Fun Things to Do in Line at Amusement Parks: Easy Games & Activities to Keep Kids Happy
18 Waiting Games to Play while Standing in Line
As a mom of four, I’ve learned that when your kids love roller coasters as much as ours do, you have to get creative while waiting in line! On our last trip to Cedar Point, we stood in hour-long lines — but instead of hearing “I’m bored” every five minutes, we filled the time with laughter and creative games.
These are our go-to amusement park line games that work at Cedar Point, Michigan’s Adventure, Six Flags or Disney World, or anywhere your next family adventure takes you. Best part? They’re fun, simple, and don’t require any supplies!
Finger Sticks
1. One Doesn’t Belong
One player starts the game by naming three things. The rest of the players must decide which thing doesn’t belong. There could be multiple interpretations or reasoning for the answer, so it sparks fun conversations and it’s fun to trick players
(e.g. Triangle, Square, Foot) foot doesn’t belong because the others are both shapes.
(e.g. Banana, Orange, Ball ) Several different options and it’s up to the
1. Both banana and ball start with B - so orange doesn’t belong
2. An orange and ball are round so banana doesn’t belong
3. Both banana and orange are spelled with 6 letters in the word, so ball doesn't belong since it only has 4 letters
2. Finger Sticks
Each player starts with one finger raised on each hand (so 1 and 1). While facing each other, put your hands out in front. Taking turns, a player uses one of their hands to tap one of the opponent’s hands.
For example: your left hand (showing 2 fingers) taps your opponent’s right hand (showing 1 finger).
When you tap, you add the number of fingers on your hand to your opponent’s hand.
So if you had 2 and they had 1 → they now have 3 fingers up on that hand.
If a hand reaches exactly 5 fingers, that hand is “out” (put it behind your back).
If it goes over 5,, it “wraps around” (e.g., 6 becomes 1, 7 becomes 2, etc.)
The first player to knock out both of their opponent’s hands wins!
3. Simon Says
A family favorite that never gets old! One person gives directions like “Simon says jump once” or “Simon says touch your toes.” Everyone who moves when “Simon” doesn’t say it is out! Quick, silly, and perfect for keeping kids focused.
4. Hand & Rhythm Games
Great for all ages (and nostalgic for parents!):
Avocado, Avocado – a clapping chant that’s catchy and easy to learn.
Hand Slap Game – rest your hands on top of your partner’s and see who can move before they’re slapped!
Ms. Sue from Alabama – the classic clapping rhyme everyone ends up singing.
S Chicka Chicka Chicka Chat – fun for quick hands and giggles.
Love 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 – clap and count faster each time.
Double Double This This / Double Double That That – perfect for older kids with fast reflexes!
Hand Rhythm Games
5. Star Wars Finger Duel
A must for Star Wars fans! Stand facing each other with one finger out like a mini lightsaber. Try to tag the other person’s finger without touching anywhere else. First to make “contact” with their finger on the other persons body wins the duel — no Force powers required!
6. I Spy
The ultimate go-anywhere game!
“I spy something red.” “I spy something that smells sweet.”
Switch it up with amusement park themes — rides, foods, or characters. Great for younger kids who need something simple and visual.
7. Heads Up! (by Ellen DeGeneres)
This app is a lifesaver in long lines. One person holds the phone to their forehead, and everyone else gives clues to help them guess the word before time runs out. There’s even a Disney deck! Fast-paced, hilarious, and fun for the whole family. Only $. 99 in app purchase.
Heads Up Game Decks
8. Frozen Feet Balance Challenge
Stand facing your partner with your feet glued to the ground. Place your hands on their hands and using only your hands, try to make the other person move their feet first. by pushing or resisting to throw their balance off. It’s all about strategy, balance, and laughter.
9. Shadow Boxing
Face each other and copy your partner’s moves like a mirror. Throw gentle “punches” in the air or silly poses — no touching, just fun movement and giggles.
10. Thumb Wars
Link hands, chant “One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!” and battle it out. Quick, competitive, and fun at any age.
11. “I’m Going to a ___ Store” and buying a ___.
Choose a specific store type — (ie. sports store, bakery) and I’m buying a ( name a letter of an object that you would buy at that specific store)
I’m going to a hunting store and buying something that starts with B. ( answer: Binoculars)
I’m going to a grocery store and buying something that starts with C. ( answer: cucumbers)
12. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person says three statements about themselves — two true, one false.
For example:
I once met Mickey Mouse.
I hate roller coasters.
I can whistle the Frozen song backward.
Everyone else guesses which is the lie! It’s great for older kids and adults. Plus fun to learn silly facts about each other.
13. I’m Thinking of an Animal
A super easy game that even little kids can play! One person thinks of an animal and gives small clues like:
“It has four legs.”
“It can jump.”
“It lives in the forest.”
The others take turns guessing until someone gets it right. You can also switch it up to “I’m thinking of a Disney character” or “I’m thinking of a food.”
14. Photo or Pose Challenge
Every few minutes, have someone call out a pose or expression — superhero, silly face, scared-on-a-ride — and snap a quick photo. You’ll have a hilarious memory reel by the end of the day!
15. Name That Tune
Hum or whistle a few notes from a Disney or movie song and see who can name it first. Make it competitive or just sing along together — it’s a fun mood booster while you wait.
16. Next Line in the Story
To play one person will begin by telling a story, then the next person continues the story with more details it until each person has had a turn to add a new sentence or two. Once it gets to the end of the line, it jumps back up to the lead person who continues adding details and plot twists.
17. 20 Questions
This classic game is easy for anyone to enjoy. One person must think of a person place or thing and the other individuals ask yes and no questions until they solve it.
18. Signs
A great game for older kids & a larger group. Secretly pass your “sign” (a hand gesture) around the circle without being caught by the person who’s “it.”
Everyone stands in a circle. Choose one person to be “it” — they stand in the middle of the circle. Each person in the circle creates their own unique sign — something small and quick, like: (Peace sign, Touch your ear, Flip your hair, Tap your nose) Everyone goes around the circle demonstrating their sign so everyone can remember them.
Once “it” is in the middle, the game begins.
The players in the circle start “passing” the sign around — silently.To pass the sign, you first do your own sign, then the sign of the person you’re passing to.
Example: if your sign is tapping your head, and you want to pass to someone whose sign is clapping once, you’d tap your head, then clap once.
The person you passed to now “receives” it — they acknowledge it by doing their sign, then pass it on to someone else.
The person in the middle (“it”) tries to catch the sign being passed.
If they think they see it happening, they can call out or point to the person they think currently “has” the sign.
If they’re right, that person becomes the new “it.”
If they’re wrong, “it” stays in the middle and the game continues.
Closing Thoughts
Long lines don’t have to mean cranky kids (or stressed parents!). With a little creativity — and a few classic games — waiting can become one of the best parts of your amusement park day.
Whether we’re at Cedar Point, Michigan’s Adventure, or Disney World, these games have turned our wait times into laughter, connection, and memories. Sometimes, the fun happens before the ride even starts! Make sure to follow Discovering Anew for more activities and family vacation ideas.
