What’s the Time Mr Wolf? is a classic children’s chasing game that combines counting, listening, movement and plenty of suspense.
It requires no specialist equipment, takes only a few minutes to set up and can be played in gardens, playgrounds, school halls or other open spaces.
The basic idea is simple: one player becomes Mr Wolf, while everyone else tries to move closer to them by asking, “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” The Wolf replies with a time, and the players take the corresponding number of steps forward.
Eventually, instead of giving a normal time, Mr Wolf calls “Dinner time!”, turns around and chases the other players back towards the starting line.
Here is exactly how to play What’s the Time Mr Wolf, including the setup, rules, step-by-step instructions, variations and tips for playing safely.
What Do You Need to Play What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
One of the biggest advantages of What’s the Time Mr Wolf is that almost no preparation is required.
You normally need:
| Requirement | Recommendation |
| Players | At least 3, although 5 or more is usually more enjoyable |
| Equipment | None |
| Playing area | Garden, playground, sports hall or other clear space |
| Starting line | An imaginary line, cone, rope or floor marking |
| Game length | Around 5–15 minutes, depending on rounds |
| Main skills | Running, counting, listening and reaction speed |
A larger group can make the chase more exciting, although there should still be enough room for everyone to move safely.
How Do You Set Up What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
Choose a clear playing area with enough distance between the starting point and Mr Wolf.
One player is selected to be Mr Wolf.
Mr Wolf stands at one end of the playing area with their back facing the other players.
Everyone else lines up together at the opposite end.
You can mark a starting line so that players know where they need to return when the chase begins.
Before starting, make sure everyone understands the most important rule:
Players can only move the number of steps announced by Mr Wolf.
Once everyone is ready, the first round can begin.
How to Play What’s the Time Mr Wolf Step by Step?
The standard game is easy to learn, even for children playing it for the first time.
Step 1: Choose Mr Wolf
Choose one player to become Mr Wolf.
You can select the Wolf randomly, ask for a volunteer or use a quick counting game.
Mr Wolf moves to the opposite side of the playing area while everyone else stays behind the starting line.
Step 2: Mr Wolf Turns Away
Mr Wolf stands facing away from the other players.
This means the Wolf normally cannot see exactly how close everyone is getting.
The remaining players line up behind the agreed starting point.
Step 3: Players Ask the Question
Together, the players call:
“What’s the time, Mr Wolf?”
Mr Wolf then chooses a time.
For example:
“Three o’clock!”
Step 4: Players Take the Correct Number of Steps
Players move towards Mr Wolf according to the number called.
If Mr Wolf says:
- One o’clock – take 1 step
- Three o’clock – take 3 steps
- Five o’clock – take 5 steps
- Eight o’clock – take 8 steps
- Twelve o’clock – take 12 steps
Players should count their steps carefully.
Once everyone has moved, they stop and ask again:
“What’s the time, Mr Wolf?”
Step 5: Keep Moving Closer
Mr Wolf continues calling different times while the players gradually approach.
The Wolf might say:
“Two o’clock!”
Then:
“Six o’clock!”
Then:
“One o’clock!”
There does not normally need to be a predictable pattern.
Mr Wolf can deliberately use smaller numbers when players are getting close or larger numbers when they are still far away.
Step 6: Mr Wolf Calls “Dinner Time!”
At any point, Mr Wolf can answer:
“Dinner time!”
Instead of taking more steps forward, the players must immediately turn around and run towards the starting line.
Mr Wolf turns around and chases them.
This is the main action point of the game.
Step 7: Mr Wolf Tries to Tag Someone
Mr Wolf attempts to tag one of the fleeing players before they reach the safe starting line.
Players cannot push, block or deliberately interfere with other participants.
A light touch is normally enough to count as a tag.
Step 8: Start the Next Round
If Mr Wolf successfully tags someone, the tagged player usually becomes the new Mr Wolf.
Everyone returns to their starting positions and another round begins.
Groups can also agree that the original Wolf remains in the role until somebody successfully reaches them or until a set number of rounds have been completed.
What Are the Main Rules of What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
Different schools and families sometimes use slightly different rules, but a standard game normally follows these principles:
- Mr Wolf must initially face away from the players.
- Players must ask “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” before moving.
- Players move only after the Wolf announces a time.
- The number announced determines the number of steps taken.
- Players should not take deliberately oversized steps to gain an advantage.
- Everyone must stop after completing the required number of steps.
