Pass the Banana

Name and Purpose

Pass the Banana is a quiet observation and misdirection game played in a seated circle.
Players practise keeping a straight face, reading body language, and working together as a group.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-15 minutes | Any floor space where players can sit in a close circle

Materials

One small soft object (stress ball, small plush toy, or rolled sock) to serve as the “banana”
Optional: eye mask or blindfold for the guesser
Optional: two objects for larger groups (adds challenge)

Quick-Run Card

Players sit in a tight circle, knees up, hands tucked under their legs.
The guesser closes their eyes or faces away.
Staff places the object in a player’s hands; passing begins.
The guesser opens their eyes and has three guesses.
If someone laughs and gives away the holder, the guesser gets a bonus guess. No one is removed. Correct guess: swap roles.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

All players sit in a circle with their knees raised and their hands tucked under their legs.
One player volunteers or is chosen to be the guesser. They close their eyes or turn away.
Staff silently places the object into one player’s hands to start.
Players pass the object secretly from hand to hand under their legs. Fake passes and misdirection are encouraged.
When staff gives the signal, the guesser opens their eyes and tries to identify who is holding the banana. They have three guesses.
Bonus guess rule: if a player laughs and gives away who has the object, the guesser earns a bonus guess. No one leaves the circle for laughing. The group can laugh together and play continues.
If the guess is correct: the guesser and the holder swap roles.
If all three guesses (plus any bonus guesses) are wrong: the banana is revealed and a new volunteer takes the centre.
No player stays in the middle for more than two consecutive rounds.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Sit in the circle, pass the object, and use misdirection to fool the guesser
S (Support): Help keep the circle tight and encourage quieter players to engage
Q (Quiet): Sit in the circle and pass without using active misdirection
O (Observer): Watch from just outside the circle; help count guesses or keep time

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot sit on the floor may sit in a chair with the object passed to them at chair level
Players with limited hand mobility may hold the object in their lap; passing is adapted to a gentle hand-to-hand transfer

Stewardship Moment

The object used is reusable; store it with your activity kit
Reflection: “This game used one small object and your whole group’s attention. What does that say about what makes something fun?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game, players sit close together in a circle and pass an object secretly. If you laugh, the guesser gets a bonus guess, but no one leaves the circle. For those not comfortable sitting on the floor or in a very tight circle, a chair at the edge is another option.”
Mid-game check: After the first round, check in with a thumbs up or sideways.
Opt-out/re-entry: Players may move to observer at any time and step back into the circle when they are ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Guesser feeling singled out or embarrassed: staff keeps the tone warm and playful; no teasing permitted
Object lost or dropped: use a soft object that is easy to find; pause if the object goes missing
Circle too loose to pass secretly: staff models how close to sit before play begins

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Two Hands”: players practise the passing motion for 30 seconds before the object is introduced
A brief seated stretch to get comfortable before sitting close together

Debrief Questions

What? “How did you decide when to fake a pass and when to pass for real?”
So What? “What did you notice about how your group worked together to fool the guesser?”
Now What? “When in real life do you have to read people’s body language carefully?”

Cleanup and Reset