This is an old classic song, whose words have been change to suit any number of occasions. However, few people know that it’s also an interesting singing game for children, and adults who aren’t too self-conscious to play. Number of players: 6-10 Space required: a big room, depending on number of players Ages: 4+ To begin, all the players except one form a circle. The player in the middle is the farmer. The players then move around in circles while they sing the song below: The farmer in the dell The farmer in the dell Hi-ho the cherry-o The farmer … Continue reading →

Murder The classic game of murder is morbid for sure, but fun for all ages. This classic party game has been adapted into a number of different popular variations. Some more involved versions involve train rides, boat cruises, and even entire weekend excursions. This is a simple, traditional variation that can be an absolute blast with the right group of people. Number of players: at least 5 – 12 Space needed: A house with a few rooms Ages: 12+ The host, or other chosen leader, should take as many playing cards from a deck as there are guests, making sure … Continue reading →

This game dates back at least three centuries in China. It can be a lot of fun for both kids and adults, and involves a fairly good amount of coordination. Like all such games, its funniest when played by people like me, who have limited coordination. It makes a great beach game. Number of players: 5 – 30. Ages: 7+, or earlier if participants can hop on one foot. Space: Playground, gym, or most ideally, the beach. This game is played with small blocks of wood, bean bags, or as played in China, with shoes. The objects are placed in … Continue reading →

This is a great variation from traditional hide and seek. It’s best played outside with a lot of room, but can also be a lot of fun in a big old house. It can be a lot of fun at an extended family gathering. Number of people: 5-30 Ages: 4+ One player is chosen as the wolf, and this person goes off to hide. The rest of the players are the sheep, with one of them as the leader. Choose a place to function as a “pen” where all the sheep stay and blind their eyes while the wolf player … Continue reading →

This is a great game for a playground, back yard or park. It also opens possibilities for a wonderful geography lesson. It allows for a lot of running and dodging, especially if you’re playing on a larger field. Number of players: 5+ Age: 4+ Space required: playground, back yard or park. To set up the game, block out a large rectangle on the playing field. The center of the playing field is the Great Wall. It should be two parallel lines ideally ten feet apart. They can be closer if space requires. Then, mark off two goal lines at both … Continue reading →

These two games are very similar. Bear in the Pit is like women’s hockey – there’s not a lot of contact, but a lot of skill and finesse. Bull in the Ring is like men’s hockey, but without the fistfights and lockouts. Bear in the Pit can be played on just about any surface, but Bull in the Ring should be played on grass because there’s a lot of potential turf crashing. To start the game, the players join hands in a circle with one person in the middle as a bear. The bear tries to get out by breaking … Continue reading →

This game can be a lot of fun at a birthday party. It doesn’t require a lot of room for the minimum number of players; a good-sized living room will do. It’s very easy to teach and learn, so it’s good with younger kids too. Number of players: 6 – 30 players. Materials needed: a slipper, a beanbag, a hacky sack, ball, small teddy bear or other small object. To set up all the players sit in a circle, with their feet drawn up and their knees raised so the players can pass the slipper or other object from hand … Continue reading →

This is an exciting chase game with just a few simple rules. You can get by playing the game with as few as five, but it gets really fun with 8 or more players. This game doesn’t take a lot of space, but you may want to move any breakable objects from the immediate vicinity. Number of players 5-60 Space: a really large living room for a small group, or a good-sized back yard Materials needed: rambunctious players The play begins with at least one group of three players standing in a circle with their arms interlocking. These three players … Continue reading →