In today’s world, it’s hard to keep kids engaged during their free time. We see this time and time again in our ever-changing classrooms. Searching for educational games can be tiring, so we’ve saved you some time by curating a list of 30 recess activities that your students will be begging to play! Get ready to introduce your kiddos to a world of fun on the playground and in the classroom!
1. Chewbacca
Chewbacca is a classic recess game with a twist on the name! Practicing verbal skills and teamwork- each team will need to work to protect their goal from the balls thrown across the space. Play begins when your class chants “Chew-bac-ca!”
Learn More: Playworks
2. Limbo
Limbo serves as a game for a fun learning break in the classroom or an engaging outdoor activity. Just grab a long stick (or the closest broom) and have two students hold either end. Play some fun jams, line up your class, and have your little ones strut under the stick. The objective? To maneuver their way under it without letting any part of their bodies touch the stick!
Learn More: Instagram
3. Uno
Uno is a great game to have handy in your classroom and is perfect for 2-10 players. Each player begins with 7 cards and tries to get rid of the cards by matching the color, number, or symbol on the card placed on the pile by the player before them. The first person to get rid of all of their cards is victorious, but they must yell “uno” when they only have 1 card left or they’ll need to pick up 2 more cards as a penalty!
Learn More: Instagram
4. Four Square
Four Square is a competitive game that constantly calls for players to rotate; making it the perfect group activity. Your kids can map out the court by drawing 4 joint squares using a piece of chalk. One student will then stand in each square and bounce a ball into another square without it going out of bounds. One bad shot will eliminate a player and require another kiddo to step into gameplay!
Learn More: Instagram
5. Giant Checkers
When you make a game life-sized, we guarantee that your kids will be excited to partake! Giant Checkers is a super fun indoor/outdoor game for 2 players. With this larger-than-life board, they’ll be called to move around vigorously to position their markers.
Learn More: Instragram
6. Cup Walk Races
These cup races will get all of your students laughing- but first help them to make their stilts! To do so, give them some sturdy cups or buckets. Next, have them flip them upside down and make 2 holes in the top. Then, they’ll tie a long string through the loops; ensuring that it’s lengthy l enough to reach their hands and allow them to hold on. Now the fun begins- have your kiddos use their stilts to race against their classmates from one point to another.
Learn More: Instagram
7. Jenga Castles
You’ll need to purchase a Jenga set for this interactive recess game. First, have your students stack the wooden blocks to form a sturdy tower! Then, in small groups, they can take turns removing blocks and positioning them atop the tower. The game ends when the tower comes tumbling down so remind your kiddos to work carefully!
Learn More: Kids Care Ideas
8. Secret STEM Learning
Including some extra learning games in your recess routine isn’t only beneficial for your sanity but also for your kiddos’ development. Get out your STEM materials and task your students to construct anything they’d like. To up the ante, challenge your little engineers to build standing structures in which they can stand inside!
Learn More: Instagram
9. Indoor Snowball Fight
Even your middle schoolers will want to partake in this fun indoor recess activity; a snowball fight! Reach into the recycle bin and let your kiddos crumple up all of their old work. Then, using different classroom tools like cups, tape, and balloons, have your students make their very own slingshots. They’ll joyfully fling their paper snowballs across the room until the recess bell rings!
Learn More: Instagram
10. Cornhole
This might take a few more materials to bring together, but will for sure be a hit with your students. Set up a game of cornhole inside your classroom, or invite other classes to join for a tournament in the hallways!
Learn More: Instragram
11. Zumba Dance Party
Let the dance party commence! If you’re feeling like you’ve been indoors for recess a lot this year, then it’s time to get your kids up and moving! Here’s a great video resource to lead your students in some choreographed Zumba moves!
Learn More: YouTube
12. Red Light, Green Light, DANCE
Here’s another entertaining indoor recess resource that can easily be displayed on your projector. Press play and watch your classroom come to life with this red light, green light, dance game! Your students will dance until there’s an action item that pops up with the green light- requiring them to complete an action until the red light comes on. They’ll then dance their little hearts out until the next green light appears!
