Musical Hot Potato Passing Game
Pass a ball or beanbag around the circle while music plays — when it stops, whoever holds the potato does a silly dance! No one gets out, just giggles.
What You'll Need
- 1Soft ball, beanbag, or stuffed animal
- 2Phone or speaker for music
What You'll Need
A soft ball, beanbag, or stuffed animal — the "hot potato"
Phone or speaker for playing music
How to Play
Sit in a circle with family or friends. Hand someone the "hot potato" — any soft, easy-to-pass object.
Start the music and begin passing the hot potato around the circle. Pass quickly — it's hot!
Stop the music at a random, unexpected moment.
Whoever is holding the hot potato doesn't get "out" — instead, they have to perform. A silly dance, a funny face, an animal impression, or a song.
Everyone cheers wildly for the performer. Make them feel like a star.
Start the music again and pass in the opposite direction for variety.
Play 8-10 rounds, making the stops increasingly unpredictable — sometimes quick, sometimes after a long stretch.
Tips
The no-elimination version is critical for this age group. Getting "out" leads to tears and disengagement. Performing leads to laughter and confidence.
Have a list of performance ideas ready: sing a nursery rhyme, jump like a frog, spin in a circle, make the silliest face you can.
Vary what the "caught" person does each round. "This time, the person holding the potato tells us their favorite animal!"
Older kids in the group can be the music controller, which gives them a leadership role.
This is a party game staple for good reason. It works every time, with any group, and requires almost no setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: soft ball, beanbag, or stuffed animal, phone or speaker for music.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 4-6 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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