Fun and Active Squirrel Games for Children

Looking for fun and active squirrel games that encourage teamwork, movement, and laughter? These squirrel-themed games are perfect for preschool and early elementary-age children. Whether you’re running a classroom activity, planning a playgroup session, or just having fun at home, these games will get kids scurrying, gathering, and giggling like little squirrels!

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1. Squirrel Nut Hunt (Cooperative Game)

Objective:

Work together as a team of squirrels to find and gather all the hidden “nuts” (small objects) and bring them back to the community nest.

Setup:

• Scatter or hide small items like paper cutouts, small balls, or beanbags (the “nuts”) around the play area.
• Create a large basket or box as the “community nest” where all the nuts will be collected.

How to Play:

1. The adult says, “Squirrels, it’s time to gather nuts!”
2. All the children work together to search for the hidden nuts and gently place them in the community nest.
3. Once all the nuts have been collected, gather around the nest and count them as a group.

Variations:

• Color Sorting: Use different colored “nuts” and sort them into different sections of the nest.
• Nut Delivery Relay: Pass the nuts from one squirrel to another in a line until they reach the nest.
• Nature Version: Collect real acorns, pinecones, or leaves from outside and add them to the nest.

Why Kids Love It:

• Encourages teamwork and cooperation.
• Provides a sensory experience with different textures and shapes.
• No pressure to “win” – just a fun, shared goal.

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2. Squirrel Scurry Relay

Objective:

Squirrels work in teams to gather acorns (small objects) and bring them back to their “nest.”

Setup:

• Divide children into two or more teams.
• Each team is a group of squirrels with a small basket or bucket as their “nest.”
• Place small objects like balls, beanbags, or paper cutouts (the “acorns”) at a distance from the nests.

How to Play:

1. The first squirrel from each team runs to the acorn pile, picks up one acorn, and scurries back to place it in the team’s nest.
2. The next squirrel in line takes a turn, and the relay continues.
3. The game ends when all the acorns have been collected.

Winning the Game:

• The team with the most acorns in their nest wins.
• Alternatively, focus on teamwork and celebrate everyone’s effort!

Variations:

• Add obstacles like cones or hula hoops for the squirrels to hop around.
• Use different colored acorns and assign each team a specific color to gather.

Benefits:

• Promotes physical activity.
• Builds teamwork and cooperation.
• Enhances counting and color recognition skills.

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3. Squirrel in a Tree

Objective:

Squirrels move around and find an empty tree when the signal is given.

Setup:

1. Divide the children into pairs to form the trees. The pairs stand facing each other and hold hands above their heads to create an arch (the tree).
2. Select one or more children to be the squirrels. There should always be one more squirrel than there are trees.

How to Play:

1. The squirrels move around the room, weaving in and out of the trees.
2. When the adult calls out “Squirrel in the tree!”, the squirrels quickly find an empty tree to stand under.
3. Once a squirrel is inside a tree, the “tree” lowers their arms to show that the tree is full.
4. The squirrel(s) who can’t find a tree stand in the middle of the room.

Repeat the Game:

1. The adult signals for the squirrels to “Leave the trees!” and the trees lift their arms again.
2. The squirrels begin moving around the room once more.
3. Play several rounds and then switch roles so everyone gets a chance to be a squirrel and a tree.

Tips:

• Adjust the pace of the game based on the age and energy level of the group.
• Encourage teamwork and quick thinking!

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4. Nutty Squirrel Freeze Dance

Objective:

Squirrels dance and move like playful squirrels but must freeze when the music stops.

Setup:

• Play upbeat music.
• Create a designated “tree stump” area (like a mat or a small circle)

How to Play:

1. When the music plays, the children (squirrels) dance, hop, and scurry around like squirrels.
2. When the music stops, they must quickly freeze in a silly squirrel pose.
3. Any squirrel that doesn’t freeze in time joins the “tree stump” area for the next round and helps spot other squirrels who don’t freeze.

Variations:

• Have the “frozen” squirrels make funny squirrel sounds while waiting for the next round.
• Let kids take turns being the DJ who controls the music.

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5. Acorn Toss

Objective:

Squirrels toss “acorns” into their dreys (nests) to practice hand-eye coordination and have fun with a simple target game.

Setup:

• Use soft tossable items like beanbags, balled-up socks, or soft balls as “acorns.”
• Place 1–3 baskets, buckets, or boxes at various distances to act as “dreys.”
• (Optional) Label baskets with point values or decorate them like squirrel dreys.
• Mark a tossing line with tape, rope, or chalk.

How to Play:

1. Students stand behind the tossing line and take turns tossing their acorns into the nests.
2. Each student tosses 3–5 acorns per turn.
3. After tossing, they retrieve their acorns and either go to the end of the line or switch with another player.
4. Celebrate successful tosses and encourage cheering for each other.

Variations:

• Point Play: Add numbers to each nest for basic scorekeeping and counting practice.
• Distance Challenge: Move the baskets farther away after each round.
• Color Sorting: Use colored acorns and matching baskets for sorting while tossing.

Benefits:

• Builds fine and gross motor skills
• Reinforces turn-taking and teamwork
• Supports early math skills like counting and simple addition
• Easily adaptable for different ability levels or indoor/outdoor play

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Why These Games Are Great for Kids

• Encourages Active Play: These games keep kids moving and engaged.
• Supports Social Skills: Children learn cooperation, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
• Promotes Creativity: Fun themes help spark imaginative play.
• Flexible for Different Ages: Adjust the difficulty and pace to match the abilities of your group.

Next time you’re looking for an energetic, laughter-filled activity, try one of these squirrel games. Whether you’re gathering nuts, scurrying in a relay, or dancing like a nutty squirrel, these activities are sure to bring smiles and excitement to playtime!

Want More Squirrel Fun?

Here’s another game to play. Your students can run and learn about squirrel habitats at the same time. Read Engaging Preschoolers with the Squirrel Habitat Game

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There’s an I Spy Acorns activity and a Nutty Squirrel Movement Game in our resource library. Click here to join our community and get access the library, receive email updates, and more.

If you are looking for more squirrel games for your home or classroom, consider these. Note: I don’t earn any commission from these links, I just want to share items that have worked well for me!

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Board Game 

Learning Resources Snap-n-Learn Surprise Squirrels