Outdoor
Duck, Duck, Goose
Also called Duck Duck Gray Duck, Drop the Handkerchief
One child walks around a seated circle tapping heads; whoever gets called 'goose' chases them back to the gap.
- people
- 6–25
- time
- 10 min
- energy
- High
- materials
- No materials
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Children sit in a circle facing inward, with plenty of running space all the way around the outside.
- 1One child walks around the outside of the circle, lightly tapping each head and saying 'duck'.
- 2When they tap someone and say 'goose', that child jumps up and chases them around the circle.
- 3The tapper tries to sit in the goose's empty spot before being tagged.
- 4If they make it, the goose becomes the new tapper; if tagged, they go round again.
What to say3
- 1“Everybody sit in a circle — sit nicely, facing in!”
- 2“Duck… duck… duck… GOOSE! Run!”
- 3“Who hasn't been the goose yet? Hands up!”
Host tips3
- Kids always pick their best friends and some children are never chosen. Add a rule: you must pick someone who hasn't been the goose yet.
- Make the circle bigger than seems necessary. Tight circles mean tripping over knees and feet.
- Firm rule: tap heads gently. Without it, the 'goose' gets a slap that ends in tears.
Variants2
Drop the hanky
Instead of tapping, the walker quietly drops a handkerchief behind someone. They must notice it before chasing.
Silly walk
Chaser and runner must hop, waddle like a duck or walk backward. Fairer for mixed ages and less collision.
Safety2
- Running in a circle on smooth floors leads to slips; play barefoot on grass or in socks with grips.
- Watch for collisions when the chaser and runner both reach the gap.
Good for
Occasions
BirthdaySchoolFiestaReunion
Venues
Indoor, largeOutdoorChurch hall