25 Best Holiday Light Displays and Christmas Activities Indiana: Speedway and Beyond

Holiday Fun Activities and Light Shows in Indiana

'Tis the season! Are you looking for fun family activities and things to do this holiday season? We've gathered up the 25 best holiday light displays in the greater Indianapolis area and beyond. During the holidays, Indiana is a festive place. Many of the holiday light displays start the weekend before Thanksgiving. Some of these Indiana holiday activities and light shows are free. 

This post contains affiliate links.

You've eaten until your belly feels like it is going to pop. You've unbuttoned the top button of your pants to make room for desserts. What next? You can sit in the chair and watch the same old holiday movies while in a food coma or you can go for a ride and get in the holiday spirit with a festive holiday light show display or an immersive holiday activity that's fun for the whole family. If you start now, you can do them all before New Year's Day!

25 Best Holiday Light Display Shows and Family Friendly Activities in Indiana

Speedway - Indianapolis Motor Speedway Holiday Light Show

2016 was the inaugural light show at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway. Pay per car load and take a ride around the famous track.

See over 2 million lights at the Brickyard: 11/17 - 12/30, $25 per car Monday to Wednesday, $30 Thursday to Saturday, $50 for vehicles with 15+ passengers, speedy passes also available for an additional cost. 


Danville - Ellis Park Drive Thru Light Display

Winterland is open daily starting 11/24 thru 12/30 (Closed Christmas Day)
Sunday to Thursday 6pm to 9pm and Friday & Saturday 6pm to 10pm. $10 per car load.

See Santa in the Train Station on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 23rd.

Copy and print this discount coupon to save $5 at the gate.

Carmel -  ChristKindlmarkt

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt offers a  blend of traditional German foods and gifts, surrounding a beautiful outdoor ice skating rink. The whole family will enjoy exploring the market and making cherished memories. Event is located at 10 Center Green - Between The Palladium and The Tarkington Theater 11/18 - 12/24 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) Wednesday thru Thursday 4-9 pm and 1-9 pm weekend days.


Kokomo - We Care Park Light Display

Located on the north side of Kokomo in the 2300 block of North Market Street (just west of the intersection of Gano and Lafountain) this outdoor display has over 1,000,000 lights and animated displays. Drive thru the park or walk the 3 acres to enjoy.


Muncie - Minnetrista Enchanted Luminaria Walk

Kick off the holiday season with this family event. Experience sweet treats, winter games and crafts, carriage rides, and holiday music in celebration of the season. Enjoy rides and food for a small fee. Indoors, Minnetrista also hosts a holiday tree event.


Fishers - Conner Prairie by Candlelight  

As a past Conner Prairie Interpreter and Manager of Music and Theatre programming, I participated in this event many times. Dress warmly. This magical, family friendly 90-minute walking tour transforms you back in time to 1836 Prairietown where it’s the night before Christmas. 12/8-12/23, $16/adult ($14/adult member) $13/youth ages 2-12 ($11/youth member) Groups of 15+ guests $15/adult & $12/youth. Tours begin at 6 PM and run every 12 minutes until 9 PM. Best for ages 7+.


Fishers - Winter Wonderland

Celebrate the magic of the season when Fisher's Nickel Plate District transforms into a Winter Wonderland, complete with a place to leave letters for Santa. Starts 11/30, FREE.

Fishers - Reynolds Farm Christmas Light Show
A million bulbs illuminate a 57' tall abominable snowman and donations benefit a local food bank. 11/21 - 1/1, FREE.

Indianapolis Museum of Art - Newfields - Winterlights 

Winterlights is an outdoor strolling experience in the gardens of IMA. Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes. Enjoy millions of lights that dance to music and beverages and firepits to roast s'mores at Newfields (Art Museum).  11/9 - 1/7, $8 to $20, FREE for children 5 and under, 5 & 7 PM  






Indianapolis - Christmas at the Zoo 

Twinkling lights surround the seals, sea lions, walruses and tigers. 11/24-26, 29-30; 12/1-3, 6-10, 13-23, 26-30, $9.95 for children and $12.95 for adults.


