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: Kid Spot
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: Party Games 4 Kids
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
27. Color Chase
This tag game makes use of color to keep your kids on their toes. Announce a color that your learners will have to target to chase and catch their fellow learners who are wearing that specified color. This activity requires both physical agility and mental flexibility; engaging the senses while also acting as a cardiovascular workout for young bodies and minds.
Learn More: Japanese Children’s Game
28. Four Bases Run
This game requires you to designate four corners of a room as bases. Select one learner to begin a countdown while your other learners scatter around the room. Once the countdown has finished, your kiddos will scatter around the room, trying to make it to one of the four safe bases. With only one person allowed per base, your students will have to think on their feet.
Learn More: Katie is a Teacher
29. Blob Pursuit
The blob pursuit activity requires your learners to work as a team to win the game. Once a student is tagged, they link hands, the tagger should link hands with them; creating a growing blob in order to catch their fellow students. Your pupils will learn the dynamics of collective movement and shared objectives while having fun along the way.
Learn More: YouTube
30. Toilet Squat
Once tagged, get your students to take the “toilet squat” position until another player frees them from the position by pushing their arm down. It’s a humorous activity that will surely crack up your students, while they learn more about the importance of helping each other out.
Learn More: YouTube
31. Alien Invasion
The alien invasion activity allows your students to embrace their imagination. Tagged students will become extraterrestrial beings on a mission to convert the entire class. Through teamwork, the goal of the game is to work together to convert everyone in the class.
Learn More: Ultimate Camp Resource
32. Backwards Pursuit
This game turns conventional tag on its head as the one who’s “it” gets chased instead. The constant switch-up is sure to keep your students intrigued as it provides them with an exciting new set of rules to abide by. The child who catches “it” switches over and becomes the new player getting chased.
Learn More: Ultimate Camp Resource
33. Kangaroo Hop
Instruct your students to hop like kangaroos as they try to tag or dodge each other. The hopping adds an extra layer of challenge and fun to the traditional game of tag. Ultimately, this version is a hilarious way to burn energy and strengthen those little leg muscles.
Learn More: The Inspired Treehouse
34. Octopus Dash
In this game the person who is “it” becomes an octopus; expanding its reach by linking hands with those tagged. This differs from the blob activity because instead of forming one big group, your learners will form an ever-lengthening line. The game ends when all your students have joined the tentacular line.
Learn More: Ziggity Zoom
35. Ball Chase
Add an extra layer of excitement to your traditional tag game by adding additional equipment. Provide your students with soft balls to use as replacements for hand tags. This version is sure to test hand-eye coordination like never before.
Learn More: Your Therapy Source
36. Spiderweb Freeze
Weave a tangled web in your classroom by engaging your kiddos in a round of spiderweb freeze. One student becomes the “spider”, aiming to catch others to ensnare them in their web. Upon being tagged, your students will have to freeze as if they are stuck in a spider’s web. Learners who are not stuck will have to work together to free their fellow classmates from the web.
Learn More: Early Impact Learning
37. Sock Snatch
This game requires your students to tuck a sock into their waistband. The objective of the tagger is to snatch socks from others while keeping their own sock safe. Your students will have a blast while honing their fine motor skills and practicing strategic thinking.
Learn More: Growing Play
38. Train Chase
Train Chase is an imaginative game that teaches kids to embrace their creativity. When a student is tagged, they become part of a train led by the person who is “it”. Encourage your little learners to mimic the movement and sound of a train while also working together to catch others.
Learn More: PE Plus
39. Clothespin Clip
This game requires learners to clip clothespins onto their shirts. The aim of the game is to unclip and collect as many pins from the other players as possible. All in all, it’s an engaging mix of stealth and agility that calls for all players to stay active and alert.
Learn More: Mama’s Homestead
40. Musical Chase
Incorporate music into your game of tag with this activity. Play some music and when the melody stops, instead of freezing, the “it” person must try to tag someone else. Your students are sure to enjoy the musical twist to the classic game of tag.
Learn More: PennState Extension
41. Buddy Run
Buddy Run is a partner-focused game. When tagged, the pair becomes the new “it”- sticking together in their quest to catch another pair. Your students will learn the importance of working together when trying to achieve a group goal.
Learn More: That After School Life
42. Sprinkler Dash
This is a great activity for those hot, summer days. Prepare by placing a sprinkler at the center of a field. Your students must dodge the water to stay in the game.
Learn More: Basin Water Solutions
43. Spud Catch
In this game, a player must throw a ball upward while calling out a name. The student whose name has been called must catch the ball- freezing all others in place by doing so. Your students will undoubtedly hone their throwing and catching skills with this multifaceted activity.
Learn More: Party Games 4 Kids
44. Playground Chase
Add a layer of interactivity to your game of tag by adding obstacles. Your students must move from one piece of playground equipment to another while evading the person who is “it.” It’s like parkour but for kids; merging athleticism with the joy of playgrounds!
Learn More: Simplified Building
45. Skunk Freeze
In this quirky chase game, your tagger is the “skunk” and your other players will have to avoid being tagged by placing their right arm under their right leg and holding their nose. If they don’t do this in time, they’ll be “skunked” by the tagger before switching roles.
Learn More: YouTube
46. Tree Safety
Nature is an important part of the world, and this game is sure to pique your little players’ interests in the outdoors. In this game, your students can gain immunity from being tagged by touching a tree.
Learn More: Early Impact Learning
47. Tunnel Release
This game is sure to spark some interest and curiosity. When a player is tagged, they must stand still and form a “tunnel” by standing with their legs apart. They are only freed when a teammate crawls through the “tunnel”. Your students will have a blast with this hilarious, yet skillful way to dodge capture.
Learn More: Chochman Blog
48. Donkey Catch
Last but not least, bring some farmyard flair into your game of tag with this game of Donkey Catch. When tagged, your students must stand still – the last one tagged will become the “Donkey” or “it” for the next round.
Learn More: Today’s Parent
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