Perfect for everyone from families to thrill seekers to corporate groups, our intensely energetic games and enthusiastic customer service will turn your hour of gameplay into a lifelong memory. Free parking is located in The Island's parking lot. (131 Island Drive, Suite 9139 Pigeon.
There are plenty of single-player games available online you can pass the time with, but it can get tricky when you want to play something with a group. It's easy to gather everyone for a game night in person, but it gets a little tougher when you can't get together IRL. If you're looking for a way to make it work, here are eight online games you can play with friends for a virtual hangout.
The best place to start is figuring out what type of game you'd like to play. Multiplayer games can span from strategy games to puzzle games or games that are more about making each other laugh. You won't find a shortage of online options in any category, so get ready to plan an online game night with your friends.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Elite Daily's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
1. Cards Against Humanity
While there are dupe versions of Cards Against Humanity, finding the one that works for you and your BFFs is key. If you're looking to play online with an app, you can get the Evil Apples vs. Humanity app for iOS or Android. It's free to download and play, and works with multiple players through SMS, Twitter, or Facebook sharing.
Another option is to use the version on Playingcards.io online with your computers. The game is calledRemote Insensitivity. To play, go to the website and scroll down to the title, then you'll get a link to the game room to send to your friends. Invite up to five friends, hit 'Enter the Game,' and once everyone is logged on, each player will need to draw 10 of the white 'answer cards' to get the game started. Then, it's played like the regular game, and you'll manually move the cards to the answer and discard piles.
2. Chips and Guac on Houseparty
The Houseparty app makes it easy to have a virtual hangout and play games while you're at it. Chips and Guac is similar to the games Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity. You need to match a card to an adjective and the results can be hilarious. You need at least three players to start a game on Houseparty. Make sure everyone downloads the app via Google Play or the App Store, add each other as friends, and get ready to play.
3. Texas Hold 'em
Tabletopia gives you access to several online board games that you can play with your friends. You can play Texas Hold 'em online with friends for a game of up to eight players via Tabletopia's website. You and your friends will need to create a free account by selecting the bronze membership. Next, click 'play online.' From there, you can click to invite your friends to open seats and begin the game.
4. Race each other in Mario Kart Tour
Mario Kart Tour is available for free on the App Store and Google Play. While there are options to make in-app purchases, it's completely free to play the standard version. To get started, download the app and create a Nintendo account. Next, make sure your friends are registered on your friends list and challenge them to a game. The app version isn't the same as it is on a console, but it's a fun way to race against up to seven of your friends at a time.
5. UNO! online
Fans of the classic card game can get UNO! on their phone with Google Play or the App Store for free. You can play with a friend using teamwork in 2v2 mode or play with several of your friends in the app's Fun Room.
6. Scattergories
Hasbro's fun category-based question game is available online as a free app, where you can play against your friends. Invite your friends to head-to-head challenges or start your own room where you can play with multiple friends as a group. Download the app free from the App Store or Google Play.
7. Jackbox Games' Fibbage XL
Using Jackbox Games' stand alone party game, Fibbage XL, you can challenge up to seven other friends at a time, for a total of eight players. It's a classic bluffing-style game, sort of like Balderdash, and it will keep you laughing the entire time, as you try to sift through all of the lies. You can play this one remotely via Zoom, by sharing your computer screen as one person streams the game.
While Jackbox is hosting a sale, it's half-off of the usual price through April 11, 2020.
8. Shared puzzles
Puzzles don't have to be a solo activity. This library of online communal puzzles lets users sign up, select a puzzle, and invite other friends to join your game to complete it together. You can also choose to compete against each other to see who can finish a puzzle quicker. For the best experience, chat over Zoom while you're playing.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.Playground Games List
Let’s talk playground games! These game ideas include classic playground games like Capture the Flag, Hopscotch, variations of Tag as well as some fresh new games.
