Mirror and reflection games for kids

Safety first

Stay with the children the whole time. Use only unbreakable mirrors, such as a plastic or acrylic hand mirror with smooth edges, and put away anything cracked or chipped. If a mirror ever breaks, stop the game, keep children well away and let a grown-up deal with the pieces. Never use a mirror to bounce sunlight or a torch beam toward anyone's eyes, and never look at the sun. Keep water play to a shallow tray on a towel, and never leave a child alone near any depth of water. Small items such as beads or buttons should stay out of mouths, so choose larger objects for the games. Keep floors clear so nobody trips while walking backwards or sideways. Wash hands after water play. Age hints are only a guide, so you know your child best.

1. Mirror me

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: a family member or friend, and some open floor space.

1. Stand facing each other about an arm's length apart.
2. One person is the leader and makes slow movements, such as raising an arm or tilting the head.
3. The other person copies at the same time, as if they were the reflection.
4. Swap roles after a minute, then try a slow clap or a wobbly wave.

Notice: Which movement was easiest to copy, and which one made you giggle?

2. Reflection hunt

Age hint: 4 and up.

Bring: an unbreakable hand mirror and a small notebook.

1. Hold the mirror low and tilt it slowly around a room.
2. Call out one thing you can spot in the mirror, such as a lamp, a cushion or a window.
3. Notice that it looks the same but turned around.
4. Draw your favourite find, or tell it to your grown-up.

Notice: What looked different in the mirror compared with looking straight at it?

3. Spoon faces

Age hint: 4 and up.

Bring: a clean, large metal spoon with a smooth bowl, and a grown-up for company.

1. Hold the spoon at arm's length and look into the round side.
2. Then turn it over and look into the back.
3. Pull a gentle face and watch how your reflection stretches or flips.
4. Keep the spoon away from your face and never poke it near anyone's eyes.

Notice: Which side of the spoon made your face look upside down?

4. Puddle and tray reflections

Age hint: 3 and up.

Bring: a shallow baking tray, a little water and a towel underneath.

1. Place the tray on a towel near a window and add about a finger's depth of water.
2. Wait until the water is still, then peek in and look for the window or ceiling.
3. Touch the water gently with one finger and watch the picture wobble.
4. Empty the tray into a plant pot when you finish.

Notice: What happened to the picture when the water moved, and how long did it take to settle?

5. Symmetry doodle

Age hint: 5 and up.

Bring: paper, a pencil, a ruler and a hand mirror.

1. Draw half of a simple shape, such as a leaf, a butterfly wing or a house, along a straight line.
2. Stand the mirror upright on the line, with the shiny side facing the drawing.
3. Look in the mirror to see the whole shape appear.
4. Take the mirror away and draw the other half to match, then colour both sides.

Notice: Where does your drawing match its reflection, and where does it differ?

6. Hidden word glance

Age hint: 6 and up.

Bring: paper, a marker and a hand mirror.

1. Ask your grown-up to write a short word on a card in big letters.
2. Hold the card up to the mirror and read the reflection.
3. Notice that the letters look flipped, then try writing your own name so it reads right in the mirror.
4. Take turns passing secret messages to each other.

Notice: Which letters looked the same in the mirror, and which ones changed?

More to do on Rangooo

Try some easy science activities, sunshine and shadow activities, puppet and shadow play, draw the shapes you find with drawing games, easy drawing ideas, pretend play ideas, indoor games for kids, water play activities, browse more stories and activities, or see resources for teachers.

Questions

What is a good age for mirror games?

Most of these games suit ages three to eight with a grown-up nearby. Mirror me and the tray reflections work well for younger children, while the symmetry doodle and hidden word glance suit slightly older ones.

Which kind of mirror is safest?

An unbreakable plastic or acrylic hand mirror with smooth, rounded edges is a sensible choice. Avoid glass mirrors and anything cracked, and check the edges before each game.

Can we play without a mirror?

Yes. A shiny spoon, a steel plate, a window at night or a tray of still water all show reflections, and mirror me needs no equipment at all.

Can we take these games outdoors?

You can, but keep mirrors and spoons well away from the sun and from anyone's eyes. Shady spots and still puddles that a grown-up has checked are better than bright, open ground.