You’ll need
Setting up
Agree together on the playing area and which spots count as “off the ground”: benches, low walls, logs, steps. Leave out anything too high or wobbly.
The story of the game
Off-ground tag turns the park into a balance course. On the run, children climb onto a log, a low wall or a step, and have to keep their balance up there. Climbing up, getting down and standing on a narrow surface give the feet a different job each time.
How to play
- One player is chosen as the chaser, and everyone else scatters.
- If the chaser touches someone, that player becomes the chaser.
- A player standing on a surface off the ground can’t be touched.
- You can stay on the same raised spot for 5 seconds at most (or until the chaser counts to 5); then you have to get down.
Variations (2)
- For little ones, use circles drawn on the ground or floor mats instead of raised spots.
- Reverse rule: anyone low down (crouching) can’t be caught.
For parents
Choose the raised spots together with your child; this is how they learn to judge their own limits. Show them how to bend their knees when they jump down.
What to wear on their feet
A non-slip, flexible shoe with a protected toe.
Safety
Leave out any surface higher than knee height. Don’t play on wet benches or logs. Always play these games with an adult watching, in a way that suits your child’s age and the surface underfoot. Keep games with small pieces (marbles, five stones, mangala) away from children under 3.
