Red Rover is a beloved game that has brought laughter and excitement to countless children over the years.
However, if you’re seeking new and equally thrilling games to enjoy with friends or family, look no further.
Now, we present exciting games like Red Rover that will ignite your competitive spirit and provide hours of entertainment.
From fast-paced tag games to strategic relay races, this diverse collection offers a range of options to suit different ages, interests, and group sizes.
Get ready to explore a world of exhilarating games that will keep you engaged and active, ensuring that your playtime is always filled with adventure and laughter.
Freeze Tag:
In Freeze Tag, the objective is to tag as many players as possible and freeze them in place. Just like Red Rover, this game requires participants to move quickly and think strategically. One player is designated as the “tagger” and their mission is to chase and tag other players. Once tagged, players must freeze in their position until they are unfrozen by another player who hasn’t been tagged yet. The game continues until all players are frozen or a time limit is reached. Freeze Tag adds an exciting twist to the classic game of tag and guarantees a heart-pumping and laughter-filled experience.
Sardines:
Sardines is a thrilling twist on the traditional game of hide-and-seek, offering a unique alternative to Red Rover. In this game, one person hides while the others close their eyes and count. Once the counting is done, the players set out to find the hider. However, when a player discovers the hider’s hiding spot, they quietly join them in their hiding spot. As more players find the hider, the hiding spot becomes increasingly crowded, resembling a can of sardines. The last person to find the hiding spot becomes the hider in the next round. Sardines adds a suspenseful element to the game, as players must search for both the hider and an empty hiding spot, and it guarantees plenty of laughter and surprises along the way.
Related: 20 Exciting PlayDoh Games for Kids
Kickball:
Kickball combines elements of soccer and baseball, providing a dynamic and engaging game that can rival the excitement of Red Rover. Just like in baseball, players take turns kicking a large rubber ball and attempt to run around bases to score points. The opposing team tries to catch the ball and tag the runners to get them out. Kickball offers a mix of strategy, teamwork, and physical activity, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor play. Whether you’re aiming for a home run or cheering on your teammates, kickball is sure to keep everyone entertained.
Related: 20 Creative Transient Art Activities for Kids
Capture the Flag:
Capture the Flag is a thrilling team-based game that shares some similarities with Red Rover. Participants are divided into two teams, each with a designated “base” area and a flag. The objective is to infiltrate the opponent’s base, capture their flag, and bring it back to your own base without being caught by the defenders. Much like Red Rover’s team dynamics, Capture the Flag encourages teamwork, strategy, and communication among players. With its intense chase sequences and strategic planning, this game is sure to keep everyone engaged and on their toes.
Source: thinkplaytime.com
Duck, Duck, Goose:
Duck, Duck, Goose is a classic game that can be a fantastic alternative to Red Rover. In this game, participants sit in a circle, and one person is chosen as the “Goose” while the others are “Ducks.” The Goose walks around the circle, tapping each person on the head and saying “Duck.” However, when the Goose taps someone and says “goose,” that person must quickly stand up, chase the Goose, and try to tag them before they can reach the empty spot in the circle. Duck, Duck, Goose is a lively and energetic game that promotes quick reflexes and friendly competition.
Source: kidspot.com.au
British Bulldog:
British Bulldog is an exciting and physically demanding game that can provide a similar rush to Red Rover. In this game, players start on one end of the playing area, while the Bulldog stands in the middle. The goal is to run from one end to the other without being caught by the Bulldog. If a player is caught, they become a Bulldog as well, and the game continues until only one person is left uncaught. British Bulldog requires agility, speed, and evasive maneuvers, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking an action-packed game.
Source: achildsfirstbookoflies.com
Simon Says:
Simon Says is a classic game of following instructions that can be a great alternative to Red Rover. One person takes on the role of “Simon” and gives commands to the other players, such as “Simon says, touch your nose” or “Simon says, hop on one foot.” The twist is that players should only follow the commands if the phrase “Simon says” is included. If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says” and a player still follows it, they are out. The game continues until there is one player left standing or until a predetermined number of rounds. Simon Says promotes listening skills, and quick thinking, and can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Source: empoweredparents.co
Musical Chairs:
Musical Chairs is a classic party game that can be a delightful addition to your collection of games like Red Rover. Players walk around a circle of chairs while music plays, and when the music stops, they must quickly find a chair to sit on. However, there is always one less chair than the number of players, so someone will be left standing and eliminated from the round. One chair is removed after each round until there is only one player left, who is declared the winner. Musical Chairs combine a sense of anticipation, speed, and a touch of competitiveness, creating an enjoyable and interactive experience for all.
Source: gamesver.com
Tug of War:
Tug of War is a thrilling team game that tests strength, coordination, and teamwork, making it an excellent alternative to Red Rover. Two teams stand on opposite ends of a rope and try to pull the rope toward their side. The objective is to bring the opposing team over a designated line or force them to let go of the rope. Tug of War can be enjoyed in various settings, from grassy fields to sandy beaches. The game fosters camaraderie and healthy competition, offering an exhilarating and engaging experience for participants of all ages.