Finding ways to keep the kids busy on the playground isn’t always easy, especially when you have mixed ages with different interests. Some kids would rather play ball games while others enjoy a more subtle challenge.
With enough different games on hand, you can create stations on the playground just as you would in the classroom. The following playground games list doesn’t just include games of today, but you will also find some of the best playground games from the past. With all these choices you will no longer have those who feel left out lingering on the other side of the playground.
20 Fun Games to Play on the Playground
1. Capture the Flag
Materials Needed:
- A flag for each team
- A base for each team
Number of Players
A large group split up into two teams
Object:
Each team tries to capture the flag of the opposite team and get it back to their home base safely without being tagged and put into “jail.”
How to Play:
Play begins with each team lining up at their home base. When play begins, the players run as fast as they can toward the flag at the other end without getting captured by the opposing team.
If they get tagged by a member of the opposing team they will then be put into a “jail” located on that teams’ side until a member of their own team makes it to them safely, grabbing them and getting them back to their own side once again.
The first team to capture the flag and get it back to their side safely wins the game. The players should create a strategy that will keep them from getting tagged by running around or hiding behind obstacles. This game will not only allow the kids to exercise, but they can practice strategic thinking and team building.
2. Four Square
Materials Needed
- A court made up of four squares (You can draw one using sidewalk chalk if one isn’t available)
- A handball
Number of Players
Four
Object
To bounce the ball and catch it in the other’s square
How to Play
Each player stands in a square that is numbered from one to four, with one being the highest and four being the lowest. Each player must serve the ball to the opposite square and the ball must bounce once before the player can catch it.
The person who stands in square one gets to make up additional rules and anyone who violates the rules must be eliminated from the game. This is another game to practice strategic thinking along with following instructions and eye-hand coordination.
3. Shadow Tag
Materials Needed
- None
Number of Players
Small groups of three or more
Object
To tag the other player’s shadow
Game Pigeon Games For Groups Kids
How to Play
This game will only work when played on a sunny day. Just like in tag, one person is appointed to be “it” while the other players try to get away before their shadow is tagged. Once the player’s shadow is caught, that player then takes over the role of “it”.
The game continues until each player has been “it” at least once or until the time allowed has expired. This is the perfect game for exercise.
4. TV Tag
Materials Needed
- None
Number of Players
Small groups of three or more
Object
To try and tag the other players
How to Play
Just like playing freeze tag, the player who is “it” must tag the other players causing them to freeze in a still position until another player calls out a tv show and tags a frozen player at the same time.
The frozen player will then be allowed back into the game and the game will continue until everyone has had a turn or there are no more tv shows left to name. Each tv show can only be used once per game. This is a great game to assure plenty of exercise and following directions.
5. Hand-Clap Games
Materials Needed
- None
Number of Players
Two
Object
To keep a rhythm while clapping to the words
How to Play
Hand-clap games are ones you learn to do with rhyme early on in life. Ones like Pat-a-Cake, Miss Mary Mack, and Miss Susie are just a few of the many common games kids in every age group like to play. They’re easy to do indoors or out and you will often find groups of two on the playground chanting similar tunes.
By clapping their hands together and then slapping them on their legs they will keep their rhythm going, but when one person messes up, another will cut right in. This is a good way for them to develop hand-eye coordination, sharpen their memory skills, and learn to develop their love of music and rhyme.
6. Treasure Hunt
Materials Needed
- Several age-appropriate items to hide
- Strips of paper with clues or items listed on them
- Brown bags to hold the treasures
Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To be the first to find all the hidden treasures
How to Play
This game is played much like a scavenger hunt and can be structured to any age group. One person will hide all the items ahead of time for the other players to find. You can write clues on strips of paper for older kids or write down each item that has been hidden for the younger kids to find.
When you are playing with children of various ages, consider pairing up the players so the older kids can help the younger kids when you are using clues. When the kids have found all their items, they should go back to a “home” place to count them. The player or players who find the most items or finds them all first wins the game. This is a great game to exercise critical thinking.