Learn More: YouTube
13. Rock Paper Scissors Fitness
Project this fitness game for your class to participate in a classic battle of rock, paper, scissors, but against the computer. Whether they win, lose, or tie- there will be a task for them to complete after each round. For example; if you win you must complete a set of jumping jacks, and if you tie you may be asked to execute a few ladder climbs.
Learn More: YouTube
14. Don’t Laugh Challenge
Bring some joy and movement into your classroom with this “don’t laugh” challenge! When you play the video below, two silly images will be projected on the board. Your student’s objective is to pick which one is funnier, without laughing. Depending on which image they choose- they’ll then be instructed to complete a fitness challenge until the timer goes off! Each round will have them laughing and moving- releasing some pent-up energy!
Learn More: YouTube
15. Wall Ball
Wall ball is a classic and competitive game that your students will undoubtedly love to play at recess! With 3-10 players, a tennis ball, and a wall; your kids can take turns throwing the tennis ball directly at the wall. If someone accidentally bounces it off the floor before hitting the wall, they’ll have to race and touch the wall before another player hits the wall with the ball. If someone fumbles it or catches your pop-fly, they’ll also have to race to the wall before another player eliminates them. Last one standing wins!
Learn More: YouTube
16. Long Jump
This activity can be played independently or with an unlimited number of students! Set up a long jump station by painting marker lines on the ground before inviting your kiddos to try their luck at how far they can jump. Start by lining your students up and then have them take turns trying to out-jump their friends!
Learn More: Gymspiratie
17. Petal Kick
Maybe your school would consider painting an interactive mural to act as a permanent recess resource. If not- use some chalk to draw a massive flower on a blank wall. Then, place different number values in each petal. Once complete, your students can use a soccer ball and compete with one another to see who can collect the most points in a kicking match.
Learn More: Egbert EGD
18. Hands and Feet Hopscotch
Hands and feet hopscotch is a twist on the classic; prompting your kids to use different body parts to get across the room. We’ve included a free printable so that you can implement this game right away. Simply cut out the hands and feet and tape them to the floor in a random pattern before having your kids use all 4 of their limbs to get from start to finish!
Learn More: Boey Bear
19. Paper Pull
Are you looking for a more focused and structured indoor recess activity? Ask a few classroom volunteers to stack paper cups with slips of paper between them. Once their tower is built, challenge them to yank each slip of paper off- starting at the top and working their way downward. With the paper removed, the cup should fall onto the one below it, and if not; they must start again!
Learn More: Playtivities
20. Flip It
There are many games invented with plastic cups, but here’s one of our favorites! Flip cup is simple- with a line of cups facing bottom side up, the object is to have your kiddies use their fingers to flip each cup so that they land the right way up. You can incorporate teams by having your students race to see who can flip all of their cups first!
Learn More: A Girl and a Glue Gun
21. Tic Tac Toe Pong
Tic tac toe pong is a cooperative game that requires some skill! Have your students take turns bouncing a ping pong ball onto a table and into one of the nine awaiting cups filled with water. The first one to land three balls in a row will be coined the winner!
Learn More: The Guest Blog on the Block
22. Mini Basketball
This mini basketball game can be hung up in your classroom and used for any free time you might have. It’s super simple to create! First, you’ll need a large piece of cardboard to decorate as a scoreboard. Next, you’ll hot glue 5 plastic cups to the board and assign them a number value. Finally, to make your mini basketballs, you can draw black lines on orange ping pong balls. Once your kids try it out, we guarantee that they won’t be able to get enough!
Learn More: DLTK’s Sites for Kids
23. Mini Foosball
With a few different materials and some construction time, your students can create their own personal foosball tables! Similar to soccer, they’ll need to try to get a ping pong ball into their goal. The trick is that they’ll need to act fast to perform both offense and defense by moving the straws in their shoe box to make their clothespin “players” kick or defend the ball. These little desk games will come in handy on a rainy day!
Learn More: Mom Ooze
24. SPUD
SPUD is one of those games that your whole class will want to play! Begin by gathering your class in a tight circle in an open outdoor space. Then, give a ball to one student so that they can throw it in the air and shout out a classmate’s name. That classmate will have to catch the ball- while the rest of the class runs as far away as they can! When that student catches the ball they’ll yell, “SPUD” and the rest of the class will need to freeze. Next, they’ll take 3 steps before throwing the ball at one of their classmates. If they hit that student, they’ll become the person who throws the ball in the next round!
