Kids love picnics! Fresh air, good food, friends and fun…what’s not to love?! But while you’re thinking of what picnic supplies to bring along for your outing, why not stop and think of one that won’t take up an ounce of room in your overflowing picnic basket and which your kids will really appreciate? One way to guarantee a good time at your next picnic is to play some good old fashioned picnic games. Not only are organized games fun, they promote exercise, bring people together and best of all, they can be FREE!
Game Idea #1
TAG
Ok, I know what you are thinking,….TAG?? You were probably hoping for something a bit more exciting. Well hold on one second! Did you know that the game of tag comes in MANY variations!? You might just be surprised to learn that there are many ways to play this old fashioned favorite!
Standard Tag - This simple yet classic outdoor game is a favorite among children of all ages. Boundless energy is all that is required to play! One player is chosen to be “it” (the chaser) and proceeds to chase the other participants, who try, at all cost, to avoid being tagged. If tagged, that person then becomes “it” and the game continues. If you wish, you can play elimination tag. If the person who is “it” tags you…you are out. The last person standing, wins.
Freeze Tag - When I was a child, freeze tag was one of my favorites! In this version, a player who has been tagged must freeze and NOT move! They must stay frozen until another player sneaks up and…well, defrosts them (sets them free!). The person who is “it” must freeze all of the players in order to win. This can be extremely challenging considering he must guard “frozen” players so that they cannot be defrosted while at the same time, continue tagging free ones.
Tree Tag - This is a great version of tag to play at a picnic….after all, there probably won’t be a shortage of trees! Tree tag is fun, yet simple. Played just like regular tag the only difference being a player is safe and cannot be tagged out if he or she is touching a tree! This is a great variation for us old folks to play considering that it allows “resting time!” A player that is touching a tree may only remain “safe” for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds they must return to the playing field so that the person who is “it” has a chance to tag them.
Flashlight Tag - Another favorite among children and obviously, must be played during twilight hours or at night. This variation of tag requires a flashlight (just as the name suggests!). Instead of tagging another player, the person who is “it” catches the others by shining a flashlight beam on them. Players are out of the game once captured and “it” continues until all players have been caught. The last player caught then becomes “it.”
Chain Tag - If you have a large group of children at your picnic you may want to consider playing chain tag. This game is simple, fun and is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. To begin the game, one player is designated “it” and begins to chase the other participants. If tagged, that player must then join hands with “it” and the two joined players continue the chase together. Each player that is tagged hooks on and becomes another link in the chain. Before you know it, hilarity ensues as the human chain clumsily runs around chasing free players. The last person to be tagged and to join the chain is declared the winner.
TV Tag - This version of tag has been around for as long as I can remember. Tv tag is great fun, however, it requires fast feet and quick thinking! One person is declared “it” and begins to chase the other players. In order to avoid being tagged out, a player must squat down and shout out the name of a television show before being tagged. The declared show must be known by the majority of the players in order to count. If a player calls out a legitimate show he then has five seconds of “safe time” in which he can run away from “it.” If a player is unable to name a show, he is then tagged out of the game. No show can be shouted twice.
Though the game of tag has been around forever it is definitely a favorite among children and a great way to add fun, excitement and yes, a form of exercise to your picnic! It’s one of those convenient picnic supplies you don’t even have to pack. Check back often as we plan to add many more picnic game ideas in the future. Until then, here’s to a fun, game-filled picnic!
Tags: game, picnic, picnic basket, picnic game, picnic games, picnic supplies, picnics
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