- The Wolf can call “Dinner time!” instead of giving a number.
- Players must then run back towards the safe line.
- Mr Wolf tries to tag a player before that person reaches safety.
- The tagged player commonly becomes Mr Wolf for the next round.
Agreeing on these rules before starting prevents arguments once players begin getting close to the Wolf.
Example of a Round
Imagine six children are playing.
Lucy is chosen as Mr Wolf and stands approximately 15 metres away from the rest of the group.
The players ask:
“What’s the time, Mr Wolf?”
Lucy answers:
“Four o’clock!”
Everyone takes four steps forward.
They ask again.
Lucy says:
“Two o’clock!”
The group takes another two steps.
They are now much closer.
The players ask for the third time.
Lucy shouts:
“Dinner time!”
She turns around and runs towards the group.
Everyone races back towards the starting line.
Lucy tags Ben before he reaches safety, so Ben becomes Mr Wolf for the next round.
The entire process then starts again.
How Do You Win What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
There is not always a single overall winner because What’s the Time Mr Wolf is usually played as a continuous playground game.
The immediate goal for the players is to avoid being tagged when Dinner Time is called.
Mr Wolf’s objective is to catch another player.
Groups can introduce a more competitive scoring system if they want a clear winner.
For example:
- Survive a round without being tagged: 1 point
- Reach Mr Wolf before Dinner Time: 2 points
- Successfully tag someone as Mr Wolf: 1 point
After five or ten rounds, the player with the most points wins.
For casual play, however, keeping score is unnecessary.
Can Players Reach Mr Wolf Before Dinner Time?
A common variation allows players to win the round if they move close enough to touch Mr Wolf before Dinner Time is called.
If somebody reaches the Wolf, they might:
- Win the round
- Become the next Mr Wolf
- Earn a point
- Force Mr Wolf to chase immediately
This rule can make the game more tactical because Mr Wolf needs to judge how close the other players are becoming.
However, because the Wolf normally faces away from the group, they have to rely partly on sound and judgement rather than simply watching everyone’s position.
What Are Some Fun What’s the Time Mr Wolf Variations?
Once players understand the standard rules, several variations can make the game more challenging.
Different Movement Types
Instead of taking normal steps, Mr Wolf can combine the time with a movement.
For example:
- Three giant steps
- Five tiny steps
- Four hops
- Six sideways steps
- Two jumps
This adds variety and can make the game particularly entertaining for younger players.
Multiple Wolves
Large groups can use two Wolves instead of one.
Both Wolves chase the players when Dinner Time is called.
Anyone tagged can become a Wolf during the next round.
This makes the chase much harder for the remaining players.
Safe Zones
Add one or two safe areas around the playing space.
Players can briefly enter them during the chase, but they might only be allowed to stay inside for three seconds.
This variation introduces more decisions instead of making every chase a straight sprint back to the starting line.
Silent Wolf
Mr Wolf gives the time using fingers rather than speaking.
Players therefore have to watch carefully before moving.
This works better when Mr Wolf is allowed to face the group.
Animal Movements
Instead of walking normally, players imitate different animals.
They might:
- Hop like rabbits
- Waddle like penguins
- Crawl like bears
- Leap like frogs
This works particularly well with younger children.
How Can You Make the Game Harder for Older Children?
Older players may find the standard game too easy.
One simple option is increasing the distance between Mr Wolf and the starting line.
You can also introduce rules such as:
- Players must freeze immediately after completing their steps.
- Anyone who takes too many steps returns to the starting line.
- Mr Wolf can occasionally call half-hours, such as “half past four”.
- Players have only a few seconds to complete their movement.
- Different movement instructions can be introduced.
- Players must estimate when Dinner Time is likely to be called.
Increasing the tactical element can keep the game enjoyable without changing its basic structure.
For another classic game involving guessing, observation and group interaction, players can try How to Play Hangman.
Can Younger Children Play What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
Yes. The simple counting mechanic makes the game particularly suitable for younger children.
For beginners, it is usually better to:
- Keep the playing area relatively small.
- Use numbers between 1 and 5.
- Walk rather than sprint during the chase.
- Have an adult explain each stage.
- Avoid elimination rules.
- Rotate the role of Mr Wolf regularly.
Adults supervising very young players can also call out the numbers alongside Mr Wolf to help everyone count their steps correctly.
What Skills Can What’s the Time Mr Wolf Help Develop?
Although primarily played for fun, the game naturally involves several useful skills.
