Fun Jump Rope Rhymes

Here is a sample of the fun jump rope rhymes we have listed on the Fun Games Kids Play website.   See all the rhymes on the  Jump Rope Rhymes page.

We are always looking for more fun jump rope rhymes to add to the website.  What were your favorite rhymes as a child?

Not last night but the night before
Forty-four robbers came knocking at my door!

Call for the doctor, call for the nurse,
And call for the lady with the alligator purse!

In came the doctor, in came the nurse,   (variation:  add jumpers for the doctor, nurse and lady)
And in came the lady with the alligator purse.

Out went the doctor, out went the nurse,  (variation:  added jumpers exit )
And out went the lady with the alligator purse!

Spanish dancer, turn around,            (jumper turns around )
Spanish dancer, touch the ground.     (jumper touches the ground)

Spanish dancer, do a high kick,             (jumper does a high kick)
Spanish dancer, get out of town quick!
  (jumper exits and the next jumper begins )

 

 

All in together, birds of a feather:  (children jump in when their birth month is called )
Jan.u.ary, Feb.ru.ary, March, Ap.ril, May, June, Ju.ly … 

Use these fun jump rope rhymes on the playground, at recess, with neighbors or as a fun birthday party idea or party theme.

 

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is a classic kids game and lots of fun to play.  The more kids (and adults) the better!  To cool kids off this summer replace the flag with a stash of water balloons they have to capture (one color for each team).   If there are lots of kids try three or more teams for a crazy fast paced game. 

The Capture the Flag directions and set-up are from the Fun Games Kids Play website.  You’ll find almost 100 fun outdoor games, jump rope rhymes and ways to choose who’s “it”. 

You’ll Need:
2 Flags – make your own from bandanas or old cloth and sticks. 

First:
Seperate children into 2 teams.

Each team determines their “territory” and boudaries – usually one team will take the front yard and the other the backyard.  Each team decides where their jail and flage will be located.  the flag must be visible – it can not be hidden or moved.   There is a safety zone around the flag – a 10 to 15 foot circle.  The flags team may not enter this circle unless the other team enters first.  

How to Play
Send part of the team to “enemy territory” to capture the other teams flag.  The team members left behind guard their falg.  If you are caught (tagged) by the opposite team you have to go to their jail.  The only way out of jail is to be tagged again by one of your teammates.  (Only one person in the jail can be set free at a time.)  After capturing the flag the team member must make it back to his territory – without being caught – to win.  If someone has the flag and is tagged – the person goes to jail and  the flag is returned to it’s team’s original location.  

Capture the other teams flag and return it to your home base to win. 

For more options like the jail break and jail chain – see our website. 

Summer Fun with Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is a great summer toy for kids of all ages.  Sidewalk chalk can bring out children’s creativity through drawing, and it can also be used in many fun outside games for kids.

Hopscotch
This game is fun and easy to learn for children of all ages.  Use the sidewalk chalk to draw the hopscotch board and also to use as markers if stones can’t be found.  Click here for a refresher course on hopscotch rules.

Box Out
Simple concept for younger children … but also challenges older kids with strategy.  Draw a very large square  and then divide the square into a grid – 10 spaces wide x 10 spaces deep.   The squares should be at least 8″ squares (big enough for kids to stand in them).   Each player chooses a corner and taking turns they move from one square to the next.  When it is their turn they must choose a square that connects to the square they are standing in then move to that square.  They then cross out the square they came from and no one can step in that square again for the whole game.  The winner is the one who can move last after all the players are “stuck”.   We play over and over on the same grid by placing an “x” for one game on the used squares and an “o” or other sign the next game.

Human Game Board
This game lets the kids be the playing pieces that are moved around the board.  Draw a giant size oval game board on the driveway.  (Or if you’re really talented you can draw a “figure 8”.)  Divide the game board into seperate sections large enough for kids to stand in.  Randomly write in funny things to do in most of the squares.  Some examples are:  Move back 2 spaces, Go ahead 1 space, Cluck like a chicken until your next turn, Do a ballet dance, Sing “Happy Birthday”, Change places with a player of your choice, … and any other funny or clever things you can have the kids do.

For dice we decorate large square empty cardboard boxes to look like dice.  The kids rolls the large dice and then move themselves around the board.

See more fun outdoor games for kids on our website.

And check out this great collection of over 30 sidewalk chalk games and activities for kids of all ages!   These are also a great activity for a birthday party for kids.

What are your favorite outdoor games using sidewalk chalk?