7. Doggy, Doggy, Where’s Your Bone?
Materials Needed
- A toy dog bone
Number of Players
Large or small groups of at least three people
Object
To guess who stole the bone
How to Play
This is a simple game for children of all ages and can be played indoors or out. One player is chosen to be the “doggy.” The doggy must turn and hide their eyes while another player steals the bone. After the bone is stolen and hidden out of sight, the doggy must then turn around and guess who stole the bone.
Younger children will enjoy guessing until they guess the right person, but older children should have a limit to their number of guesses. When the “doggy” guesses who took the bone, the two players will switch places and the game will begin again. The game should continue until each person had a chance to be the doggy or until the allowed time is up.
This is another game that is perfect for critical thinking.
8. Octopus
Materials Needed
- A start and finish line
Number of Players
Larger groups work best with this game
Object
To tag the “fish” before they get to the other side of the field
How to Play
In this variation of tag, one person is appointed to be the “octopus” and the other players will be the “fish”. All the “fish” should line up at the starting line and when the game begins they should run to the finish line.
The problem is that while they are trying to get to the other end, the “octopus” can tag them. When the “fish” get tagged they must then stand in the place they were tagged and try to tag the other “fish” as they run by. Once the “fish” get to the finish line without getting tagged they are safe.
The game ends when all the “fish” are safe or have been tagged. This is a great game for exercise and can be played by kids of all age groups.
9. Mother/ Father Says
Materials Needed
- None
Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To be the first to get to the “mother” or “father”
How to Play
Much like Mother May I but with a twist. In this game, one person will be appointed as the mother or father. The game begins with the mother or father’s back toward the group.
“Mother” or “Father” will then say something like, take two steps forward if you have long hair or take two steps back if you have shoes with ties. This variation of the game makes it a little fairer in that the kids won’t be playing favorites. If you want it to be even fairer, you can prepare a list of questions ahead of time and the mother or father can draw them from a hat.
This game will help with attention skills, especially in smaller children.
10. Horse
Materials Needed
- A playground ball
- A basketball hoop
Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To make the most shots and get the least amount of letters
How to Play
Basketball is fun, but why not put a fun twist on the game? Each player will take turns making a shot in the basket. When a shot is made the next person must make the same shot from the same spot as the previous player. When a shot is missed, the player gets a letter.
The game continues until the first person gets all the letters to spell H-O-R-S-E. For a shorter version of the game, you could use a three- or four-letter word instead. This game will not only give the kids plenty of exercise, but they can practice their spelling words and how to follow directions.
We have more basketball shooting games too!
Playground Games from the Past
11. Hopscotch
Materials Needed
- Sidewalk chalk to draw the hopscotch squares
- A marker (stone, coin or any small flat object)
Number of Players
One or more
Object
To go all the way through to number ten and back without losing a turn
How to Play
A classic game of hopscotch can be played and even loved by children of all ages. Each player will take a turn by first tossing the marker onto the number one square. The player must then start out with one foot skipping over the number one and hopping all the way through to the number ten.
When the player gets to the number ten, they must then pivot their foot and hop all the way back down to the number two square and then while balancing on one foot, they must bend over, pick up the marker from the one square, and then hop onto number one and to the end. The player must get the marker inside the square without it touching the sides, if the marker does not land inside the square then the player must forfeit their turn and hand the marker over to the next player.
The player must also forfeit a turn when they lose their balance and other parts of their body touch the ground. If they successfully make it all the way to the top and back, the player will then proceed to toss the marker to the number two square and so on until they lose their balance or the marker lands outside of the square.
When a player is out, they will continue on their next turn with the number they left off with on their previous turn. This is a great game to test their balance skills and to exercise their arms and legs.
Game Pigeon For Computer
12. Marbles
Materials Needed
- Sidewalk chalk
- Marbles, large and small
Number of Players
Two or more
Object
To be the player with the most marbles at the end of the game
How to Play
Marbles are one of the most popular playground games from the past and should be taught to more children today, so the tradition will continue. You will first need to draw a circle three-feet wide onto the pavement.
