In today's world, it's hard to keep kids playing and engaged during their free time. We see this time and time again in our ever-changing classrooms. Educational game searches can be tiring, so here is a list of 30 class recess activities that your students will be begging to play!
1. Chewbacca
Chewbacca is a classic recess game with a really fun name. Your students will love the idea of this outdoor game and will be able to play in groups as well as socially distanced if needed.
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2. Limbo
Limbo falls under the category of both indoor recess games and outdoor recess games giving you and your students a little break from learning and to have fun.
Learn more: Golden Eagles PYL
3. Uno
There is no better game to fall under some favorite recess games than Uno. A game that has yet to lose its fun or value!
Learn more: Coffee and Calculations
4. Four Square
A competitive game that is constantly rotating students in and out is Four Square. This super fun game can be played in any playground and students will love the competition that comes with it.
Learn more: Thought Son Third
5. Giant Checkers
A super fun indoor game for kids like giant checkers not only teaches students how to play the game but is also hands-on and engaging compared to the regular small board!
Learn more: Fit & Fun Playscapes
6. Cup Walk Races
Getting rid of online games during recess is both necessary and a bit challenging. Let your kiddos play with different activities like this cup race! They will be laughing and enjoying the entire time.
Learn more: Carondelet Preschool
7. Jenga Castles
A spin on the classic family game - Jenga your students will love using these blocks to make their own towers and castles!
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8. Secret STEM Learning
Including some extra learning games in your recess routine isn't only beneficial for your sanity, but also for your kiddos' development.
Learn more: STEM with Mrs. M
9. Indoor Snowball Fight
An indoor recess activity that even my middle schoolers want to play is this snowball fight! Using different classroom tools have students make their own slingshots, set a classroom timer, and have fun!
Learn more: Teaching with Tieka
10. Cornhole
This might take a bit more materials but will for sure be a hit with students. Set it up in the classrooms or in the hallways and include other classes! You can even turn it into a full-on tournament.
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11. Zumba Dance Party
If you're feeling like you've been indoors for recess a lot this year, then it's time to get your kids up and moving.
Learn more: Indoor Recess
12. Red Light, Green Light, DANCE
Another fun and creative game that can easily be displayed on the projector is this red light, green light, dance game!
Learn more: Coach Ez Fit
13. Rock Paper Scissors Fitness
A fun little fitness game in the classroom always gets kids ready for the rest of their learning.
Learn more: Mr. Cerrillo PE
14. Don't Laugh Challenge
One of mine and my student's favorite is hands down a good don't laugh challenge. It's so much fun to watch students' engagement and laughter.
Learn more: Mrs. Braden PE
15. Wall Ball
Wall ball is a classic and competitive game that your students will absolutely love to play at recess. Once you teach your students the basics it will become one of their favorite independent games.
Learn more: Phys Ed Games
16. Hit the Number
Almost a copycat game of Wall Ball this more direct game of hit the number will be super engaging to our less competitive and more calm students.
Learn more: Gymspiratie
17. Long Jump
A long jump can be comprised of many different sizes, colors, and materials. Whether you're just using chalk or have some paint this will be great for students.
Learn more: Gymspiratie
18. Petal Kick
Another copycat game this different version of hit the number is a more beautiful mural and has younger students kick a bigger ball rather than throw a smaller ball! Perfect for younger elementary.
Learn more: Egbert EGD
19. Hands and Feet Hopscotch
Hands and feet hopscotch is a twist on the classic, making kids use different body parts to get across the mat.
20. Paper Pull
A challenging but calmer activity like this paper pull game will create a deep focus with your students. Have classroom volunteers build the cups and keep track of scores for each team!
Learn more: Outscord
21. Flip Cup
A super fun activity for elementary students that will undoubtedly take a turn for a competitive indoor recess.
Learn more: A Girl and a Glue Gun
22. Tic Tac Toe Pong
An outdoor or indoor cooperative game such as tic tac toe pong will have students working in teams or independently to be the first to get three in a row!
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23. Mini Basketball
This mini basketball game can be hung up in your classroom and used for any free time you might have. It's super simple to create and will definitely keep your kids asking to play.
Learn more: DLTK's Sites for Kids
24. Mini Foosball
Foosball is an all-time classic and favorite game! Making desk size foosball tables will be so much fun for your students. They will love this twist and will constantly be asking to play.
Learn more: Mom Ooze
25. SPUD
SPUD is one of those games that your whole class will want to play. Even as a classroom teacher I find myself wanting to be included.
Learn more: Phys Ed Games
26. Knockout
An independent game that your basketball lovers will be wanting to play daily is knockout. This game dates back years and years and is always exciting and competitive.
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27. Headbands
Card games are always fun and exciting for the whole class. Add headbands to your list of indoor recess games and you won't be disappointed.
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28. Paper Chain Race
A STEM activity like this will be a fun and competitive game for students in all grades!
Learn more: Math Chick
29. Popsicle Stick STEM Challenges
In upper elementary, students are constantly wanting to be challenged. Fun STEM challenges like this will do exactly that.
Learn more: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
30. Poisonous Stump
Poisonous stump will keep you and your kids engaged and having fun all throughout recess. A great activity for collaboration and team building.
Learn more: Splash Games
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