One of the best ways for children to get active is by playing games. If you are having a difficult time inventing a fun, physical game to play with your children, think back to your own childhood. There are several popular old-fashioned but safe physical games to play with your kids.
Land, Sea, Air
This game should be played with five or more people outdoors. Draw a line in the ground or, if on an open cemented area, draw a line with a piece of chalk. Designate one person to be the caller, who will command "land," "sea," or "air." The rest of the players must stand on the same side of the line as the caller. If the caller says "land," all of the the players must jump behind the line. If he calls "sea," the players must jump over the line, and only jump up if the caller says "air." If "land" or "sea" is called a second time in a row, the players do not move; however, if "air" is called twice in a row, the players must jump up both times. Any player who makes a mistake is out of the game. The last player jumping wins.
Ghost in the Graveyard
This game is a combination of tag and hide-and-seek, best played outdoors with three or more players. Choose one player to be the "ghost" and decide where the home base area will be located, such as a front step or tree. Have the ghost stand at home base and count to twelve while the other players hide somewhere in the yard or field. After the ghost has counted to twelve aloud, he must go and look for the other players. When he spots a player, he must shout "Ghost in the graveyard!" All the players then must come out of their hiding place and run to home base to avoid being tagged by the ghost. The last player to be tagged becomes the ghost. This game can also be played with alternating hiding roles, in which the players count to twelve aloud together while the ghost hides. When the players have spotted the ghost, the ghost must pop out from his hiding space and try to tag a player. To add to the thrill of the game, it is best played in the evening.
Marco Polo
This game is commonly played in the swimming pool. One player is designated to be "Marco" and the others as "Polo." Marco must close his eyes and feel around for the other players, who try to avoid being tagged by Marco. Each time Marco says his game name aloud, the other players have to respond with "Polo!" This gives Marco an idea where all the players are located in the swimming pool. The first player to be tagged by Marco reverses roles. This game can also be played in a large room indoors or in the backyard.
Hot Potato
This game can be played both inside or outdoors, with at least five or more players. Have one player be the "jukebox" and turn on the radio and play a song, or he can hum his own song. The rest of the players should form a circle. Find either a whole potato, a ball or any object that can be easily tossed around. The "jukebox" must turn his back to the players and begin playing the music. While the music is playing, the players take turns tossing the potato to anyone they wish. When the "jukebox" turns off the music, or stops humming, the last player holding the potato is out, and the music resumes. The last player standing in the game is the winner.
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