Musical Chairs

A timeless classic filled with excitement, laughter, and friendly competition! Musical Chairs is a fast-paced elimination game where players walk around a circle of chairs to music and scramble for a seat when the music stops. Perfect for parties, classrooms, or family nights.

Author

Josh Barriger
April 07, 2025

Gameplay

  • 8+ Players đź‘Ą

  • 4-8 Minutes ⏱️

What You’ll Need

  • Chairs (one fewer than the number of players)

  • A music source (speaker, phone, or live instrument)

  • Open space for arranging chairs

Setup

  • Arrange chairs in a circle, all facing outward.

  • Use one fewer chair than the number of players.

  • Have players stand in a circle around the chairs, ready to walk.

How to Play

  • Start the music: Play lively music as players walk clockwise around the chairs.

  • Stop the music randomly: When the music stops, players must quickly sit in a chair.

  • Eliminate the player left standing: The person without a chair is out.

  • Remove one chair and continue: Start the music again and repeat the process.

  • Continue until one player remains: The last player seated is the winner!

Say Something Like
"Alright everyone, we’re playing Musical Chairs! When the music plays, walk around the chairs in a circle. When the music stops, quickly find a seat and sit down. If you don’t get a chair, you’re out for that round. We’ll remove one chair each round until we have our champion. Remember, no pushing or shoving—safety first! Ready? Let’s begin!"

Variations

  • Freeze Stance: Players must freeze in place when the music stops before racing to sit.

  • Partner Musical: Players pair up and must stay linked (holding hands or arms).

  • Musical Shapes: Use hula hoops or floor tape instead of chairs.

  • Musical Challenges: Players must complete a fun action (e.g., “do 3 jumping jacks”) before sitting.

Teaching Points
Musical Chairs reinforces lessons about handling wins and losses with grace, paying attention, and reacting quickly—great qualities for spiritual and everyday growth.

This game idea was sent in by Josh Barriger. If you want to support him, head over and buy him a coffee!

Want access to another FREE newsletter? This one features a hub of online resources for pastors, church leaders and ministry workers–tips and tools! Check it out below!

Ministry DepotMinistry Depot is a premier online resource for pastors, church leaders, and ministry workers.

Keywords: low-prep game, classic game, elimination, music game, chair game, party game, reaction game, family game night,

Transparency: This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.