Learn More: YouTube
25. Knockout
Head out to the basketball courts with your kids for this fast-paced game of knockout! Your kiddos will need to assemble themselves in one line behind the free-throw line. The first and second person in the line should then be armed with a basketball. The goal is for the second student to make a basket before the first person does; which will in turn knock them out of the game! If the first person makes the shot they can toss the ball to the next person in line who will now be challenged with knocking out the kid in front of them!
Learn More: Playworks
26. Headbands
Headbands is an interactive game that will develop your students’ speaking skills! Purchase the printables, or build your own deck. To play, arrange your students in pairs and give each of them a card that they mustn’t look at. Partner 1 will place it on their forehead and partner 2 will then describe the word without saying it! Can partner 1 guess the word on their forehead? Your kiddos can take turns guessing before picking a new card once they get it right!
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
27. Paper Chain Race
A STEM activity like this will be a fun and competitive game for students in all grades! Break your kids into teams and hand out one sheet of 12 x 18 paper, scissors, and glue to a leader on each team. Then, task your students with devising a strategy to build the longest paper chain! Set a timer and watch their efforts. At the end, lay out all of the chains in the hallway and measure them to determine the winner!
Learn More: Math Chick
28. Popsicle Stick STEM Challenges
Here’s a more quiet STEM challenge that’s sure to keep your kiddos entertained. Choose one of the challenges on the list- like building a structure that can support the most weight, or one that stands the tallest. Give them a few materials like wooden clothespins, crafting sticks, and binder clips, and watch as they become little engineers!
Learn More: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
29. Poisonous Stump
Make sure your kids are being safe with this active game known as poisonous stump! You’ll need a large object to act as the poisonous stump which will sit in the center of your student circle. The goal? To have your learners work together to try and get others out by making them touch the poisonous stump without letting go of their hands!
Learn More: YouTube
30. Jump Rope Contests
No schoolyard is complete without jump ropes! Jump roping is a great way for your students to build stamina and agility. Engage them in traditional jump rope contests or choose a new game f like snake, helicopter, or banana split! You could even add a mathematical twist by encouraging them to count their jumps and then divide by two; turning playtime into a fun math lesson!
Learn More: Verywell Mind
31. Simon Says
We love a good game of Simon Says because it’s a chance to blend obedience with fun! You can sit back and let the video dictate tricky and hilarious actions for your kiddos to execute. Of course, you can also choose different kids to play Simon and even include educational commands such as, “Simon says name a continent” to sneak in some learning!
Learn More: YouTube
32. Duck, Duck, Goose
Duck, duck, goose will get your kids moving and cheering for one another! Have your kids sit in a circle and the person that’s “it” walks around them; tapping each person’s head and saying, “duck.” They’ll surprise one student by saying, “goose!” The “goose” will then need to jump up and chase their friend before they sit down in the empty space. If they don’t catch them, they’re “it!”
Learn More: Mama Lisa’s Blog
33. Kickball
A friendly kickball competition is an awesome way to build community among your students. Head out to the baseball field and explain the rules of this action-packed game. It’s similar to baseball, but involves kicking a large, soft ball before running around the bases. See how many innings your students can complete before the recess bell rings!
Learn More: Group Games 101
34. Tug of War
Strengthen unity and teamwork among your students with an exhilarating game of tug of war! Split your kids into even teams and test their physical strength. You’ll need to lay out a large rope with a flag tied to the center. Each team, standing on opposite sides and facing each other, will hold the rope in their hands. When you blow your whistle they’ll tug the rope and try to get the majority of the rope to cross onto their side. The team that gets the flag to their side will be crowned victor!
Learn More: Cap’n Pete’s Power PE
35. Tag
Unleash the energy and excitement with this timeless chasing game. Tag is great because it encourages fast decision-making and physical activity with one person trying to tag the others! We’ve included a list of some other variations of the classic game to introduce to your students like toilet tag, freeze tag, and rocket ship tag!
