Get the book

Opposites Game

In the Opposites Game, we’re going to stretch our brains by thinking of the opposite of a word. It’s like a puzzle that only you can solve. For example, when I say ‘hot’, you say ‘cold’. It’s that simple and fun!
Opposites Game - Kids activities

Summary

Appropriate kid’s energy level

Tired

Skill(s) developed

Listening & Comprehension, Memory & Attention, Speech

Prep time

0 minutes

Type of activity

Math, Physical

Appropriate setting(s)

Both indoors and outdoors

Material(s) needed

None

Easy mode

We’ll start off easy. I’ll say common words like ‘hot’, ‘big’, ‘up’, and your job is to say the opposite. So when I say ‘hot’, you’d say ‘cold’. When I say ‘big’, you’d say ‘small’. And so on.

Hard mode

Ready for a challenge? Now I’ll say more abstract words like ‘loud’ or ‘happy’ and you’d say the opposite. So when I say ‘loud’, you’d say ‘quiet’. When I say ‘happy’, you’d say ‘sad’. And so on.

Challenge mode

Now, it’s time for the ultimate test. Let’s act out the opposites with faces or actions. So, if I say ‘happy’, you make a happy face, and then make a sad face. When I say ‘run’, you run, and then walk. It’s a fun way to learn and play.

Some prompts to encourage the kid

  • Wow! You’re an opposites superstar!
  • You’re quicker than a bunny at figuring out opposites!
  • I bet you’re the best at this in the whole wide world!
  • You could teach this game, you’re so good at it!
  • We’re on a roll now, keep those opposites coming!

Important things to keep in mind

  • Be sure to use words that are age-appropriate for the child
  • Make it a fun, encouraging experience
  • Celebrate their correct responses and help them understand the ones they get wrong.

More ideas to support your Screen-Free journey

Loved this activity? Explore our thoughtful guides for raising curious, independent kids:

Check out our comprehensive guides on screen-free parenting.

Why we created Screen Free Kids?

We’re parents, just like you – trying to raise curious, creative kids in a world full of screens. Screen Free Kids started as a personal project to rediscover simple, joyful ways to play, learn, and connect. Now, we share those ideas with thousands of families  – through thoughtful activities, parenting guides, and a book full of inspiration. More about us.

Get all our activities + screen-free guide

We’ve gathered our screen free parenting guide + all our screen-free favorites into one easy-to-use collection. Perfect for busy days, travel, or when you just need a quick idea. Full of low-prep, mess-free activities, all organized by kid's energy level. Available for Kindle, as a PDF, or as a beautifully printed book (in select countries).
Get The Book Now

Explore more activities

Based on kid's energy levels

Whether your child is bouncing off the walls or winding down after a long day, we’ve got just the right activities to match their energy. Explore playful ideas to channel high energy, calming tasks to soothe the senses, and restful fun for those tired moments.

Activities for hyper moments - Kids activities

Hyper
Activities for calm moments - Kids activities

Calm
Activities for tired moments - Kids activities

Tired

Based on the setting

Whether you’re indoors on a rainy day or soaking up the sun outside, there’s an activity here to suit your setting. Explore our curated list of indoor games and outdoor adventures that keep kids curious, active, and entertained – wherever you are.

Indoor activities - Kids activities

Indoor
Outdoor activities - Kids activities

Outdoor

Focussed on key life skills

Support your child’s growth with fun, low-prep activities that target key developmental skills. Whether you’re building fine motor precision or encouraging emotional expression, each activity is designed to help kids thrive – while having a blast!

Activities to build social and emotional skills - Kids activities

Social and emotional
Activities to build speech skills - Kids activities

Speech
Activities to build creativity - Kids activities

Creativity
Activities to build gross motor skills - Kids activities

Gross motor
Activities to build listening and comprehension skills - Kids activities

Listening and comprehension
Activities to build problem solving skills - Kids activities

Problem solving
Activities to build sensory skills - Kids activities

Sensory
Activities to build memory and attention skills - Kids activities

Memory and attention
Activities to build fine motor skills - Kids activities

Fine motor

By activity type

Choose the kind of play that sparks your child’s interest. From energetic physical games to hands-on science experiments, creative art projects to fun with numbers, these activities make learning feel like play.

Physical activities - Kids activity

Physical
Math activities - Kids activity

Math
Arts and crafts activities - Kids activity

Arts and crafts
Science activities - Kids activity

Science

Scroll to Top