Since there are a million versions of tag we decided to just list the varieties here. These work great as energizers.
Canoe Hot Potato: As the name implies, this activity takes place in canoes. It's a great way to practice canoe strokes. Minimum of 4 boats to make this activity really fun. One canoe has a sponge and is "it." In order to tag they need to throw the sponge into another boat. If they miss they have to retrieve the sponge and try again. Make sure to set good boundaries for this activity so that people aren't paddling too far away.
Clothespin Tag: Need 1 or 2 pins/person. Good for small spaces. Everyone starts with same # of pins. Object is to have no pins. Everyone tries to pin theirs on others' clothes without them knowing, while trying not to get pinned. Never-ending. Set time cap.
Dead Ant Tag: If tagged lay on back with arms and legs up. 4 rescuers must simultaneously hold all limbs to free you.
Dizzy Tag: When tagged, "it" must do three 360s before chasing others. Add mayhem with 2 "its."
Elbow Tag: All but 2 people, "It" and runner, link elbows with partner (if odd # in group use it & 2 runners). When paired "it" may not tag you. Lone runner can link elbows with any pair to become safe, but the momentary trio must become a pair, so the other end of trio unlinks and flees.
Everybody's It Tag: No props. Everybody's it. When tagged, crouch. Simul-tags mean both players are down. Ends in 60 sec.
Flip me the Bird! Tag: Need several rubber chickens. Runners are safe from "it" only when holding rubber chickens. Use fewer chickens than runners. If "it" is on your heels, yell "flip me the bird!" to ask for guardian chicken. No hoarding. Change name for younger groups.
Freeze Tag: No props. If tagged stand with legs apart. Others crawling between legs to free you.
Hospital Tag: No props. Everybody's it. 3 tags needed to be out. When tagged, keep one hand on the part of your body that was tagged. Once tagged twice you have no free hands and may only tag other no-hands by tapping gently on toes. Nix that if Teva type shoes are worn. Doctor rule?
Predator/Prey Tag: No props. All but 2, "it" & "Prey" form straight line shoulder shoulder, alternately facing front/back. Prey may run around line, or tap anyone in line on the back, taking their place in the line while tapped person becomes prey. "It" likewise may tap others' backs and they continue. Back-tappers say "it" or "prey" to clarify role. Later, try not naming role for extra challenge.
Rat Tail: Need segments of rope for every participant. Tuck one end of rope into belt loop or pants. NO tying in. Require certain amount of tail to hang out. Every person for themselves. Try to get rat tale off of everyone. Last person standing wins.
Sword Tag: Need 1 sword/foam noodle. "it" has foam sword, used to tag below head. Once tag is made, drop sword for new "it." Try multiple "its" if you have more swords.
Wizards/Giants/Elves (or RPS tag): Split participants into two groups. Each group goes to their home base to decide which creature they will be as a team. Once it's decided the two groups meet in the middle (about 20 feet from their base is good). On the count of three they act out their creature. Wizards beat Giants, Giants beat Elves, Elves beat Wizard. The team that is beaten runs back to their base, the other team tries to tag people from that tag. Anyone tagged joins the winning team from that round. Game continues until one team has no more people. If both groups do same creature you can have family reunion (where both groups hug), or have them do another creature.
Have a favorite version we forgot to list? Email outdoor.ed@gcsu.edu