Indianapolis - Circle of Lights 

See the Soldiers and Sailors Monument transformed into a giant Christmas tree made of more than 4,000 lights. Lighting of the tree is 11/24, FREE. 


Indianapolis - Chinese Lantern Festival

Thirty sets of giant Chinese Lanterns light up the Indiana State Fairgrounds. 11/24 - 1/7, $10 to $15, FREE for children 4 and under.



Broad Ripple - Broad Ripple Lights Up!

Broad Ripple lights up for the holidays complete with a Wonderland activity village and twilight parade. 12/3, FREE.


Mooresville - Victorian Christmas Celebration

The annual Victorian Christmas Celebration features a number of fun stops and activities throughout Mooresville. A free shuttle service takes you to each stop so you don't miss a thing! Enjoy carolers, craft fair, carriage rides, performances and Victorian characters 12/2, FREE.

While in Morgan County, hop over to Martinsville and see the candy canes being made at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen.


Santa Claus  - Santa Claus Indiana for the Holidays

The town with Santa's name is packed with holiday activities. Visit Santa, mail a letter and more. Check the website for dates and details.

Columbus - Holiday at the Farm

Bloomington - Canopy of Lights

French Lick - 50 Days of Lights

Indianapolis Indoor Holiday Events

Garfield Park - Conservatory Crossing

See the Conservatory decked with a brilliant display of poinsettias, enjoy model trains and villages, and thousands of twinkling lights. 11/24 – 12/31, Monday-Saturday: 10-5 pm, Sundays: 1-5 pm, Evenings Hours (until 8 pm): December 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23, $4 per person or $10 per family (2 adults max.)

​
Indiana State Museum - Celebration Crossing 

Celebration Crossing comes alive with holiday merriment from the sounds of bands, bell and vocal choirs and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will entertain visitors in their cozy home through 12/24. Take a trip back in time by gazing into the recreated L.S. Ayres store windows rekindling Christmases past. 11/24 - 1/7, included with museum admission. Don't miss the train - it will make cherished memories for years to come.

Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis - Jolly Days

Celebrate family traditions and holidays with Jolly Days Winter Wonderland. Enjoy favorites like the two-story Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, and visits with Santa. 11/24 - 1/7, included with museum admission.


The Eiteljorg Museum - Jingle Rails  

This popular locomotive wonderland and Indianapolis family tradition opens  11/18 - 1/15, included with museum admission.


Indiana History Center - Festival of Trees

The history center is full of festive activities at the Festival of Trees. Visit the website for a full list of holiday happenings. 11/17 - 1/6, included with museum admission.


Nearby Events - Mason, Ohio - King's Island Winterfest

Ring in the holidays with the return of WinterFest at Kings Island on select nights 11/24 - 12/30. The park transforms into nine enchanting winter wonderlands featuring ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower transformed into a magical Christmas tree, up to 17 rides including Mystic Timbers, more than 5 million lights and 14 holiday characters spreading merriment, like Jack Frost and Sugar Plum Fairy. Visit the website for hours and cost.


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Things to do in Indiana

Holiday Road: Dress the whole family in festive Christmas pajamas while you tour the light shows from the comfort of your vehicle.

Ring in Ring in the holidays with the return of WinterFest at Kings Island on 
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Self Help Book for Life: Ordering Your Private World Review

Into Self Help Books?

Handlebar Marketing gave me a copy of this book for review; all opinions are my own.

Are you living in chaos? Do you perpetuate chaos? This blog is titled, Kids Creative Chaos, but several years ago, I was able to squash most of the chaos. I learned to say 'No' and not to overextend myself. I forgave myself for not attending every event or argument that crossed my path.

Amazon Affiliate: I get a small commission if you make a purchase from a link.

Some people need routines to organize the chaos. For me, the routines bred the chaos. Now, I take one day at a time and try to live every day to its fullest potential. Of course, on some days, life's fullest potential is just relaxing and watching a movie on Amazon- not something I felt comfortable doing in the past. How could I sit idle when so much needed done? If you are looking for a self help book for life, Ordering Your Private World is the perfect choice. Enjoy!

