Overview
What do you do when you've got a room full of people and nothing to do? Play "Find it in the room!" This easy-to-play game is perfect for almost any age, size of room, and number of people. All you need is one highly visible item (we always say the uglier the better!) and a bunch of eager eyes.
Age
Toddler, Preschool, School-age, Tweens, Teens, Adults, SeniorsNumber of Players
2, 3 to 4, 5 to 10Team Division
Every man for himself (individual players)Competitiveness
Competitive (has winners and losers)Difficulty
Easy peasy (fun and simple)Indoor or Outdoor
EitherSpace Needed
Small (a clearable open space the size of a 1-car garage), Medium (a clearable open space the size of a 2-car garage), Large (gym, outdoor field, reception hall)Noise Level
QuietMess Factor
Clean and tidyPrep Time
No prep time needed!Game Time Length
5 - 15 minutesSupplies
Setup
1. Have a normal room or outdoor area where there's enough space for everyone to sit comfortably, and that already has various objects in it. (This game would too easy in an empty room!) Everyone should find a comfortable place to sit, and should be able to see around the room easily from where they are.
2. Show everyone the object. Make sure they get a good look!
3. Choose someone to be the "hider" and hand them them the object. Our favorite is a beloved red deer figurine!
How to Play
1. Have everyone in the room close their eyes. You can have them put their heads down, or cover their eyes with their hands, or (if you think you have cheaters in the room!) hand out blindfolds or bandanas.
2. Have the hider place the item somewhere in the room. The item must be at least 1/3 visible in some way, meaning you must be able to see a significant portion of the item.
3. Have the hider sit down. When they're ready, the hider says: "Where is it?"
4. Everyone opens their eyes, and without moving from their sitting position, tries to spy the object.
5. The first person who spies the object gets to hide the object in the next round.
6. Play as many rounds as you like.
Variations
1. Try this game in the dark! Use a shiny/reflective object and give everyone flashlights to search the room.
2. If you wish to make this a more competitive game, give players 1 point every time they discover the object first and keep score.
Tips
1. Whomever is hiding the object may want to do so, and then walk around a bit before sitting down, to throw folks off with the sound of their footsteps!
2. The hider should hide the object quickly. If a player is taking too long, give them a 10 second count down.
3. A room that has a normal to substantial amount of clutter makes this game more fun and challenging. A spare room is no fun!
4. If players are having a hard time finding the item, the hider can give verbal hints.