Follow-the-Leader Outdoor Game: A Park Version for Ages 2–7

Follow the leader is easiest at a park when the route is short and the leader changes often. Use a loop between two or three safe landmarks. The leader chooses one movement, everyone copies it, and the group returns to ordinary walking before the next choice. That simple rhythm works for a parent and toddler, siblings, or a small party group.

Set up the route

Walk the area once before starting. Pick a clear surface and landmarks that do not require touching playground equipment, plants, or private property. Avoid routes that cross a road, parking lane, bike path, or slide exit. The National Park Service’s Leave No Trace guidance also reminds visitors to stay on durable surfaces and respect other visitors.

Tell the group three rules: stay where the leader can see you, copy only the current movement, and return to walking when the leader says “reset.” Demonstrate a round with ordinary walking, a reach, and a pause. Children understand the game faster when the first round has no surprises.

How to play

The adult leads the first route. Walk to the first landmark, then say “copy” and show one action. Use movements that fit the space: march, tiptoe, turn once, tap knees, reach up, or walk sideways. After five to ten seconds, say “reset” and return to walking. At the next landmark, give the child a leadership turn.

For toddlers, the adult can walk beside the child and copy only hand or face movements. For ages 4–7, the leader can build a two-step pattern, such as clap then turn. Keep each turn short enough that children are still eager to lead. There is no winner; the group succeeds by staying together.

Movement menu

• March like a parade for six steps.
• Reach high, then touch knees.
• Walk backward only with an adult checking the clear space.
• Turn once and point to the next landmark.
• Freeze like a statue for a count of three.
• Take tiny steps, then ordinary steps.
• Pretend to carry a light balloon without holding one.

Skip crawling, racing, blindfolding, and movements that send children toward other park users. If the ground is wet or uneven, keep both feet moving slowly.

How do you make leadership fair?

Use a fixed order rather than asking who wants to go next. A toddler can lead one hand motion while the adult remains the walking leader. A shy child can choose from two actions whispered by the parent. A child who is excited to lead can give one movement, then return the role after the next landmark.

For mixed ages, give older children a “helper leader” job: they demonstrate, then check that younger players have room. Helpers should never pull, steer, or physically correct another child. If the group spreads out, stop and regroup before continuing. The parent-child park games guide has smaller versions for one adult and one child.

Make it a five-minute activity

Use five landmarks or five turns. Begin with adult-led walking, give each child one turn, and end with a child-chosen movement. Then name the finish point and switch to free play. A short ending keeps the route from turning into an unplanned chase game.

For a game built around clear stop and go cues, try red light green light for preschoolers in the same small area.

Sources

• National Park Service, Leave No Trace Seven Principles, retrieved 2026-09-06.
• Playworks, Simon Says game library, retrieved 2026-09-06. Used as a reference for adult cues and movement choices; this route-based version is original.

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