Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs is a fast-paced game that combines music, movement, and quick reactions.

Players walk or dance around a circle of chairs while music plays—when it stops, everyone scrambles to sit down. There’s always one fewer chair than players, so the slowest sitter is out!

It’s ideal for groups, burns off energy, and teaches listening skills and good sportsmanship. This game works beautifully at birthday parties, school events, or as a quick high-energy activity on a dull day. All you need is a bit of space and some chairs!

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Materials Needed

• A music player (phone, speaker, etc.)

• A chair for every player—minus one!

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Tools Needed

• None

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Steps

1. Set Up the Chairs: Arrange chairs in a circle or back-to-back in a line, with one fewer chair than the number of players.

2. Start the Music: Begin playing music while players walk or dance around the chairs.

3. Stop the Music: Pause the music randomly. Everyone must quickly sit down.

4. Remove a Chair: The person left standing is out, and one more chair is removed.

5. Repeat Until One Winner Remains: Keep playing until only one player (and one chair) is left.

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Variations

• Non-Elimination Version: Keep everyone in the game by having players complete silly challenges instead of sitting out.

• Themed Music: Use seasonal or party-themed playlists for extra fun.

• Cushion Swap: Use cushions on the floor instead of chairs for a softer version.

• Freeze Option: Combine with Musical Statues—players must freeze if they don’t get a chair!