There are several entertaining games that can be played in circle formation out of doors. Outdoor circle games are popular among elementary school kids, and are often a great way to encourage exercise and activity. The following is a look at a few simple outdoor circle games.
Lock Arm Tag
To play this game you will need an even number of people. Everyone must get a partner, and link arms with them. Then have everyone form a circle. Now, one of the partnerships must break apart, with one member being the runner, and one member being the chaser. Start the game, and have the chaser try to catch the runner. The runner must try to avoid the chaser. The runner can tap out at any time by connecting to the arm of one of the other partnerships in the circle, and the person in that partnership whose arm is not locked with the runner becomes the new chaser, and the old chaser becomes the new runner. If the runner gets caught, they become the chaser, and the game continues.
Bronco Tag
For this game you need even numbers. Have everyone find a partner, and one partnership will become the “it” and the “runner.” Have the partners connect with each other by having one stand behind the other with their hands on their shoulders or waist. Form a circle, and have the “It” chase the runner. To avoid the “It” the runner must successful attach to one of the partnerships. The partnerships are going to squirm, wiggle, twist and turn to avoid being linked to, while remaining in circle formation. The runner will attempt to catch on to rear man, making front man of the two the runner. If the runner gets tagged, they become “It” and the previous “It” becomes the new runner.
Basketball Tag
Form a circle, and have one person be in the center of the circle. Now pass the basketball around the circle in any order, attempting to keep it away from the person in the center. If the center person tags the ball, the last person to touch the ball becomes the center person.
Crab soccer
Have everyone get in a circle, and have two to four players (more if playing with a large group) in the middle, then drop a soccer ball or large gym ball in, and have them attempt to score by hitting it out of the circle. The players, in and forming the circle are all in “crab” position, meaning they are walking on their hands and feet with their stomach toward the sky. The people on the outside of the circle are attempting to keep the ball in the circle, while the two in are attempting to kick it out.
Basket Ball Croquet
Have everyone stand in a circle with their legs spread apart. Put on person in the center of the circle, and supply them with a ball. The object of the game is to get the ball through the legs of the circle, with as few kicks as possible.