 

The first thing you need to know about Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald, is that it is a Christian book written by a pastor. It references scripture. For some that will be a win, but for others it may be a turn off - don't let it be. MacDonald's personal journey may be different from your own, but it is worth the read. Written in a conversational style, this self help book on life is a quick and easy read.

Book Blurb: One of the great battlegrounds is within the private world of the individual. The values of our Western culture would have us believe the busy, publicly active person in ministry is also the most spiritual. Tempted to give imbalanced attention to the public world at the expense of the private, we become involved in more programs, more meetings. Our massive responsibilities at home, work, and church have resulted in many good people on the verge of collapse.

In this updated classic, Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald equips a new generation to live life from the inside out, cultivating the inner victory necessary for public effectiveness.

The author shares his personal journey of a Pastor spread too thin. He shares a turning point that gave him insight and helped him realize the time had come to organize and take control of his own life. With a study guide to help you on your own organizational journey, in no time, you'll be on your way to a life led by your own spirituality focusing on what's really important and matters most to you.


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Recommended:

Get my book, Circle Time Handbook (Games and Activities for all ages.)

3 Tips to Stay Hydrated this Summer

On the Go Tips to Stay Hydrated in Summer 

KCC is a member of the Mom it Forward Influencer Network. This post is sponsored by BODYARMOR. However, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Our kids are active and always on the go. They love team sports. So, we're always looking for ways to stay hydrated in the summer heat. This summer, we tried a new sports drink with electrolytes and the kids loved it! We've got some tips to help active kids stay hydrated in the summer while playing football, baseball, soccer, or even swimming. Keep reading for tips to stay hydrated this summer and a fun giveaway. Enjoy!

This post may contain affiliate links.

The kids can't get enough soccer, basketball, football, swimming, and running. Whatever team sport they do, we love watching them play. One of the things we talk a lot about is how to stay hydrated without adding a lot of junk ingredients.

To keep their team hydrated, the coaches encourage sports drinks as a way to restore and balance electrolytes. While we agree with that goal, we don't always love the ingredient list on some of the popular sport drinks.

Ways to Stay Hydrated this Summer

Tip #1

• Topping our list of cool ways to stay hydrated this summer is BODYARMOR sports drink. We're delighted to see a new sports drink with electrolytes that contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners. BODYARMOR SuperDrink smells divine and is a great tasting, premium sport drink that is low in sodium and includes coconut water.

Ways to keep kids hydrated in summer.

We've already started football practice and this 15-pack of BODYARMOR provides quick recovery and hydration for these hot, summer practices. It will be a regular drink at practices and games throughout the season. Here's why:

• BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins – and has no artificial flavors or sweeteners
• BODYARMOR provides superior hydration and comes in 9-great tasting flavors: fruit punch, orange mango, strawberry banana, tropical punch, blackout berry, mixed berry, grape, watermelon strawberry and lemonade.
• BODYARMOR is a better alternative to traditional sports drinks, because it contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners and has potassium packed electrolytes, vitamins and coconut water. 

We've been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and spending lots of time outside and at the pool and the kids are thrilled when BODYARMOR is a part of their healthy snack break. What a super drink for active kids! You can get yours at Sam's Club.

Our kids love the flavors they've tried. We love that it contains potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water, and vitamins. It's an awesome and healthier alternative to traditional sport drinks while still providing the needed benefits for hard working, sweaty kids! If they aren't drinking enough water, the kids will stay hydrated with BODYARMOR. 

Your little athletes are sure to love BODYARMOR too. You can feel great about giving it to them! Kids Creative Chaos kids and moms approve.

Some Facts about BODYARMOR Sports Drink

• Premium sports drink with no artificial flavors or sweeteners
• Healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks
• BODYARMOR provides your body with Superior Hydration
• Potassium-packed electrolytes
• Coconut water
• Vitamins
• High in potassium, low in sodium
• Available now to purchase at Sam’s Club 

On sale $12.98 (save $3.00) till July 16th, 2017. Is your young athlete working to be the best? Check out how your athlete can become the next BODYARMOR athlete.

