Zip Zap Boing game
A quick, high-energy circle game for kids where players pass an “invisible bar” using three moves: Zip, Zap and Boing.
- Group size: 5-30
Brilliant for classrooms, drama groups, scouts/guides, parties and PE warm-ups because it builds listening, focus, reaction speed and self-control. Also great as an icebreaker, brain break or to get a group laughing and working together.
You can play with 5–30 players, and a round takes 5–10 minutes.
You can play with 5–30 players, and a round takes 5–10 minutes.
Aim of the game
Stay in the game as long as you can
the rules
move 1
Zip - Move an imaginary bar
Move your arms as if you're passing an imaginary bar to someone to your left or right.
move 2
Zap - Fire across the group
Fingers together like a gun, fire the imaginary bar at someone across the circle.
You can't ZAP a ZAP.
You can't ZAP a ZAP.
move 3
Boing - Reverse the direction
Bounce the imaginary bar back to someone.
You can only BOING a ZIP and not a ZAP.
You can only BOING a ZIP and not a ZAP.
how to play
Stand in a circle
You'll need at least 5 people to play this game. The more the merrier.
Start with a ZIP
Someone start with a ZIP and pass the imaginary bar to the left or right of them.
Pass the bar
Continue in the same direction, ZAP across the circle or BOING it back!
Elimination
If someone messes up the word, action or breaks the rules, they're out!
Share your silly videos
Share your photos and videos in the Family Games Challenge Facebook Group. The funniest ones get added to this page!
Some tips
- Instead of eliminating someone straight away, you could have 3 lives
- If you want to be mean, try changing the rules/switching the words and actions in a second round to trip people up.
Quick questions about Zip Zap Boing game
Zip Zap Boing is a fast, silly circle game where players pass an imaginary “bar” using words and actions. It’s all about quick thinking, listening carefully, and reacting at speed — usually with a lot of laughter.
Zip Zap Boing works best for ages 6–11, but it’s flexible:
- Younger kids can play more slowly
- Older kids (and adults) can speed it up or add twists
You’ll need at least 5 players, but it really shines with 8–20 people. The more players, the more chaotic (and fun) it becomes.
Yes — it’s ideal for classrooms.
Zip Zap Boing:
Zip Zap Boing:
- needs no equipment
- works well in a circle
- helps with focus, listening and impulse control
- is perfect as a quick brain break or warm-up
A round usually takes 5–10 minutes.
You can:
You can:
- stop when one player is left
- set a timer
- play multiple short rounds
Yes, and teachers often prefer this.
No-elimination options:
No-elimination options:
- Give each player 3 lives before they’re out
- Instead of eliminating, players sit down and rejoin next round
- Keep everyone in and just reset when someone makes a mistake
- swap the words or actions
- change direction rules
- increase the speed each round
Other warmup games
Perfect for a groups and classrooms
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