Ah, the good old days - when kids went outside to play and they didn't return until dinner time. Kids never had trouble using their creativity to invent toys or games, and they always had a group of friends surrounding them to reinvent those same toys or games to keep things interesting and most importantly, keep them from getting bored.
These days most kids are stuck behind a screen. It's time to break that trend with these fun ways to play tag:
1. Bandaid Tag
Bandaids aren't just for boo-boos. In this creative version of tag, you will place a hand over the spot you were tagged and keep it there. Tagged again? Put the other hand over the other spot. Third time? That's when you must go to the "hospital," do ten jumping jacks to "heal" and then return to the game.
Learn More: Active For Life
2. Amoeba Tag
This entertaining version of tag gives you team gameplay. Two players begin linked together, and go around trying to tag another person. That person then joins the team of two and the process continues. Like amoebas though, they can multiply so WATCH OUT!
Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain
3. Flashlight Tag
This popular version of tag is for those night-time backyard games that happen in the summertime. Arm yourself with a flashlight and invite the neighborhood over to "tag" each other with the light!
Learn More: Very Well Family
4. Everyone's It!
In this game, there is a time limit where everyone is "it" and must tag as many others as possible. At the end of the game, the person who has tagged the most on the playing field is declared the winner!
Learn More: Very Well Family
5. Blindman's Bluff
The only special equipment you need for this popular version of tag is a blindfold! The blindfolded person is "it" and must attempt to tag players who may hint at their location. This is one version of tag games that children really enjoy!
Learn More: Ultimate Camp Resource
6. Pizza Game
In this tag-like game, the players are the "toppings" and the pizza maker is the tagger. As the pizza maker calls the toppings out that he or she wants on their pizza, they must run across the playground field or gym and make it to the other side without being tagged by the pizza maker.
Learn More: Ultimate Camp Resource
7. Dead Ant Tag
When you are tagged in this hilarious chase game, you must lie on your back and put your legs and arms in the air. The only way to get back into the gameplay and come alive again is to have four different people tag each of your limbs.
Learn More: Active For Life
8. Secret Tag
Let the chaos ensue as this funny version of the tag has players wondering who is actually "it" and who is not. The best part of this version? There is no extra equipment needed!
Learn More: Ultimate Camp Resource
9. Statues
Players who are tagged in this game are frozen into a specific pose as determined by the player who is "it." Non-it players must stay frozen in their statue pose until they are released by specific action of another player.
Learn More: Playworks
10. Ninja Turtle Tag
This version of tag is unlike any normal game you've ever experienced. There are four cones that designate each of the turtles, and each of the four people who are it is given a coordinating foam pool noodle to tag their opponents who must then go take care of some exercises before being allowed back into gameplay.
Learn More: Marathon Kids
11. Underdog Tag
Players tagged in this game must open their legs when they are tagged and other players have to crawl through to "un-tag" them.
Learn More: Care
12. Ghosts in the Graveyard
Best played at night for that spooky effect, the ghost must hide and wait for the players to seek you out. If you are found or jump out to tag someone, the players will shout "Ghosts in the Graveyard" and then they must race back to home base.
Learn More: Wonderopolis
13. Soccer Ball Tag
Instead of tagging your friends with your hands, this exciting tag game has players kick a soccer ball at each other's feet. If your feet are "tagged" then you get to join in on the tagging. The last person tagged is the winner. This is a great way to practice soccer skills!
Learn More: Active For Life
14. Crab Tag
Time for some good, old-fashioned, crabby game fun! Just as the name implies, instead of running to tag each other, you will crab walk around in order to tag others, just don't pinch!
Learn More: Marathon Kids
15. TV Tag
Elementary school kids will love this game! Played like a traditional game of tag, but the difference is the only way to come back into gameplay is to name a TV show that no one has named before! If you mistakenly repeat a TV show, you're out for GOOD!
Learn More: Care
16. Ultimate Freeze Tag
You can use an actual ball, balled-up socks, or just a random object. Whatever you choose, make sure you work hard to tag players before they actually locate the hidden item! This action-packed game of tag is perfect for grade school, birthday parties, and more!
Learn More: Care
17. Marco Polo
Have a swimming pool or other body of water? Encourage your friends to play this classic twist on the tag where whoever is "it" keeps their eyes closed and shouts "MARCO!" while the players respond with "POLO!" A fun and challenging version for all ages!
Learn More: The Genius Of Play
18. Duck, Duck, GOOSE!
If you are looking for a fun and organized way to play tag, this classic version is what you need. Grade school students know it well, and it keeps kids confined to a small area.
Learn More: Birthday In A Box
19. What Time is it Mr. Wolf?
Asking Mr. Wolf what time it is can be dangerous business, especially when he shouts "It's MIDNIGHT!" To start the game, players will ask whoever is designated to be "it" what time it is. When he says a time, they will take the corresponding number of steps towards their finish line, but watch out if he shouts "It's MIDNIGHT!"
Learn More: Parenting First Cry
20. Animal Tag
This crazy tag game will have you laughing like a hyena. The zookeeper keeps the animals in their animal cages, while the monkey runs around to chase players and locks them back in their cages.
Learn More: Active For Life
21. Banana Tag
Despite the name, there are no actual bananas involved in this game variation. You must work your memory while playing and can only be untagged when the person who tagged you has been caught.
Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain
22. Sharks and Minnows
Similar to the Pizza Game, this fun chasing game is perfect for recess. Instead of calling some of the players, the shark calls ALL of the minnows, and they are challenged to run across the space in a survival game of tag.
Learn More: EFNEP
23. Flag Tag
This exciting game requires you to pull the flag of your opposing team/players. It is like flag football, but without the football. The tagged player must sit out and the person who has the most flags at the end of the round is declared the winner.
Learn More: EFNEP
24. Noodle Dance Tag
Another game of tag that uses pool noodles? Yes, please! Players run from a couple of designated taggers and once they're tagged they must stop and do a dance that is predetermined. The dance should be something simple that all players know. Play music in the background to add to the ambiance and hilarity of this version!
Learn More: The PE Specialist
25. Flour Sock Tag
Definitely an outdoor game of tag, Flour Sock Tag is a fun variation where you get tagged with a tube sock full of flour (and a mess) instead of a hand. Be sure not to fill the socks too full!
Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain
26. Shadow Tag
This game is perfect for littles, or if you're just worried about germs or rough play. Kids will tag one another by jumping in each other's shadows. No special equipment, rules, or time limits are needed!
Learn More: EFNEP
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