Children enjoying playing, especially with popular and traditional games that have been played for generations and in different parts of the world. In some cases, these are games that were already played in ancient Greece or Egypt, and that has lasted to this day. Popular games such as hide-and-seek, rope skipping, blind man’s buff, or kerchief are among those known around the world. While it is true that, depending on the area, the name of the game changes or may even have different nuances in its development, in essence, it is the same game everywhere. They are games for children of 2 years onwards, although the game can be adapted to the physical and cognitive capacities of children depending on their age, and they are, obviously, more moved than origami.

But, beyond tradition, surely children will have a great time since these are games that children have always loved. Perhaps this is the case because they are classic, simple games that do not require many things. Without a doubt, popular games will stimulate children’s physical and intellectual development and the ability to make friends. Take note of the 10 most popular traditional games for children!

The 10 most traditional popular games

1.Hideout

hide and seek game

It is a group game in which a child has to count with their eyes closed until the number that is agreed between all and, at the end of the count, they must call out to the others.

Then, he must go out to find the other children, who will have been hiding while the little one had his eyes closed. When the child finds someone, he must touch him to eliminate him and keep looking. To save themselves, the children who are hiding have to run to the place where he was counting and touch him before he catches them.

2.Hopscotch

hopscotch game

With chalk, a diagram consisting of 10 squares is drawn and a number from 1 to 10 is written in each square. The child must stand behind the first square and throw a stone on top of the diagram. The square the stone lands on cannot be stepped on. The little one will start the circuit with a jump to the limp (if there is a square) or to two feet (if the square is double). The objective is to pass the stone from square to square to number 10 and back. If the child falls or the stone goes out of frame, he must surrender.

3.Jump rope

game-rope

It is a very beneficial game for children since it allows them to perform a very complete physical exercise while having fun. It is about the child jumping rope accompanied by a song. Without realizing it, the child jumps and jumps without stopping, doing excellent physical exercise for her body. It is a perfect activity to share with friends outdoors.

4.The sack race

game-race-sacks

This group game must be played on an unobstructed surface, as falls are inevitable. The children must stand in a straight line and put their feet inside a bag and when someone gives the order to start, they all run off, holding onto the bag. During the entire race, the feet must be inside the bag. The winner is the one who reaches the finish line first.

5.The blind chicken

blind-hen-game

The minimum number of players is four people and a handkerchief is needed to cover the eyes of the person playing the chicken. To decide who begins to be the chicken, you can make a draw. Once they have been blindfolded, the child will have to turn around singing the following song: “Blind chicken, you have lost a needle and a thimble, turn around and you will find it. “Once the song is finished, the “chicken” must find the other children.

6.The handkerchief

game-scarf

This game faces two teams made up of the same number of people. Each member of the team is assigned a number that will be paired with the opponent who has the same number. One person is the judge and must call out the number. The two participants, each from a team, who have this number must run to get the handkerchief and take it to their base. If the one who picks up the handkerchief is caught before reaching their base, they will lose the point.

7.The game of chairs

game-chairs

To play, there must be as many chairs as there are participants in the game, and one chair will be removed before starting. You will also need a music player. The chairs are placed in a circle with the backs facing inwards. The children stand around the chairs, one behind the other. The person controlling the music makes it play. While it sounds, the children should turn around the chairs. As the music stops, each player must sit in a chair.  Whoever is left without a chair will be eliminated.

8.The mouse and the cat

game-cat-mouse

This game consists of making a circle among the children holding hands. Two of them are chosen at random: one will act like a cat and the other as a mouse. The rest of the children will sing the song: “Mouse that catches you, a mouse that will catch you if he does not catch you tonight, tomorrow he will catch you. “ While the song is playing, the mouse will run through the gaps formed between the children’s arms. The cat will chase you, but the children will lower their arms to prevent you from passing. When the cat touches the mouse, the mouse becomes the cat.

9.Games with the palms of the hands

clapping game

Games with the palms of the hands are very popular and can be played anywhere. It is about bringing the palms of the hands together while singing a song. Two or more children can play and they have to clap their hands in different ways: one up and one down, in the middle, sideways, etc. The game of clapping helps to enhance the memory and coordination of the little ones.

10.Ball games

game-ball

A classic in children’s games. The ball is used to play a large number of games, from crawling until the baby is older and can begin to develop balance, motor coordination, and strength through these types of games. There are many games, most of them as a team: soccer, basketball, passing the ball, etc.