How Many Of These Classic Childhood Games Do You Remember?
One of the joys of being a kid is playing outside with friends or even by yourself. Children have been playing made-up games or those that have been passed down from generation to generation since humans had the luxury to do so. Although there’s no limit to the number of games that can be created, there are a select few that have withstood the test of time, with people from many generations remembering how they played those select few games. Remember Red Rover? What about lesser-known games like Spud and Kick The Can? Here are some of our most memorable outdoor games and their basic rules that will make you wish you were a kid again. Which games do you remember playing? Keep reading to find out more.
Tag Is Classic In Its Simplicity
Arguably the most popular and timeless of outdoor games is tag. Played between just a few or numerous people, it’s a game that can virtually be played anywhere and for an unlimited amount of time. The person who is “it” chases the other players around trying to “tag” them.
If the “it” participant touches one of the players, that player is now it and has to tag someone else in order to no longer be the chaser. Although people have their own versions and rules, the basic premise remains the same and has for a long time.
Freeze Tag Is A Fun Variation On Tag
If a regular old game of tag isn’t cutting it, it might be time for freeze tag. The rules are basically the same as tag but if the “it” person tags someone, the person they tag has to “freeze” where they are.
The only way they can get back in the game is if another participant who isn’t it tags you back in. The object of the game is for the person who’s “it” to freeze all the players.
Musical Chairs Is Fun And Chaotic
Chairs are arranged in a circle facing outward with one less chair than there are people. One person is needed to be in charge of the music. When the music starts, the players start circling the chairs and when it stops, players sit in the chair closest to them.
The person who doesn’t sit in a chair fast enough is out of the game and takes a chair with them. This process is repeated until there is one winner.
Marco Polo Is A Fun Pool Time Activity
Marco Polo can be played in just about any body of water, although a pool is safer and more preferable. It’s a spin on tag and the person who is “it” has to close their eyes and try to find the other players by only sound.
The “it” person yells “Marco!” and the other players in the pool must respond by yelling “Polo!.” This way, the person who is it has an idea where the other players are. The person who is tagged first is now “it.”
Freeze Dance Is Exactly What It Sounds Like
Similar to musical chairs, one player needs to be in charge of the music. When the music starts, all of the participants start dancing as crazy as they can. The moment the music stops, the players have to freeze exactly where they are.
Any player that is caught moving is disqualified from the game. This continues until one person remains and is named the freeze dance champion. This game can be played with as many players as you want.
Four Square Is Serious Business
Four square is a ball game that is played on a small court that is separated into four squares. Each of the squares is ranked with the highest number being one and the lowest four. Players bounce a ball into each other’s square successfully without hitting their own square or going out of bounds.
Doing either of these results in a demotion of numbers. The objective is to make it all the way to square one. In some cases, the person in square one is allowed to make other rules for gameplay.
Hopscotch Is More Complex Than You Might Remember
By any means necessary, whether it’s chalk, tape, or rope, you can create a hopscotch grid. Number the squares from one to nine and place a stone on square one. Hop over the stone, and following the grid’s pattern.
When you get to the end, turn around and go back, stopping on one foot to pick up the stone with one hand before going back to square one. Continue this pattern with square 2, 3, 4, etc. If you toss the rock onto the wrong square, your turn is over.
Marbles Is A Classic And Can Be Played Almost Anywhere
In order to play marbles, competitors first draw a circle in the sand, dirt, grass, or with chalk in order to create the playing field. Players then take turns flicking their large marble into the circle in order to knock their opponent’s marbles out.
Of course, there are countless variations to the game depending on where you live. In some areas, the goal is to hit a target first, and in others, the goal is to knock marbles out of the circle.
Telephone Is Goofy Fun For Large Groups
To play telephone, players sit in a circle and decide on who goes first. The player who is chosen then comes up with a sentence or a phrase and whispers it to the person next to them. The phrase is repeated around the circle until it reaches the last person.
The last person then says the phrase out loud and everyone laughs about how much the message has changed from the beginning of the game. The game is best played with a large group of people.
Pickle Is A Fun Summertime Game To Hone Your Sports Skills
Pickle is a great game to play for fun, or if you’re trying to hone your baseball skills. All you need is at least three players, two bases, and a ball of some kind. The bases are set up around 20 feet apart with two of the players standing on them.
The two “Fielders” toss the ball back and forth while the “runner” attempts to avoid being tagged by the fielders. If they successfully make it to the base it’s a point and if they are tagged it’s an out.
Blind Man’s Bluff Is Actually Kind Of Dangerous But Interesting
Very popular in Tudor and Victorian England, blind man’s bluff is a twist on tag, although it is considered to be much more dangerous. The person who is it not only has to tag the other players but has to do so while blindfolded.
Although it is a fun game, it’s important to make sure that it’s played in a safe area. Having someone running around while blindfolded can result in an injury if everyone isn’t careful.
Hide And Seek Is About Hiding. It’s Also About Seeking.
One of the more classic outdoor games out there, hide and seek has been played for generations, with countless twists. However, the original version is played with the “it” person closing their eyes and counting to an agreed upon number.
The other players then run away and find a hiding spot. The first player to be spotted and and tagged is now the “it” person for the next round. The great thing about this game is that it can be played just about anywhere.
H-O-R-S-E Is Grammatical And A Sport, Take That Scrabble!
When playing “horse,” one player shoots a basketball into the hoop however they want. The other players then has to perform the same action, but if they miss, they receive a letter starting with “H.”
The first person to receive all of the letters to spell out “horse” loses the game. The positions change, so if the player shooting the initial shot misses, the opportunity is passed on to the person who is next in line.
Red Rover, Red Rover Send Somebody Over To Play
Now, this game is not for the faint of heart. Two teams stand around 20 feet from each other. Each time forms a line with the teammates holding hands to create a barrier. The teams then take turns calling out “Red Rover, Red Rover send [an opponents name] right over!”
The person whose name is called then runs as fast as they can at the other team, running into the chain of linked hands. If they break through they can take an opponent back to their side, but if they don’t, they have to join the other team.