Learn More: Gamesver
36. Capture the Flag
You may need to borrow some flags from the P.E. teacher so that your class can participate in an enthralling game of Capture the Flag. As your students sneak around trying to capture the opposing team’s flag and bring it safely back to their home base, they’ll need to avoid having their own flag removed. If removed, they’ll have to stay in “jail” until another teammate saves them! The team with the most flags when the bell rings will win!
Learn More: ScoutLife
37. Hide and Seek
Encourage your kids to get outside and play hide and seek! We’ve included some other variations of the game to add a spin to the traditional rules. Your students will be excited to try a new game like sardines, wave, or home base!
Learn More: The Backyard Baron
38. Balloon Pop Race
Get ready for bursts of laughter and excitement in this balloon pop relay! To set up for play, form teams where your students must work together to pop balloons using only their bodies. Place a chair at one end of your classroom for each team. Then, when you say go, the first person on the team will run to the chair and sit on the balloon; doing their best to pop it quickly. After popping their balloon, they’ll run to their teammate and tag the next person to go!
Learn More: Party Games 4 Kids
39. Hopscotch
Hopscotch has been around forever because it’s a game that merges agility, balance, and math! Draw those familiar squares on the ground and watch as your students practice their hopping skills while engaging in counting and number recognition.
Learn More: Milwaukee With Kids
40. Marbles
Introduce your students to this age-old game of precision and strategy. To begin, have your students draw a circle that’s 3 feet in diameter. Then, your kids can take turns flicking a large marble to try and knock out the smaller marbles that are placed in the center of the circle. When they knock a marble out, they get another turn. Taking turns until there are no marbles left, they’ll count who knocked out the most to determine the winner!
Learn More: The Backyard Baron
41. Hula Hoop Contest
With hula hoops- there are hours of endless entertainment! They’re so versatile that they can be used as targets for bean bags or to build a hopscotch pattern. Read through the list of different activities to inspire new outdoor games like the roll-along challenge that invites your students to see who can roll their hoop the farthest!
Learn More: Verywell Family
42. British Bulldog
Here’s a game that doesn’t require any equipment and will surely get the adrenaline pumping! Head outside with your class and choose one student to be the “catcher”. The rest of the class will then need to line up along one side of the field and act as the “bulldogs.” When the catcher yells, “British bulldog” your learners can make strategic dashes from one side of the field to the other whilst trying to avoid being tagged by the catcher. If they’re caught they’ll join the catcher in the next round. Play will continue until there’s just one player left!
Learn More: YouTube
43. Hop the Creek
We love a good game that teaches perseverance! Using two jump ropes and a soft landing space like grass or a mat, build an imaginary river that your students will need to safely cross! After your whole class has had a chance to cross, widen the space between the ropes and go for another round. If your kids fall into the creek, they’re eliminated!
Learn More: YouTube
44. Musical Chairs
Your kiddos will have to stay alert in this fast-paced game of musical chairs. Line chairs up back to back to match the number of players you have and then take one away. Once you’re set up, play a song and prompt your students to walk around the chairs! When the music stops, get them to race to sit in one of the chairs; leaving one student chairless! That person is out, a chair is removed, and then the rounds will continue until there’s just one lucky kid left sitting.
Learn More: Gamesver
45. Mother May I
Here’s another lively recess game to try out! Have your students take turns being the “mother.” The rest of the class will line up along one side of the classroom or outdoor space. They’ll then take turns asking, “Mother, may I…” and filling in the blank with a strategic way to get across the room. For example, “Mother, may I take 5 skips?” The mother can approve their request or change it to something like, “No, but you can take 2 skips.” The first person to make it to the mother wins!
Learn More: Icebreaker Ideas
46. Leapfrog
This game will turn the playground into a lively pond scene! Leapfrog will require some physical stamina as your students will be asked to leap over a group of kids- one by one or even two by two! The frog will hop over their classmates, who should be kneeling with their forehead on the ground, by placing two hands on each of their backs and launching themselves into the air!
Learn More: YouTube
47. Chinese Jump Rope
This isn’t your regular rope-jumping activity; this game calls for a loop of string or an elastic band. Two of your kids will then stand facing one another and wrap the loop around their ankles. When your jump roper is ready, they’ll do some fun hopping moves including jumping on and off the string. Have them watch the attached video to learn some fancy footwork!