Next, you will want to place five to ten smaller marbles in the center of the circle. Using the larger marbles as shooters, each player should take a turn kneeling and shooting as many of the smaller marbles as they can to the outside of the circle. When the shot is over, the player should keep all the marbles from the outside of the circle and then take another shot.
When the player can no longer shoot marbles to the outside of the circle the turn is passed on to the next player. The game continues until there are no more marbles left inside the square and the person who collects the most marbles wins the game.
Back in the day of this popular game, kids would collect marbles with their allowance or they would simply gain more for their collection by keeping the ones they collected throughout the game. Sometimes, they would use their marbles for trading tools with other kids. This is a great game for hand-eye coordination.
13. Monkey in the Middle
Materials Needed
- A standard playground ball
Number of Players
Pigeon Games online, free
Three
Object
To keep the player in the middle from catching the ball
How to Play
This classic playground game from the past is also known as piggy in the middle and is simple enough for anyone to play. One person should be at the opposite end of the playing field as the other player with the third person in the middle of them both.
One person at either end should start by throwing the ball to the player at the other end keeping the ball high enough so the player in the middle doesn’t catch it. Be careful not to drop the ball because if you do it will become fair gain and the monkey in the middle will have a chance to grab it before you do.
Play should continue until the player in the middle catches the ball. When the player in the middle gets the ball, that player should trade places with the one who threw it. The game can be played freely or timed. This is a great game for exercise and team building.
14. Duck, Duck, Goose
Materials Needed
- None
Multiplayer Game Pigeon Games
Number of Players
Four or more
Object
The “goose” must tag the player who is “it” before “it” sits down.
How to Play
Before play begins all the kids should sit down in a circle facing each other. One player is chosen to be the first “it.” “It” must walk around the circle gently tapping each player on the head chanting “duck” with each tap. As the suspense builds up, “it” will finally choose and tap a player saying “goose” with the tap.
The “goose” will then chase “it” around the circle hoping to tag “it” before “it” reaches the “gooses” empty nest on the ground. If “it” safely sits down before getting tagged by the “goose” the “goose will then become “it” and the round will begin again.
If the goose tags “it” before reaching the nest, “goose” will be safe and can take a seat in its nest once again while the same “it” begins another round. Play continues until everyone has had a chance to be “it” or the time allotted runs out. This is a great playground game for exercise and practicing attention skills.
15. Red Light, Green Light
Materials Needed
- Rope, chalk, or cones to make a starting line and a finish line
Number of Players
Large or small groups
Object
To be the first to get to the finish line without getting sent back to start
How to Play
All players should begin by standing on the starting line. One person should be appointed as the traffic cop.
The traffic cop should stand near the finish line, with his/her back facing the remainder of the players. When the traffic cop says, “green light” the players should hurry toward the finish line, but when the traffic cop says, “red light,” everyone must freeze in place.
The traffic cop must then turn around and if a player gets caught moving after calling out “red light,” the traffic cop can send that player back to start. If nobody makes it to the finish line the traffic cop should turn around and repeat the play. If a player makes it to the finish line, that player should then trade places with the traffic cop and the play will start all over again.
This is an excellent game full of exercise, reflex building, and strengthening attention span.
16. Red Rover
Materials Needed
None
Number of Players
A minimum of six, but the more players the better
Object
To break through the opposite team’s chain
How to Play
Two people should be appointed as team captains. Each captain should take turns choosing members of their team. Once the teams are formed, each team should line up facing the opposite team.
Standing approximately six to ten yards away from the opposite team, each team player should hold hands to form on a chain. The team who is chosen to go first must decide which player from the other side they should call on. Chanting “Red Rover, Red Rover, let (Player Name) come over.” When the player’s name is called, he/she should run toward the team and try to break through the hands of two players.
