Drama games

Child acting with teacher

Free drama games for children to play at home

At Perform, we believe play is a powerful way to help children grow and thrive. That's why we've curated a collection of fun, imaginative games tailored to different age groups, ensuring every activity is developmentally appropriate and engaging.

Whether your child is discovering the world around them, building relationships with peers, or stepping into leadership roles, these games are designed to inspire creativity, boost confidence and foster essential life skills all while having a fantastic time.

Created by Perform's Principal Lucy Quick after over 25 years of teaching, these step-by-step games support the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

How to pick which games to play:

  • Browse by benefit (confidence, speaking, focus, coordination, creativity, teamwork) or choose your child's age for age appropriate games.
  • Open any game for step-by-step play, what it teaches and easy variations
  • Play little and often

Good to know: most games need no equipment, adapt for one child or siblings and fit busy family routines whether after school, over weekends and holidays or as a screen-free reset.

Browse by benefit

Building confidence and self-belief

These activities gently nudge children to step forward, try new ideas and enjoy being seen and heard. They help celebrate small wins, encourage positive self-talk and turn 'I can't' into 'I can.' It's confidence in action, one playful challenge at a time.

Child acting with teacher

Speaking up with clarity (voice & diction)

From crisp diction to choosing the right volume and pace, these games help voices carry and ideas land. Younger children practise clear, expressive speaking; older ones learn to structure a point and hold an audience. It's practical communication they'll use every day.

Child acting in drama class

Focus, listening and self-control

Calm bodies, tuned-in minds. These activities build concentration, memory and the ability to pause before acting, core skills that transfer straight to the classroom. Children learn to follow cues, wait their turn and stay present, even when excitement runs high.

Drama school actvities with childen

Posture, balance and coordination

These games help develop core strength, balance and body awareness so children feel confident in their own skin; on stage, in sport and at school. Good posture and co-ordinated movement also support clear, confident presentation.

Child acting in drama class

Creativity and improvisation

Imagination meets quick thinking. These games unlock original ideas, flexible problem-solving and brave choices in the moment. Children learn to build stories, take creative risks and discover that there's more than one 'right' answer.

Child acting in drama class

Teamwork, leadership and fair play

These games are all about being part of a group and sometimes leading it. We practise taking turns, empathy, conflict resolution and shared goals, so children learn to support others and be accountable. It's character, collaboration and kindness rehearsed through play.

Kids dancing in drama school

Browse by age

Children performing in a dance class

Ages 4-5: sparking imagination and curiosity

At this stage, your child is full of wonder and ready to explore the world around them. Our games for 4-5 year-olds are designed to harness their natural curiosity and encourage creativity through playful learning. Whether it's guessing animals in 'What am I?', mastering alliteration with 'Weird Wonderful Will' or becoming their favourite toy in 'Toyshop' these games are perfect for enhancing early learning while having fun.

Ages 5-6: building confidence and social skills

As your child grows, so do their abilities to interact with others and express themselves. Our 5-6 year-old games focus on building emotional intelligence, social skills and creativity. Games like 'I feel like...' and 'Oh My!' are designed to help children articulate their feelings and connect with peers, while activities like 'Anything Material Goes' ignite their imagination with everyday objects.

Child acting in drama class
Child acting in drama class

Ages 7 & up: encouraging independence and leadership

For older children, the focus shifts towards developing independence, leadership, and advanced social skills. Our games for 7 and up are perfect for children ready to take on more responsibility and leadership roles. Activities like 'My name is...' help with introductions and public speaking, while 'Just Say No!' empowers children to stand up for themselves in tricky social situations.

Tips for learning lines

Learning lines doesn't have to be a chore, it can be an enjoyable and creative process. At Perform, we use a variety of fun and effective drama games in our weekly classes to make memorisation exciting and engaging for children. These activities not only help improve recall but also boost confidence and communication skills. Why not try some of these games at home and see how they spark your child's enthusiasm for learning?

Child acting in drama class

FAQs

What ages are these drama games designed for?

Each game has versions for 4-7s and 7-12s, so you can choose the right level.

How long does a game take?

Most take 5-15 minutes. You can repeat favourites across the week for the biggest impact.

Do I need props or equipment?

Nearly all games use no equipment. If you need anything simple (e.g. a blanket), we provide a list with each game.

Can siblings play together?

Yes. Use the older child's version but allow younger children simpler roles or fewer rules.

How do these games link to Perform classes?

They mirror the techniques we use every week in class to develop the 4 Cs.

Try a class for free

At Perform, we understand that the most effective learning occurs when children are having fun. Our classes are like a thrilling party where every game and activity is designed to develop key skills subtly.