Tip #2

• Another yummy way to stay hydrated is with YOGURT ICE CUBES. Pop them in your ice chest for a quick on the go snack while you're sitting on the sidelines. You'll be the most popular mom on the bleachers when the athletes taste this healthy hydrating snack.

Hydrate with yogurt ice cubes.

Tip #3

• You need to stay cool to stay hydrated. So, even if you're drinking hydrating sports drink and eating yogurt ice cubes, the best tip is to cool off, drink lots of water, and rest in the shade. The United States Department of Labor suggests water, rest, and shade to stay hydrated in summer heat.

GIVEAWAY
One winner will receive a BODYARMOR cooler and a Sam’s Club membership. To enter, hop over to our Kids Creative Chaos Instagram profile and comment on the BODYARMOR post. Contest ends Midnight EST July 12, 2017

Get Social with BODYARMOR

Facebook     
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#Switch2BODYARMOR #BringIt

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Teenage Birthday Party Ideas Indianapolis: Tweens Too!

Birthday Party Ideas  for Teens in Indy

Planning a unique birthday party for a tween (soon to be teen) or teenager is difficult. When they're younger, there are so many options- plus they don't even remember most of them! By the time they become teenagers, you're running on empty. Here's a list of Teenage Birthday Party Ideas in Indianapolis, your tween will love them too. Enjoy!

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YA Fiction Moon Magic Online Novel Chapter Five

Moon Magic Chapter Five: YA Fiction

Moon Magic Chapter Five Young Adult Fiction Novel Online. If you haven't read the other chapters, start here: Moon Magic starts here. In Chapter Four, Aurora woke up in the hospital. She thought her mother had finally stopped by for a visit, but Lucas said it wasn't possible. What's up with that? Will we find out in Chapter Five Moon Magic? Read on to find out. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links.

Complete Novel now available, Allegedly Mystic.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 

Moon Magic Chapter Four: YA Novel Online

Chapter Four Moon Magic Young Adult Fiction Novel Online

Here's chapter four of my online Young Adult Fiction Novel, Moon Magic. If you haven't read the other chapters, start here: Moon Magic starts here. In Chapter Three, Aurora began to write in her diary. We also got a little taste of how she and her mother get along. It's time for her outing with Lucas, find out how it went in Chapter Four of Moon Magic. Enjoy!

This posts contains Amazon affiliate links.

Get the full novel.

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.

France Country Study with Worksheets

French Lessons and Worksheets for Homeschool or Classroom

If you homeschool like we do, you're probably teaching several grade levels at once. For this France Country Study Lesson, we've found worksheets and activities that work for toddlers to tweens to teens. Scroll down for Videos on the French Revolution, French Word Search Printables, Famous Artists, Art Projects, and Games they play in France. School teachers, you'll find fun classroom activities and worksheets that work in a classroom setting too. Enjoy!

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links for your convenience.

France Country Study with Worksheets.

Quick Facts about the Country of France.

Learn to speak French for Free with the Duo Lingo App or these French Language lessons.

This French Flag bookmark craft project from, Start at 5, works for preschoolers to high school.

For Elementary and Middle School, Make a Passport like this one from De Su Mama.

Printable Passport Activity from De Su Mama.

Make an Eiffel Tower with bits of colored straws like this one from Cutting Tiny Bites. While this craft activity is fun for elementary, it also aides preschoolers in fine motor skills.

Eiffel Tower Kids' Activity.

French History Lesson

The French Revolution











The French Revolution on BrainPop. (Must have password.)

Online Educational Game: French Revolution Time Zone X Game

French Revolution Worksheet for Middle School and High School.

Choose a Famous French Scientist and write a Biography.

Games from France

Hopscotch: This game is played outdoors on a flat, paved surface, but you can paint an old sheet or use cardboard squares to play indoors. You can also purchase a hopscotch board for indoor or outdoor play. Each player needs a small item to toss onto the hopscotch squares. Rocks or quarters work well. Not sure how to play? Get the rules to hopscotch.


