Our back-to-school blog series continues with a collection of recess games that are quick to teach and guaranteed to keep students engaged!
The first few weeks of school are full of energy. After a long summer, students are excited and eager to play and connect with classmates after time away from school. Recess gives them a chance to channel that energy while also building friendships and a sense of community through play.
As students adjust to new routines and spaces, it helps to have a few tried-and-true games in your back pocket that work anywhere, from big open fields to small blacktops.
Here are five fun games you can introduce right away. Each is simple to teach, works for a variety of group sizes, and gets kids moving together in minutes.
1. Switch
Set up four cones (or corners) with one in the middle. Five players start the game—one in the center and one at each corner. The player in the middle calls out “Switch!” and everyone must quickly move to a new corner. Players can’t stay where they are, and no one can move to the center. If two players arrive at the same spot, they settle it with a quick round of rock-paper-scissors, with the winner claiming the corner. After each round, a new player from the line steps into the middle and calls the next “Switch!”
Tip: Mix it up by changing the shape of the playing area, adding more spots to run to, or swapping cones for colorful hula hoops. For a fun twist, have the center player call out a color, and everyone must avoid running to that color while still finding a new spot.
2. Rock Paper Scissors Relay
This game combines the classic rock-paper-scissors with the excitement of a relay race. Players line up in two teams, then race down a pathway to meet an opponent from the other team. They play a quick round of rock-paper-scissors, and the winner keeps running while the other player goes to the back of their team’s line. The race continues until one team reaches the end zone
Tip: Try adding obstacles to the pathway or varying the length or shape of the path students travel to meet each other!
How to Play Rock Paper Scissors Relay
3. Castle Ball
Split the group into two teams and give each side a hula hoop (or a few, depending on group size) to build their “castle.” Teams use soft foam balls to try to knock down the other team’s castle while protecting their own. Players can’t cross the center line, and if two people hit the same spot at once, quick teamwork and passing can help outsmart the defense. When a castle is knocked down, it’s worth one point and must be rebuilt quickly—no attacking while it’s being rebuilt! Play continues until all castles are knocked down, then reset for the next round.
Tip: Add variety by giving teams multiple castles to defend, running several small games at once, or tossing in extra balls to keep the action moving.
4. Three Lines Soccer
Set up three lines of players behind cones on each side of the field. The first three players from each side step in to form teams. A quick round of Rock-Paper-Scissors decides which team kicks off, and then it’s game on. The first team to score wins the round. The winning team stays on the field while the next three players from the other side rotate in. If no goal is scored within a couple of minutes, the waiting players count down from ten to wrap up the round.
Tip: Add variety by requiring each teammate to touch the ball before scoring, or by using a single goal where defenders must make a pass before they can shoot.
How to Play Three Lines Soccer
5. Red Light, Green Light
Line everyone up at a starting line, facing the leader. When the leader calls “Green Light,” players move toward the finish line. When “Red Light” is called, everyone must freeze immediately. Anyone caught moving goes back to the start. The game ends when everyone makes it across (or most of the group does), and then a new round begins.
Tip: Add variety with new “lights” like hopping on purple, tiptoeing on yellow, or skipping on blue. For indoor play, swap running for walking or slow-motion moves. You can even let students take turns being the leader to keep things fresh and fun.
How to Play Red Light, Green Light