Source: ravenox.com
Relay Races:
Relay races are a versatile and exciting option for those seeking games similar to Red Rover. In relay races, teams compete by taking turns running a certain distance or completing a specific task before passing the baton or item to the next teammate. Relay races can include various challenges, such as obstacle courses, sack races, or even egg-and-spoon races. They encourage teamwork, speed, and coordination, making them an excellent choice for both casual play and organized events. Whether you’re participating in a traditional relay or getting creative with unique challenges, relay races guarantee a thrilling and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Source: sportsmatik.com
Balloon Volleyball:
Balloon Volleyball is a lighthearted and accessible game that offers a fun twist on traditional volleyball. Instead of using a heavy ball, players use a lightweight balloon and hit it back and forth over a net or makeshift boundary. The objective is to keep the balloon from touching the ground on your side of the net while trying to score points by landing the balloon on the opponent’s side. Balloon Volleyball is a low-impact game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, making it a fantastic alternative to Red Rover for those looking for a less physically demanding but equally enjoyable activity.
Source: backyardcamp.ca
Steal the Bacon:
Steal the Bacon is an exciting and strategic game that can provide the same level of intensity as Red Rover. Players are divided into two teams, each with a designated “bacon” item placed in the middle of the playing area. The objective is to retrieve the opponent’s bacon while protecting your own. Players must dash toward the center, snatch the bacon, and make it back to their side without being tagged by an opponent. Steal the Bacon requires speed, agility, and quick decision-making, making it a thrilling game that guarantees plenty of suspense and friendly competition.
Source: playworks.org
Tag with a Twist:
Tag with a Twist is a creative and customizable game that can be tailored to fit your group’s preferences. The game follows the basic rules of tag, with one person designated as the “tagger” who tries to catch the other players. However, to add a twist, you can introduce variations such as Freeze Tag, where tagged players freeze in place until they are unfrozen by a teammate, or Shadow Tag, where the tagged person becomes the shadow of the tagger and must mimic their movements. These variations inject new dynamics into the game and offer endless possibilities for fun and laughter.
Source: parents.highlights.com
Hula Hoop Relay:
Hula Hoop Relay is a lively and engaging game that involves teamwork and coordination. Participants are divided into teams and stand in a line. Each team is given a hula hoop that they must pass down the line by stepping inside it and passing it over their bodies without using their hands. The last person in line then runs to the front with the hula hoop and the process continues. The team that successfully passes the hula hoop down the line first wins the relay. Hula Hoop Relay combines physical activity, communication, and teamwork, making it an enjoyable and interactive game for groups of all sizes.
Source: teachingexpertise.com
Human Knot:
Human Knot is a cooperative game that challenges participants to untangle themselves from a human knot without letting go of each other’s hands. Players stand in a circle and each person reaches out to grab the hands of two different people across the circle. Without releasing their hands, the players must work together to untangle the knot by stepping over or under each other’s arms. Human Knot promotes problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork as players strategize and maneuver their way out of the tangled web. It’s a fantastic game to foster cooperation and bond with others while having fun.
Source: icebreakerideas.com
Dodgeball:
Dodgeball is an energetic and thrilling game that can provide a high-intensity alternative to Red Rover. Players are divided into two teams and stand on opposite sides of a playing area. The objective is to throw softballs at members of the opposing team while avoiding being hit yourself. If a player is hit by a ball, they are out, but they can be brought back into the game if a teammate catches an opponent’s throw. Dodgeball requires agility, quick reflexes, and strategic teamwork, making it an exhilarating choice for those seeking an action-packed game.
Source: ssww.com
Obstacle Course:
An obstacle course is a fantastic option for those looking for an active and challenging game like Red Rover. Create a course using various objects and obstacles such as cones, tires, ropes, and tunnels. Participants must navigate through the course, overcoming physical challenges and obstacles along the way. You can set up a timed competition or focus on completing the course together as a team. Obstacle courses provide an opportunity for physical exercise, problem-solving, and teamwork, ensuring an exciting and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Source: empoweredparents.co
Wink Murder:
Wink Murder is a fun and suspenseful game that can be a great alternative to Red Rover. Players sit in a circle, and one person is secretly designated as the “murderer” by winking at others to “kill” them. The objective is for the other players to identify the murderer before they strike again. If a player thinks they know who the murderer is, they can make an accusation. However, they must be careful, as a wrong accusation eliminates them from the game. Wink Murder combines observation skills, intuition, and a touch of mystery, making it an entertaining and engaging game for gatherings and parties.
Source: thesprucecrafts.com
Water Balloon Toss:
Water Balloon Toss is a refreshing and laughter-filled game that can be a perfect outdoor alternative to Red Rover, especially during hot summer days. Players pair up and stand a short distance apart. They gently toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The objective is to see which pair can toss the balloon the farthest without it breaking. The game continues until the balloons burst, and the pair with the last intact balloon wins. Water Balloon Toss is a fun and wet activity that adds a splash of excitement to any gathering or backyard playtime.
Source: balloon-decoration-guide.com
Four Square:
Four Square is a classic playground game that offers a fast-paced and competitive experience similar to Red Rover. Draw a large square divided into four smaller squares on the ground. Each player stands in one of the squares, and the objective is to hit a small ball into the other players’ squares while defending their own. The ball must bounce once in a player’s square before they hit it into another square. If a player fails to hit the ball into another square or hits it out of bounds, they are out, and another player takes their place. Four Square combines hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and strategic positioning, creating an exciting and dynamic game for groups of all ages.
Source: peumbrella.com