Petanque: How to Play Petanque





La Semaine or "The Week"  is  played with 1 or more children with chalk and a pebble (pennies work too). Use the chalk to  draw seven squares in a row. Label each square with a day of the week.

Now, a player throws their pebble into the Monday box. If they miss, it is the next player's turn. If they hit it, they must jump on one foot to get to the stone, pick it up while still standing on one foot, and then jump back to the start.

Players repeat for each day of the week (seven times). Repeat the task every time a mistake is made. For example, they trip or hop on two feet. Game is won when one player covers all squares and makes it safely back start.

French Cricket You will need a Cricket bat or tennis racket and ball. Players stand in a circle. The first player stands with their feet together, defending the 'stumps,' which in French Cricket are the batman's legs below the knees. Now, the players in the circle take turns to bowl at the 'stumps' and the batsman must hit the ball away from them. The bowler gets clever to distract the batsman.


If the batman's legs are hit, he's out. He's also out if he moves his feet at any time from the original position. If the bowler, or any of the fielders around the circle, catch the ball before it hits the ground, the batsman is also out. Everyone takes a turn until the batsman is out. The bowler who 'stumps' the batsman takes his place.  

Worksheets

Make your own French Word Search

Muguet du 1er Mai Elementary Coloring Worksheet (First of May)

Printable Language Arts French Quotes Project for Middle School and High School



Famous French Artists










Paint like Matisse with this Still Life Art Lesson for Kids.

After you've learned all about France, get a taste of their culture and celebrate by making French Recipes. Enjoy these French cooking lessons and recipes for kids.



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French Word Search Books

French Games for the Classroom

Build a Lego Eiffel Tower

Books about France

Country Study Afghanistan

Country Study China

French Cook books for Kids

How to Have the Best New Year Eve Party with Kids

Ideas for the Best New Year Eve Party 

What does it take to have the best new year eve party ever with kids? It depends on your expectations, of course. If you want to throw a memorable party with glitz and polish, planning is a necessity. However, a spur of the moment party with family and close friends can become a favorite memory. We're sharing some tips on how to have the best New Year's party with kids. The key is to have fun foods and simple games that everyone can play together. Scroll down for games and activities for your party. Enjoy!

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8 Autumn Outdoor Play Ideas

8 Fall Play Ideas

As the weather cools and we move toward winter, it is tempting to stay inside on the warm, comfy couch. It is important to stay active in the cooler months. Sure, you can go to an indoor facility like a bounce park, bowling alley, or indoor swimming, but fresh air and sunshine are just as important in autumn and winter months. There are plenty of ways to play outdoors. We're sharing a few ways that we get out and play with these 8 Autumn Outdoor Play Ideas for families. Enjoy!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin  “This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play.”

Rugs for Circle Time

Do you have a Special Rug for Circle Time or Group Gatherings?

What are the best rugs for circle time? The best rugs for group time on the floor aren't always the best bargains. If you are looking for ideas for rugs for Circle Time, we've got you covered. Check out these fun circle time rugs available on Amazon. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

50 Simple Group Time Games for Preschoolers

50+ Easy Circle Time Games for Three, Four, and Five Years

Group Time for preschoolers often happens several times a day, you need fresh activities to interact with the children and keep them engaged. These 50 simple group time games for preschoolers are perfect for three, four, and five year-olds and they can be adapted for use with kindergarten or early elementary. Enjoy!

                                            This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

50 Simple Group Time Games for Preschooler at Circle Time.

Benefits of Circle Time and Group Time 

Childcare Quarterly states that, "research and anecdotal evidence indicate the need for social interaction and emotional regulation in children. Just as in the other developmental domains, social and emotional development are built on meaningful, supportive, and authentic experiences with adults and with other children. Circle times, then, have as their main goal social interaction among the children and between the children and the group leader."

