What better way to celebrate Pioneer Day in singing time than by playing some classic pioneer games? Your primary children will have loads of fun trying these Pioneer Day Pioneer Games as you sing together in primary!
Pioneer Day Pioneer Games
If you are hoping to teach a song about pioneers this year, we’ve compiled some of our favorite pioneer songs in this Summer Primary Songs master list. You can add one of these songs to your summer lesson plans, or simply incorporate the songs you are already working on!
Whether you are using this activity to review a pioneer song, or if you just want to add a bit of festive flair to your singing time, these pioneer games will be a hit!
I enjoyed exploring different pioneer games and learning how our ancestors found joy even during difficult times. I especially appreciated this resource that includes TONS of pioneer games! You might even recognize some of these games, as many have been passed on and are still played today!
Before singing time, set up stations around the primary room for different pioneer games! In the printable later in this post, you’ll find game posters that provide instructions for each activity. Just tape each poster around the room as you set up each game.
For these games, you’ll only need a few simple supplies:
- Stick or broom
- Button or penny
Split up the class into small groups. Have a teacher stand at each station to explain the game to their group. Then, simply a timer for 3-5 minutes for each station.
Each time the timer goes off, sing a pioneer song and rotate to a new game! Another option is to pick a review song to sing each time. Have some fun trying these new games together! I’d love to hear which one ends up being the favorite!
Easy & Fun Pioneer Games:
Stick Pull:
This is a game we often see and read about Joseph Smith playing with friends in movies/books about his life. This page in the Friend tells a little bit more about this game.
Materials Needed: Stick or broom
How to Play:
- Have 2 children sit across from each other, knees bent and feet touching.
- Place a broom or stick between the two players.
- Have both children hold the stick with both hands.
- When you say, “Go!” each child will try to pull the stick toward them.
- The child who pulls the other up is the winner!
Buttons:
Materials Needed: Button or other small object (penny, dime)
How to Play:
- Have all players sit in a circle.
- Choose one player to be “It” and leave the room.
- While the player is gone, the remaining players choose someone to hold the button.
- When the player returns, all children put their hands behind their backs.
- The player guesses who is holding the button!
I’ve included 3 additional fun Pioneer games in the membership packet, see more info below!
For another fun similar activity using stations, head over to see this The Still Small Voice Obstacle Course singing time activity!
Pioneer Day Pioneer Games Printable Game Posters
This free in-post printable includes posters with simple instruction printouts for 2 of these fun pioneer games!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including all 5 game instructions, pick a game cards, and 1/2 page instruction sheets. You’ll find these bonus files included in the July Old Testament packet.
Get more out of singing time with the INSTANT Primary Singing membership that includes printable lesson plans, tons of extended printables and an ad-free experience for each featured song of the month, or get immediate access to the entire song list for the year!
Learn more about INSTANT Primary Singing membership options here!
Have questions or need more help, see this FAQ page here.
Head over to this cute Pioneer Children Hats & Headbandz game for another Pioneer Day idea for singing time!
Which of these Pioneer Games did your primary children love most? We’d love to hear how this activity went!
