in case of unexpected weather changes.

By considering these factors, you can successfully adapt games for indoor and outdoor play, ensuring safety, fun, and suitability for the environment. Remember, the key is to be flexible and creative, allowing children to enjoy the essence of the game, regardless of the setting.