Here's a great PRINTABLE PDF on Music and Movement for Group Time 

Magic Word 
During group time give the kids a magic word. If you remember Pee Wee Herman, this is similar to the secret Word of the Day. Everyone who is paying attention will be in on the secret. Throughout the day, use this magic word for lining up or transitioning to activities. Those who know the word will get to do the activity first or be first in line. Eventually, all of the children will catch on to the magic word of the day.

Keys
Blindfold one child and place her in the middle of the group's circle. Have the other children pass a noisy item (such as keys) around the circle. Think, Marco Polo without all of the shouting! When the blindfolded child recognizes the sound, she shouts for the rest of the group to stop and then points toward the item. If she is incorrect the game continues until she guesses correctly.

Want to find discounts for game props? Check out Coupon Kirin for more information.

Shape Walk
Cut out different shapes from craft foam. Place the foam on the floor and ask the kids to "cross the river" by walking only on  triangles. Choose different shapes each time. This is a great way to teach preschoolers to identify shapes.

Shape Lacing 
Draw a shape on a piece of paper:  circle, square, triangle, oval, rectangle, etc. Place the shape on cardboard and trace it. Take a hole punch and punch holes around the shape. Tie the yarn into the first hole and let the kids lace the shapes. While they are working, go around the circle and ask each child to share their shape. What shape is it? What else could it be? For example, a triangle could be a dog house. This keeps them busy while waiting their turn.


Like these ideas? Get our book with printable pages that are the perfect size for your clipboard! Best Circle Time Group Games.

Introductions
Introduce yourself and the person sitting next to you. Continue around the circle. Then, do a silly version. Introduce yourself with a silly name and give the person next to you a silly name too.

Fruit Bowl
Tell the kids that you are going to mix up the fruit. Have the children draw a name of a fruit out of a basket. They don't have to keep it a secret. When the leader calls out the fruit the children with that fruit move to a new spot or do as the leader says. Mix it up!

Poor Kitty
Sit kids on the floor in a circle. Pick one child to be the kitty and to wear the cat ears. The kitty crawls up to another kid and meows. The other child pets the kitty on the head while saying "poor kitty" without smiling. If he laughs or smiles, he becomes the kitty. 

Birthday
Ask the children what month they have their birthday. Then, call out a month. Kids whose birthdays are in that month run around the circle and back to their original spot in the circle.

Cards
Grab an old Go Fish or Old Maid deck of cards, give each child a card. Now, have the kids find the other people with the matching cards. First time, they can talk. Second time, no talking allowed. This is a great way to divide up into teams or partners.

Clapping
Simply clap. One clap continues the direction and two claps reverses direction. Teaches the importance of paying attention.

Doggy, Doggy Where's My Bone
Remove one player from the room. Give the bone to a player in the circle. This child places the paper bone behind her back. The other player returns to the room and tries to guess who has the bone. Can they sniff it? Can they guess by facial expressions?

Shopping or Grocery Store
Find how to play this game and over 30 other group circle games in our Circle Time Handbook.

Jigsaw
Get a giant jigsaw puzzle or make your own with foam. Then, give all players a piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Each player has to find the other players with the matches to their puzzle piece.

Jigsaw Puzzles                                                                                                                                       

Jigsaw puzzles come in all different difficulty levels, which is perfect for a group time game in school. For preschoolers, it’s best to stick with easy puzzles with fewer than 30 pieces. If you can find a variety of physical jigsaw puzzles that are easy enough for preschoolers, that’s great. Otherwise, check an online jigsaw puzzle site where you can choose any design from a list of thousands of puzzles and make it easy, medium, or hard depending on who is playing. Another cool thing about some of these sites is you have the ability to create puzzles and share them. If you’re leading a preschool classroom, this can be helpful if you have a topic you’re covering and you want a puzzle to align with the lesson.

99 
Remove one child from the room. While he is out, the group nominates someone else to speak. When the child reenters the room they stand in the middle of the circle. The nominated child disguises their voice and says ‘99.' The first child guesses who is speaking.

Words
Start with a familiar word. Then, the group claps twice. The next player must say a related word. For example, "dog" clap, clap, "bone," clap, clap, "skeleton." Passes from player to player all around the circle.