Learn More: YouTube
48. What Time is It, Mr. Wolf?
Here, we’ve included a suspenseful game for kids of all ages! Assign one of your kids to be “Mr. Wolf” and stand with their back turned to the rest of the class. The others will line up and yell out “What time is it Mr. Wolf?” Mr. Wolf will then turn toward their classmates when ready and respond with a time; in which moment the other pupils must freeze. When he turns back around, your kids will advance again- shouting the same question. Once they are within close range, they’ll be chased back to the starting line; whoever is caught will become the new Mr. Wolf!
Learn More: Kidspot
49. Steal the Beacon
Speed, strategy, and a tad bit of sneakiness is what this game’s all about! In two teams, each student will be assigned a number. You’ll call out one number and the person from each team with that number will compete by running to snatch the cone in the center and returning to their seat the fastest. The fastest player gets a point for their team and play continues until every person in your class has had a chance to move!
Learn More: Asphalt Green
50. Dodgeball
Your competitive students will love a friendly game of dodgeball! With your whistle ready- get two teams to line up on either side of the court and wait for the starter sound. They’ll then run toward a line of squishy balls in the center- grabbing what they can to throw at the opposing team. Anybody that’s hit below the shoulders will be out until one of their teammates catches a ball thrown in the air- releasing them back into play!
Learn More: How They Play
51. Cat and Mouse
Dive into this awesome game that centers around principles of teamwork, where the ‘“cat’” hunts for the “mice.” With your students joining hands, the cat must stay outside of the circle and try to reach for the mouse who is protected inside of the circle. If the mouse is caught, he or she will become the new cat and someone else will be chosen to be the mouse. Your class must work together to keep the cat at bay!
Learn More: Designs and Lines
52. Giant Tic Tac Toe
Tic tac toe becomes more physical when you create a life-sized version! Supply two players with two different colored bean bags or other similar objects to mark their X’s and O’s on the game board by tossing them in. The objective is to try to get 3 in a row before their opponent does!
Learn More: Learn Play Imagine
53. Statues
This stealthy game can be played in an open space with one person acting as the “curator.”With the curator’s back turned, the statues (classmates) must try to discreetly move toward the finish line. Every time the curator turns toward his or her classmates, your students must freeze in place. If a statue is caught moving- they must return back to the starting line! First one to cross the open space will be dubbed the lucky next curator!
Learn More: Kiddle
54. Blind Man’s Bluff
Here’s an enthralling twist on the game of tag- a game where the one who’s “it” must navigate the playground blindfolded. This game begins with one player spinning around the person who’s blindfolded in the center. Once they’re a little dizzy, they’ll then have to reach out their arms and search for their classmates. When played in a safe environment- it can sharpen the senses, enhance spatial awareness, and foster trust among your children.
Learn More: Empowered Parents
55. Hot Potato
Gather your kids in a circle and turn on some music! Then, instruct them to pass around a soft object with speed. Whatever they do, they can’t be caught holding it when the music stops! Hot potato is just the game if you’re keen on teaching quick reflexes and the importance of staying alert.
Learn More: Playtivities
56. Parachute
You’ll need to find a large parachute to play this recess game. Your little ones will collaborate to wave the parachute up and down; tossing colorful balls in the center into the air. If you’re looking for other parachute games to incorporate, click the link and read about activities like turtle, merry-go-round, and the mushroom!
Learn More: S&S Blog
57. Human Knot
Your kids will be all smiles as they hold hands and twist and tangle their arms together. Then, they’ll be challenged to untangle the complex human puzzle that they’ve created, without releasing their grip! Remind them that clear communication is key in this game!
Learn More: Icebreaker Ideas
58. Sack Race
Bound towards the finish line with both feet in a sack! A blend of hilarity and challenge, your kids can prep for this game by lining up at a starting point and stepping into a potato sack with both feet. When you say go, they’ll joyfully hop to see who can finish first. As they tumble and fall, encourage them to get up and keep on hopping!
Learn More: Party Games 4 Kids