If the runner breaks through, he/she gets to go back to their team’s side and choose a player from the opposite team to go with them. If they don’t break through the chain, he/she will be forced to join the opposite team. The first team to gain all the players wins the game. A good strategy would be to call the weaker players first who may not be able to break through the chain. When you’re the runner, choose the two players who may not be the strongest to breakthrough.
This game prompts a great way of exercising along with team building skills and strategic thinking.
17. Jump Rope
Materials Needed
One or two jump ropes
Number of Players
One or more
Object
To skip the rope without tripping or stepping on the rope
How to Play
There are many ways to jump rope and many games you can play. You can jump alone or with a friend, but no matter how you choose to jump, you will want to practice so that you don’t get tripped up and fall.
Games such as Double Dutch with two ropes can be just as much fun as playing Helicopter where one person will hold one end of the rope by the handle spinning it around like a helicopter for the other person to jump over without touching the rope.
Snake is a fun game that requires a person holding the rope at each end to wiggle it around on the ground like a snake while the other players take turns jumping over it without touching it. There are many rhymes and songs that can be sung while keeping the rhythm and jumping rope at the same time as well.
A good old-fashioned game of jump rope is a great form of exercise for people of all ages and can serve as a perfect and inexpensive cardio workout too!
18. Jacks
Materials Needed
A standard set of Jacks with a bouncing ball
Number of Players
Can be played alone but is best played one on one.
Object
To be the first person to make it through to all ten rounds
How to Play
The player who goes first should scatter the jacks onto the hard ground. Jacks must be scattered evenly; not too far apart, not too close together, and never touching.
Once the jacks are scattered, the first round begins. The player must bounce the ball high enough that he/she can pick up one jack before the ball bounces. The ball must bounce, but only once before it is picked up with the same hand as the jack. Once the play is complete, the player should move the caught jack to the opposite hand and continue the play again.
Play continues until the ball is missed, bounced more than once, or the improper number of jacks are collected. Once the player has made a mistake all the jacks should be scattered again, and play will continue with the next player. Once a player has made it all the way without a foul, he/she will begin the next round by collecting two jacks per ball bounce. Play continues all the way to the tenth round where the players will then compete to pick up ten jacks at the same time.
It’s important to keep track of the round you’re on because you must make it all the way through one round before moving onto the next round, therefore your opponent might already be collecting two jacks at a time while you are still on one at a time. To become a great player in this game you can practice playing alone so that you can be the winner against your friends.
This game is great for critical thinking and eye-hand coordination.
19. Simon Says
Materials Needed
None
Game Pigeon Download
Number of Players
A minimum of three
Object
To be the last person standing at the end of the game
How to Play
Simon Says is one of the oldest playground games from the past that can be played with a few players or an entire group. It’s great for kids of all ages and teaches smaller children a lesson in following directions.
One person is appointed the position of Simon and the others are simply the players. Simon must stand in front facing the players. It is the job of Simon to give commands and try to get the players out. Simon should give a command with “Simon Says” before the task. When a command is given in this form all the players must complete the task, but when Simon fails to say, “Simon Says” the players cannot move. If a player does the task when it isn’t given in the form of “Simon Says,” that player is out of the game.
The last person standing is the winner and trades places with Simon. This can be a great form of exercise when the commands call for it, and it’s an excellent way to practice following directions.
20. Hula Hoop
Materials Needed
At least one hula hoop
Number of Players
One or more
Game Pigeon Online
Object
To see who can keep the hoop spinning the longest
How to Play
There are many variations to hula hoop but the most traditional and challenging way to play is to have all the players take turns twisting the hula hoop on their waist for as long as they can. Someone should be designated to keep the time for each player and the one who keeps it going for the longest amount of time is the winner.
You can tweak these rules or use the hula hoops for different challenges within the group.
Now that you have this playground games list you should have no problem when it comes to keeping things moving outside of the classroom.