Names
Choose a name out of a hat to start. Clap around the circle stopping to clap the syllables of each child's name. For example, two claps for Jacob, three claps for Samantha.

Order Up
Break into groups of three to five. Standing in rows, see how quickly each row can arrange themselves by height. Can they beat the other rows? Change it up with ages, birthday months, or alphabetical by names.

More Group Circle Ideas.

Pig On Her Head by Laurie Berkner
Fill a bag with plastic animals. Each player pulls an animal from the bag and places the animal on her head. 
Then, go around the circle and sing the song with each player's name.

Sally has a sheep on her neck,
Sally has a sheep on her neck,
Sally has a sheep on her neck,
And she’ll keep it there all day!

Around the World
Think Four Corners. Place a sign with North, South, East and West on four walls. Players start in the middle and someone shouts where to sail the ship. If the leader shouts, "All round the world," the players have to visit all four walls and get back to the middle as quickly as possible.

Frankenstein
One player pretends to be Frankenstein. He walks towards the others in a slow, creepy, Frankenstein way with arms out. The player he is walking toward calls out another name. Frankenstein walks toward the next person named. Shout a new name before Frankenstein touches you. This is a great ice breaker to learn each other's names. Change Frankenstein after five names.

Arm Chains
Leader calls out a number. The players break into small groups and link arms with that number of people. Once everyone is linked they cross to the other side of the circle. If anyone is odd man out, they get to call out the next number.

Cookie Jar
Seat players in the circle. Pass a cookie behind their backs while they chant,  "Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?"

Teddy stole the cookie form the cookie jar. 
Player whose name was called says, "Who me?"
Everyone else says, "Yes, you!"
Player whose name was called says, "Couldn't be." 
Everyone else says, "Then who?"

Player whose name was called chooses the next name. "Terri stole the cookie from the cookie jar."

Repeat until all names are called.

Follow the Leader
The leader mimes an action. Everyone else must copy the action. The next person mimes that action and adds one of their own and so on.

Hunt the Pair
Get or make cards with matches. Each player takes a card without speaking. They must find the other person with the matching picture card. Use regular cards and match numbers or use picture cards and match things like a baseball and bat.

Johnny Whoops
Name game with finger play. Say the words while pointing to each finger. Start with the pinkie finger. Then move to the index finger.  Each time you move, point to the next finger and say, “Johnny Whoops.” Work your way back saying the name of each finger and then "Johnny Whoops!" 

Hedgehogs
Think Bugs in a Rug! Move around the room to the music, when the music stops have the players curl up like hedgehogs. Put a blanket over one player and then the others stand up and guess who is under the blanket.

Musical Islands
Think Musical Chairs! Place sheets of newspaper or butcher paper on the floor. When the music stops everyone must be standing on the paper. One by one, take the pieces of paper away until there is only one left. Beforehand, have the children decorate the paper like islands.

I know Your Name
Take turns calling out someone’s name. When your name is called, you must swap seats. This is a good game to play during transition time.

Who are We?

First kid states their name and points to another kid, who stands up and repeats the first kid's name. This continues until every kid states everyone else's name.

Chinese Mimes
Think Telephone! Everyone stands in a line in a circle with eyes closed. The first player taps the person standing in front of them. When they turn around, they mime an action. Pass the mime around the circle. Can it make it to the end?

Remote Control
Make up actions for the buttons on a remote control, when that button is pressed they perform the action. Make your own pretend remote or get a giant remote control.

Body to Body
Players stand in a circle and wait to hear how they must connect with each other. Connect fingers, elbows, ankles, etc. If safe, ask them to move left or right while connected. 

What am I?
As you go around the circle, everyone chooses a positive adjective to describe their personality. 

Colors
Go around the circle and ask, "What color would you be?" Everyone must answer something like this, "If I were a color, I would be blue, because it is the color of the sky."

Listening
Everyone closes their eyes and listens for two minutes. Then, the leader goes around the circle asking what sounds were heard.

