Ships and Sailors Game

If you’ve ever found yourself at the helm of a group of energetic kids with seemingly endless energy (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), then you know the struggle of trying to keep them engaged. Whether it’s a birthday party, a rainy afternoon, or just one of those “I’m bored” moments, finding a game that’s fun, easy to learn, and doesn’t require a ton of setup is like striking gold.

Well, let me introduce you to the “Ships and Sailors” game, an absolute lifesaver. It’s the kind of game that will have your kids laughing, running around, and burning off all that excess energy. Plus, it comes with the added bonus of being a game you don’t have to keep track of, because let’s face it, Moms have enough on our plates!

What Is Ships and Sailors Game?

Imagine if Simon Says had a nautical theme, and you’re pretty close to the idea behind Ships and Sailors. It’s a game of quick thinking, fast reflexes, and a whole lot of fun. The basic idea is that one person (usually an adult or an older kid) plays the role of the captain, giving out commands to the “crew” (everyone else playing). The crew has to follow these commands, which range from pretending to scrub the deck to diving down like they’re avoiding cannon fire.

The beauty of this game is in its simplicity. You don’t need any equipment, just a bit of space and a group of willing participants. It’s perfect for kids of all ages, from the little ones who are still figuring out their left from their right, to the tweens who think they’re too cool for everything (until they realize how much fun this actually is).

Girl in captain costume standing behind a cardboard ship

Setting the Stage: Preparing Your Crew

First things first, you’ll want to explain the rules of the game to your crew. Depending on the age of the kids, you might need to do a quick demonstration of each command. Trust me, it’s worth the effort to avoid the inevitable “What do I do again?” mid-game confusion.

Here are some of the classic commands:

“Captain’s Coming!” – Everyone stands at attention and salutes. No one can move until the captain says, “At ease.”
“At Ease” – This is the command that lets the crew know they can relax and move around again.
“To the Ship!” – Players run to the right side of the play area (make sure you establish which side this is before the game starts).
“To the Shore!” – Players run to the left side of the play area.
“Man Overboard!” – Players drop to one knee and pretend to row a boat.
“Hit the Deck!” – Everyone drops to the ground as quickly as possible.
“Attention on Deck!” – Players must stand straight and salute.
“Three Men Rowing” – Players get into groups of three, sit in a line, and pretend to row a boat.
“Crow’s Nest” – Players get into pairs and lock arms back-to-back, pretending to be on the lookout.
“Mess Hall” – Everyone sits down as quickly as possible and pretends to eat.
“Submarine” – Players lie on the ground with one leg raised in the air.
“Shark Attack!” – Players run to the center of the play area and crouch down, holding onto their ankles.

And the most important rule: If someone makes a mistake or is the last to follow a command, they’re out. But don’t worry, they won’t be bored on the sidelines, they get to help the captain with calling out commands, which is just as fun.

A Few Tips

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk strategy. After all, running a smooth game of Ships and Sailors requires a bit of mom know-how.

Know Your Crew: If you’ve got a mix of ages, you might want to go easy on the younger kids. Maybe give them a few practice rounds or let them “team up” with an older sibling. The key is to keep it fun for everyone.
Keep the Energy Up: The faster the commands come, the more fun the game is. You don’t want the kids to lose steam, so try to keep the pace brisk. And don’t be afraid to throw in a few rapid-fire commands to catch them off guard, nothing gets kids giggling like a surprise “Shark Attack!”
Mix It Up: Once the kids have mastered the basic commands, feel free to get creative. Add new commands, or even let the kids come up with their own. You’ll be amazed at how inventive they can get when given the chance.
Watch Out for Overexcited Sailors: With all that running and dropping to the ground, it’s easy for things to get a little too wild. Keep an eye out for any overly enthusiastic players who might accidentally trip up their shipmates. A gentle reminder to watch where they’re going should do the trick.
Know When to Call It: Like any good host, you’ll know when the game has run its course. Whether the kids are starting to lose interest, or you’re noticing a few too many near collisions, it’s okay to call the game before things get too chaotic. You can always promise another round later, trust me, they’ll be begging for it.

Why This Game Is a Lifesaver

Let’s face it, in the age of screens and endless entertainment options, it’s not always easy to get kids excited about good old-fashioned games. But there’s something about Ships and Sailors that really hits the sweet spot. Maybe it’s the combination of silly commands, physical activity, and the thrill of competition, but whatever it is, it works like a charm.

And it’s not just the kids who benefit. As a Mom, there’s nothing quite like watching your little ones (and not-so-little ones) get fully immersed in a game that doesn’t involve controllers or screens. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some exercise, after a few rounds of running, jumping, and crawling, they’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep (and who doesn’t love that?).

But perhaps the best part of Ships and Sailors is the memories it creates. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught my kids reenacting their favorite commands long after the game has ended, or how many times they’ve asked to play “just one more round” before dinner. It’s the kind of game that sticks with them, and that they’ll look back on with a smile, just like we do with our own childhood games.

So, whether you’re looking to entertain a rowdy group of kids at a party, or just trying to tire out your own little crew on a rainy afternoon, give Ships and Sailors a try. It’s easy to learn, endlessly customizable, and most importantly, it’s a blast for everyone involved.

And hey, who knows? You might just find yourself jumping in on the fun, after all, we deserve to let loose and have a little fun too. So grab your captain’s hat, rally the crew, and set sail for an adventure that’s sure to be smooth sailing (with just a few shark attacks along the way).