Hide and Seek is not just for kids. In the age of extreme sports, this childhood favorite has taken on a new edge. So gather friends and family, chose an IT, and get ready to kick your family time up a notch.
How to Play
Set Boundaries: Determine what’s out of bounds. For instance, if you’re playing at home, it’s fun to include all indoor space that’s structurally sound (from the floored attic to the garage to the basement), as well as all property in the front and back yards. If you’re playing in a building, you may determine that only the first floor is in bounds, or that offices are off limits. Too large an area will make the games difficult, but too little space doesn’t offer opportunity for new and great hiding spots.
Set Time Limit: Five minutes per person is a good time limit for groups of 3 or 4. Maximum time should not exceed thirty minutes per round. Players not found prior to time running out should return to base. They do not have to reveal their hiding places.
Play: IT must count to one hundred, on base, with eyes closed, as players find hiding places. At the count of 100, IT yells the traditional, “Ready or not, here I come.” As he finds players, they become his helpers. The last player found, or the player who is not found, wins and gets his turn as IT.
Twists: If IT carries a digital camera to snap hiders at the moment of finding, you’ll have some priceless pictures to add to the scrapbook. For outdoor summertime games, IT can carry a water pistol and soak down the players he finds. If they make it to base without getting wet, they get to hold the water gun for the remainder of the time limit. Also, playing in a dark house with flashlights can be fun and a little spooky.
Precaution: Remind young children not to climb on shelves, hide in appliances, or otherwise compromise their safety. Those top shelves of closets won’t hold too much weight!