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Duck Duck Goose

Description

A circle chasing game where one player taps heads around the ring until they name a "goose," then races that player around the circle to the empty spot. A short-burst energy game for a group.

What to prep

  • group_of_players
  • space
Cost: FreeBest time: Anytime

Play guide

  1. 1Have everyone sit in a circle facing inward, close enough to reach.
  2. 2Choose one player to be "it," who walks around the outside gently tapping each head and saying "duck."
  3. 3At some point they tap a head and say "goose" instead, then run around the circle.
  4. 4The chosen goose jumps up and chases, trying to tag "it" before they reach the empty spot.
  5. 5If "it" sits in the spot first, the goose becomes the new "it"; if tagged, "it" goes again. Keep going for several rounds.

Success signals

Your child waits in the circle for their turn, runs when chosen, and takes turns being "it". They follow the tap-and-run pattern. They laugh and want another round

If it's tricky

A younger child taps "goose" on the first head every time: Remind them to walk most of the way round first. The same few children keep getting chosen: Add a rule that "it" must pick someone who has not had a turn yet. Running near seated players gets bumpy: Widen the circle and remind runners to stay on the outside of it