Kick the Bucket

Looking for a great game to play with young children and teens? Why not try Kick the Bucket? It's an active, running game that requires a bit of strategy and some stealth moves on the part of all players.

What you will need:
- a large space with a few decent hiding places (think playground or lightly wooded area)
- designated "out of bounds" lines (mark with pylons or create invisible lines)
- a fairly large group of players (10 minimum)
- a bucket (or other kickable object that will make a loud noise when kicked)

How to play:
- designate a "jail" area for players who are caught once the game begins
- set up an empty bucket face down near the jail
- designate one player (preferably a volunteer) to be "It"
- that player counts to 30 with their eyes closed, near the jail, while all other players run and hide within the designated play space
- once "It" has counted to 30, they should indicate that they are ready to begin finding
- "It" may then begin to walk or run around the play space looking for hiders
- if "It" sees a player, they may call out, "I see Suzie," or, "I see you wearing the purple shirt and red shorts"
- once the player has been spotted visually and called out, they must make their way to the jail
- players who have been caught may only be released from jail if another "free" player manages to sneak up and kick the bucket without being seen by "It"
- the game is over once "It" has successfully found all players or if they feel they do not want to be "It" anymore

This is a great game to promote physical activity, but also requires players to think strategically both when they are "It" and when they are hiding.