Capture the Firefly
Catch giant fireflies with the flashlight firefly game. These giant fireflies are kids. The rules are simple. One or more children designated as fireflies each get their flashlight. They flash the light on the flashlight once about every 30 seconds while the other children who aren’t fireflies try to capture them.
Tag
Flashlight tag is one of the oldest, best known and loved flashlight games. Think tag and hide-and-seek in the dark. Flashlight tag’s rules vary, but the basic premise is one person is “it” and tries to spot his or her friends hiding in the dark by using the flashlight.
Flashlight Pictures
What pictures will your kids create when they draw pictures with their flashlights? This fun flashlight game requires a camera capable that has a long shutter speed and flashlights for the light source. Pictures can be simple, such as a smiley face. For more advanced flashlight gamers, get creative with flashlight drawings over objects such as a couch, other people, or the family pet.
Shadow Charades
If your kids know how to play charades, then they’re just about ready to play a game of shadow charades. It’s the concept of shadow charades meets shadow puppets. A parent can tell each child which shadow charade to act out. When the child’s turn, he or she stands at a wall in the dark with a flashlight. The child tries to make shadow puppets on the wall that reflect the word he or she has been given. Players make their guesses.
Catch the Light
Kids love to watch the flashlight dart around the room. In this game, their goal is to catch the light. Move the light all around the room, including on the ceiling, the walls, and on the floor. At random times, stop the light. The kids are trying to catch the light so when you stop, they’ll all run to the light to try and stomp on it if it’s on the floor or jump for it if it’s on the wall.
Letter Spotlight
This is a fun one for kids just learning their letters. Buy small foam letters and put them in the spotlight during your flashlight fun. Have the kids look at the wall as you hold up a foam letter in front of the flashlight. The foam letter’s shadow will magically appear on the wall. The first one to name the letter wins the point.
Flashlight Limbo
How low can you go with this flashlight game? Instead of limbo with a pole, play limbo with a flashlight. Lower the flashlight after each round, just like a limbo pole. If your body breaks the beam of the flashlight as you pass underneath, you’re out.
Scavenger Hunt
This is a fun flashlight game for older children or you can adapt the rules for younger children by making gameplay easier. Everyone needs a flashlight to play or players can be split into teams with each team leader given a flashlight. Hide items around the house or outdoors like a typical scavenger hunt and provide clues along the way. When it’s dark, let the kids use their flashlights to find their treasures.
Flashlight Dance Party
For even more flashlight fun after dark, throw a dance party. Parents know that sometimes the best kid-energy burner is to simply dance it off. Grab the flashlights and let the kids make their disco ball as they have their dance party. Crank up the tunes and watch the lights shine all around the room. This game is guaranteed to bring lots of giggles and exhaustion to your evening. If you’re not up to playing any flashlight games, there are many other daytime activities available.
