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Seated

Sleeping Lions

Also called Dead Lions, Sleeping Bunnies

Kids lie perfectly still as 'sleeping lions' while the hunter tries to make them move or laugh without touching them.

people
5–40
time
10 min
energy
Calm
materials
No materials
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
How to play4

Before you start

Clear a floor area big enough for every child to lie down with space around them. Lay down mats or blankets if the floor is hard or cold.

  1. 1All the children lie down and 'go to sleep' as lions.
  2. 2The hunter (an adult first) walks among them, telling jokes and making silly faces to make them move or laugh.
  3. 3Any lion who moves, giggles or opens their eyes becomes a hunter too.
  4. 4Hunters may never touch the lions. The last lion still sleeping wins.
What to say3
  1. 1“Lions, lie down… close your eyes… and sleep!”
  2. 2“No touching, hunters! Only jokes and funny faces!”
  3. 3“Is that a giggle I hear? You're a hunter now!”
Host tips3
  • Hunters always end up poking and tickling. Repeat the no-touch rule and send rule-breakers to sleep with the lions.
  • Play it right after cake or a high-energy game — it is the best calming tool a kids' party host has.
  • Eliminated kids get bored fast; making them hunters keeps them busy and makes the game end on its own.
Variants2

  • Sleeping bunnies

    For toddlers: sing the sleeping-bunnies song, then everyone hops up together. No eliminations.

  • Safari photographers

    Half the group sneaks up to 'photograph' the lions; the lions wake up and roar when they hear a footstep.

Safety1
  • Hunters must not step over lying children — walk around them.
Good for

Occasions

BirthdaySchoolChristmasFiesta

Venues

Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOutdoorChurch hall