Instruments
Go around the circle asking what instrument each child would be if they were an instrument. Now, they must also make the sound and pretend to be that instrument. At the end, have a marching band concert with all of the "instruments."

What Color Is This 
Prep with several different colored items. Ask the children, "What color is this?" Let them shout out answers. Next, go around the circle and ask each child to name something else in the room that is the same color.

Storm
Wiggle fingers to make rain. Pass around the circle until everyone is wiggling their fingers. Change the action: Wave arms to make wind, stomp feet to make thunder, raise arms in a circle to make the sun. 

Mirrors
Stand the children in two lines facing each other. The person across from them is their mirror. Take turns being the mirror and being the one looking into the mirror.

Belonging Game
Make cards for each child. Make a few with each number from one to five, then one of each number from six to eight. Without talking, players must find the other numbers in their group. When they find a number match, they pretend to be happy to see them and continue walking together with their number group until all members of their number group are found. If someone with a different number tries to join, they do not let them join their group. Then, talk about how it feels to be left out and how it feels to belong to a group.

Changes
Hand a basket of items to the kids to hold or wear. (Bunny ears, gloves, scarves, pillows) Tell everyone to study each other. Then, remove one player from the room. When they return, they must guess what is different. You can also have kids change places with each other. 

Choo-Choo Game
Everyone sits in a circle. Slowly say, "chug a chug a chug a." Then, begin to chant faster, "chugga chugga chugga chugga." While chanting, slowly stand up. When everyone is standing straight and tall, have them move their arms back and forth and begin to move around the circle together as a train while continuing chanting. Take turns saying, "choo-choo!"

A Sticky Situation
One person in the middle of the circle calls out, "Help, help!" Others reply, "What’s the matter?" The first person makes up a situation. For example, I'm stuck up a ladder or a dog chased me up a tree. The others reply, "Who do you want to help?" The person in the middle makes up random traits for who he wants to help. For example, anyone in a red shirt, someone with tennis shoes... The others nominate a person to help based on these traits. Then the nominee swaps places with the person in the middle. 

Peek-a-Boo
Everyone sits in a circle. One person says, "Peek-a-boo, I see you." Then, they call out a person(s) by attire. For example, "Peek-a-boo, I see you in a red shirt." Everyone in a red shirt stands up. Now, the person speaking covers his eyes. The others wearing red shirts sit back down in different places. Now, the person speaking uncovers his eyes and points to the first person he sees in a red shirt. This person is now "it" and starts the game again with a new item of clothing. "I see you in the tennis shoes."

Feelings
Make cards in advance depicting feelings or actions. Player draws a card and acts out the action. Everyone else must guess the action or emotion.

How Do You Do?
Play music, children move around the circle. When the music stops, they must greet each other with a greeting. Hello, How do you do, Good Morning... Next, they ask each other one question. For example, "What is your favorite color?" This is a fun icebreaker game.

Rug Bugs
Everyone sits in the circle. Grab a blanket or a big beach towel. Now, pick two children to leave the room or wear a fun blindfold. Shh! Just point at the children, grab their hands and take them away from the group. Next, point at two more children and then to the "rug." Hide the children under the "rug." Bring the others back. Can they guess who is missing?

Hello, How are You?
One child crosses the circle to shake hands and ask a question and then returns to their previous position. Now, the questioned child crosses the circle and does the same thing choosing a different child. Play continues until everyone has a turn.

Building Community
While children are in line or at their desks, the leader says, "Come sit in the circle if you live in an apartment." "Come sit in the circle if you drive a van." "Come sit in the circle if you have a dog." "Come sit in the circle if you go to school." When everyone is seated, the leader talks about what it means to have things in common. What it means to have a community. "We are a community of preschoolers with dogs and cats."

Butterfly
Think Duck, Duck, Goose. Everyone sits in the circle. Choose one butterfly. This child flaps fingers like a butterfly as they walk around the circle. Chant, "One little butterfly flew away on a very bright, warm summer day. It flew up in the sky so blue, And when it landed, it landed on you!" The butterfly taps another child on the shoulder. Now this person is the butterfly.


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