This is a collection of games for playing together and making memories with friends. The list was compiled with ages 5-16 in mind for groups of 6-20. Some games work with smaller or larger groups as well – have a look!
Capture the Flag
Players: 10–20 (split into 2 teams)
Equipment: 2 flags, cones or similar markers
How to Play
Divide the playing area into two territories.
Designate a jail area inside each territory.
Place a flag in each team's territory.
Players try to enter the opposing team's territory and steal their flag. If a player is tagged while in the opposing territory, they go to "jail."
Teammates can rescue jailed players by reaching them and tagging them.
The first team to bring the opposing flag back to its own side wins.
Why It's Great
Encourages strategy and teamwork.
Allows both younger and older players to contribute.
Roles for more and less agile players.
Feels like a satisfying main event.
Treasure Hunt Relay
Players: 10–15
Equipment: Small objects (balls, beanbags, or "treasures"), buckets or boxes
How to Play
Divide players into 2–3 teams.
Scatter treasures around the playing area.
Each team has a base with a container.
On "Go!", one player from each team runs out, retrieves one treasure, and returns to base.
The player tags the next teammate, who repeats the process.
After a set time (5–10 minutes), count the treasures.
Why It's Great
Simple to organize.
Includes running, quick decision-making, and cheering on.
Works well with mixed ages.
Sharks and Minnows
Players: 10–20
Equipment: None (cones optional for boundaries)
How to Play
Choose 1–3 players to be the "sharks."
Everyone else starts on one side of the field as "minnows."
When the sharks call "Swim!", minnows run to the opposite side.
Any minnow tagged becomes a shark for the next round.
Continue until only one minnow remains.
Why It's Great
Easy to learn in under a minute.
Fast-paced and energetic.
Creates lots of excitement and laughter.
Gets requests to go one more time.
Dragon's Tail
Players: 10–15 (split into 2-3 teams)
Equipment: A scarf, bandana, or ribbon for each team.
How to Play
Divide the children into 2–3 teams.
Each team forms a line, holding the shoulders or waist of the person in front.
The last player in each line tucks a scarf ("dragon's tail") into their waistband.
Teams try to grab the other dragons' tails while keeping their own tail safe.
Only the 'mouth' of a dragon can capture.
If you let go, your dragon breaks up and you're out.
When a tail is captured, that team earns a point.
Restart and play multiple rounds.
Why It's Great
Encourages teamwork and coordination.
Funny and energetic.
Suitable for a wide age range.
Human Knot Race
Players: 10–15 (split into 2-3 teams)
Equipment: None.
How to Play
Divide players into groups of 5–8.
Each group stands in a circle and reaches across to hold two different people's hands.
Each hand should hold one hand. No hands should be left over.
To keep it challenging, don't hold the hand of the person standing next to you.
Without letting go, the group must untangle itself into a circle where each person has their arms at their sides.
The first group to successfully untangle wins.
Why It's Great
Develops communication and problem-solving.
Involves no running or jumping.
Gives younger and older kids equal opportunities to contribute.
Everybody's It Tag
Players: 10–15
Equipment: None.
How to Play
Unlike regular tag, everyone is "it."
Each player tries to tag as many others as possible.
When tagged, a player performs a simple challenge (e.g., 5 jumping jacks) and rejoins the game.
After 5–10 minutes, count successful tags or simply play for fun.
Variations
To make keeping track of scores easy, have each player tuck a bandana or ribbon under their waistband. When you tag a player, you take their bandana.
Why It's Great
Nobody sits out.
Keeps everyone moving.
It's familiar.
Mission Impossible
Players: 10–15
Equipment: A long string or rope
How to Play
Create a "laser maze" by stretching strings between trees, poles, or playground equipment.
Players must cross from one side to the other without touching any string.
If they touch a "laser," they return to the start or receive a time penalty.
Time each player or have teams compete to get everyone through.
Variations
Blindfold one player while teammates guide them verbally.
Why It's Great
Combines physical movement with problem-solving.
Encourages teamwork and communication.
Guardians of the Treasure
Players: 10–15
Equipment: Several balls, beanbags, or other "treasures"
How to Play
Place all treasures in a circle in the center.
Choose 2–3 players to be the guardians.
The remaining players are treasure hunters.
Hunters try to steal one treasure at a time and carry it back to their base.
Guardians can tag hunters while they are inside the treasure area.
Tagged hunters must return the treasure and go back to their base before trying again.
When all treasures are collected, choose new guardians.
Why It's Great
Younger children can succeed through teamwork.
Challenging role of Guardian for older children.
Lots of movement.
The Blob
Players: 10–15
Equipment: None
How to Play
Start with one player as "The Blob."
When the Blob tags someone, they join hands.
The Blob grows larger and larger.
Only the players on the ends of the chain can tag others.
The last untagged player wins.
Why It's Great
Becomes increasingly chaotic and funny as the Blob gets bigger.