Counting and Number Recognition
Players must understand that “six o’clock” means taking six steps.
Repeated rounds give younger players opportunities to practise counting while moving.
Listening
Children have to listen carefully to distinguish an ordinary time from the sudden “Dinner time!” command.
Reaction Speed
Players need to change quickly from standing or walking to running when the chase begins.
Movement and Coordination
Walking, stopping, turning and running all require basic balance and gross motor coordination.
Social Interaction
Children practise taking turns, following shared rules and accepting when they have been tagged.
The game can therefore work well as a playground activity, party game or simple group exercise.
How Can You Play What’s the Time Mr Wolf Indoors?
The game can be adapted for indoor spaces, although running may not be appropriate.
Use a large clear room such as a school hall and remove obstacles from the playing area.
Instead of sprinting when Dinner Time is announced, players could:
- Walk quickly
- Hop
- Move on tiptoes
- Freeze before being tagged
- Return to their starting point without running
The indoor version should prioritise controlled movement, particularly where floor space is limited.
What Safety Rules Should Players Follow?
Because the final stage involves a chase, safety matters.
Before starting:
- Clear the playing area of bags, toys and other obstacles.
- Avoid slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Create enough space between the players.
- Use gentle tags rather than grabbing or pushing.
- Set clear boundaries so nobody runs into roads or unsuitable areas.
- Match the playing area to the age group.
- Stop the game immediately if somebody falls or gets hurt.
Players should also avoid crowding directly behind Mr Wolf, as several children suddenly running in opposite directions can create collisions.
What’s the Best Strategy for Mr Wolf?
Being Mr Wolf involves more judgement than it might initially appear.
Calling several large numbers immediately can allow players to get too close.
Instead, the Wolf can mix different numbers.
For example:
- Call six o’clock while everyone is far away.
- Follow with two o’clock.
- Call one o’clock when players are nearby.
- Suddenly call Dinner Time.
Changing the pattern makes the chase less predictable.
Listening can also help. Even while facing away, Mr Wolf may be able to hear whether players are approaching closely.
What’s the Best Strategy for the Other Players?
Players should concentrate on controlling their movement rather than simply rushing forward.
Useful tactics include:
- Listen carefully to every instruction.
- Take accurate rather than exaggerated steps.
- Stay aware of the route back to safety.
- Avoid standing directly behind other players.
- Be prepared to turn around quickly.
- Do not assume Mr Wolf will wait until everyone is close before calling Dinner Time.
Some Wolves deliberately call Dinner Time earlier than expected.
That unpredictability is a large part of what makes the game fun.
Why Is What’s the Time Mr Wolf Still Popular?
The game has remained a playground favourite because its rules are extremely accessible.
There are no cards, boards, controllers or specialist pieces to prepare. A group can start playing almost immediately.
It also combines two very different forms of gameplay.
The first half of each round is slow and suspenseful as players gradually approach the Wolf. Then Dinner Time transforms the game into a fast chase.
That simple change of pace means every round can feel slightly different.
It also makes What’s the Time Mr Wolf useful when children want an active game without needing complicated instructions or equipment.
FAQs About What’s the Time Mr Wolf
How many people do you need to play What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
You need at least three people: one Mr Wolf and two other players. Larger groups of around five or more generally create a more exciting chase.
What does Mr Wolf say during the game?
Players ask, “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?” Mr Wolf replies with a time such as “five o’clock”, meaning players take five steps. Eventually, the Wolf calls “Dinner time!” and starts chasing everyone.
Who becomes Mr Wolf next?
In the most common version, the player tagged by Mr Wolf becomes the Wolf during the following round.
Does Mr Wolf have to say the real time?
No. The times are simply numbers used to determine how many steps the players take. Mr Wolf can choose different times strategically.
What happens when Mr Wolf says twelve o’clock?
Players take twelve steps towards Mr Wolf. Because twelve steps can cover a large distance, some groups restrict the numbers available when playing in smaller spaces.
Can Mr Wolf turn around before Dinner Time?
Under the standard rules, Mr Wolf normally remains facing away until Dinner Time is called. Variations can allow the Wolf to turn around at other points.
Can adults play What’s the Time Mr Wolf?
Yes. The basic game can be played by adults, although larger spaces, more challenging movement rules or additional Wolves can make it more entertaining.
Can What’s the Time Mr Wolf be played without running?
Yes. Walking, hopping or another controlled movement can replace running, particularly when playing indoors or with younger children.
