Invasion games are a fantastic way to engage kids in active play, foster teamwork, and develop essential motor skills while having a blast!
These action-packed games revolve around two teams competing against each other, striving to invade the opponent’s territory or goal while defending their own.
So, let’s dive in and discover the world of exhilarating invasion games for kids happily active and entertained!
Capture the Flag:
Capture the Flag is a classic invasion game that never fails to get kids excited and energized. Divide the children into two teams, each with their own territory and flag. The objective is simple: infiltrate the opposing team’s base, steal their flag, and bring it back to your own territory without getting tagged by the defenders. This game encourages teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking as players must work together to plan their attacks and protect their flag. To make it even more fun, you can introduce variations such as multiple flags or special powers for certain players.
Ultimate Frisbee:
Ultimate Frisbee is a fast-paced and exhilarating invasion game that combines elements of soccer and American football with the simple, yet thrilling, act of throwing a frisbee. The objective is to score points by catching the frisbee in the opposing team’s end zone while avoiding interceptions and turnovers. Kids will love the challenge of running, catching, and strategizing with their teammates to outmaneuver the defense and score goals. This game promotes cardiovascular fitness, hand-eye coordination, and sportsmanship, making it an excellent choice for kids of various ages and skill levels.
Steal the Bacon:
Steal the Bacon is a lively and entertaining invasion game that sharpens kids’ reflexes and agility. Create a playing area and place a “bacon” object (like a beanbag or softball) in the center. Divide the children into two teams and assign each player a number. When a number is called, the two players from each team with that number must rush to the center, grab the bacon, and try to return to their territory without getting tagged by the opponent. It’s a race against time and an opportunity for kids to showcase their speed and quick thinking. Steal the Bacon is a fun way to keep kids active and competitive while fostering a friendly spirit of competition.
Related: 20 Exciting Playground Games for Kids
Dodgeball:
Dodgeball is a thrilling and dynamic invasion game that brings out the competitive spirit in kids. Divide the participants into two teams and set up a boundary line in the middle of the play area. Each team’s objective is to eliminate the players from the opposing team by hitting them with soft balls while avoiding getting hit themselves. The eliminated players can be brought back into the game if a teammate catches a thrown ball. Dodgeball not only enhances hand-eye coordination and throwing accuracy but also teaches kids the importance of teamwork and resilience in the face of challenges.
Rugby Tag:
Rugby Tag is a modified version of rugby that is safe and suitable for kids of all ages. It introduces the fundamental aspects of rugby, such as passing, evasion, and teamwork, without full-contact tackling. Each player wears a tag belt with velcro tags, and the objective is to score points by crossing the opponent’s try line while holding the rugby ball. However, defenders can stop the ball carrier by pulling off one of their tags. Rugby Tag is an excellent way to introduce children to the sport of rugby, promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship, and strategic thinking in a controlled and enjoyable setting.
Soccer (Football):
Soccer, or football in many parts of the world, is the quintessential invasion game that has captivated kids for generations. Set up goals at each end of the field, divide the players into two teams, and let the game begin! The objective is simple: score goals by getting the soccer ball into the opposing team’s net while defending your own goal. Soccer promotes cardiovascular endurance, footwork skills, and teamwork, as players coordinate their movements and passes to outmaneuver the opposition. With its global appeal and easy accessibility, soccer is an excellent choice to get kids active and passionate about sports.
Colorful Cone Conquest:
Colorful Cone Conquest is a vibrant and action-packed invasion game that combines teamwork and strategy. Set up a colorful array of cones in a playing area, with each team assigned a specific color. The objective is for teams to knock down and gather as many cones of their assigned color as possible while defending their own cones from the opposing team. Colorful Cone Conquest promotes communication, coordination, and friendly competition, making it an engaging and exciting game for all participants.
Related: 20 Fun and Exciting Paper Airplane Games for Kids
Sponge-Soaker Showdown:
Sponge-Soaker Showdown is a water-filled invasion game perfect for warm days. Divide the children into teams and provide them with sponges and water buckets. Designate a boundary or playing area and have the teams stand on opposite sides. The objective is to soak the opposing team by throwing wet sponges at them. When players get hit, they are “out” until the next round. The team with the most players remaining at the end wins. Sponge-Soaker Showdown combines water play, teamwork, and friendly competition in a refreshing and enjoyable game.
Rainy Day Bowling:
Rainy Day Bowling is a fantastic indoor invasion game that brings the fun of bowling inside. Set up a bowling alley using empty plastic bottles as pins and a soft ball as the bowling ball. Divide the kids into teams and take turns rolling the ball to knock down the pins. The objective is to score points by knocking down as many pins as possible. Rainy Day Bowling enhances kids’ throwing accuracy, hand-eye coordination, and friendly competition while providing an enjoyable indoor activity.
Basketball:
Basketball is an exciting invasion game that sharpens kids’ shooting, dribbling, and passing skills. Set up basketball hoops at each end of the court, divide the children into teams, and let the dribbling begin! The objective is to score points by shooting the basketball into the opposing team’s hoop while preventing them from doing the same. Basketball teaches kids the value of teamwork, communication, and fair play, making it a wonderful choice for fostering both physical and social development.
Water Balloon Battle:
Water Balloon Battle is a refreshing and playful invasion game, perfect for hot summer days. Divide the kids into two teams, and hand each team a bucket of water balloons. The objective is to soak the opposing team by throwing water balloons at them while avoiding getting hit yourself. The team with the least number of players wet at the end wins. This game not only keeps children physically active but also adds an element of excitement and laughter to the mix. It’s an excellent way for kids to cool off and bond with their friends while engaging in friendly competition.
Flag Football:
Flag Football is a safer alternative to traditional American football that children can enjoy. Players wear flags that opponents must pull off instead of tackling them. Divide the kids into teams and set up the playing field with designated end zones. The objective is to advance the football down the field, either by running or passing, to score a touchdown in the opposing team’s end zone. Flag Football enhances kids’ agility, throwing accuracy, and decision-making skills, all while providing a great workout and promoting sportsmanship.
Obstacle Course Challenge:
An Obstacle Course Challenge is a versatile invasion game that can be adapted to any environment, indoors or outdoors. Create a series of obstacles, such as tunnels, cones, hurdles, and balance beams, and divide the kids into teams. The teams compete against each other to complete the obstacle course in the fastest time. This game encourages kids to use their problem-solving skills, balance, and coordination as they maneuver through the obstacles, providing a fun and physically stimulating experience for all.
Rainbow Tag:
Rainbow Tag is a colorful and dynamic invasion game that adds a vibrant twist to the classic tag. Each player is assigned a color, and the objective is to tag other players with a specific color to eliminate them. For example, players wearing blue must tag other players wearing red. Rainbow Tag enhances kids’ agility, speed, and decision-making skills as they quickly assess and react to the color tags. It’s a fantastic game for promoting active play and friendly competition.
Balloon Volleyball:
Balloon Volleyball is a low-impact and enjoyable invasion game suitable for all ages. Divide the players into two teams and set up a net or a makeshift boundary in between. Instead of a regular volleyball, use a balloon as the ball. The objective is to keep the balloon airborne and over the net, attempting to score points by landing the balloon in the opponent’s territory. Balloon Volleyball promotes teamwork, communication, and hand-eye coordination, making it a fantastic game for both indoor and outdoor play.
Nerf War:
Nerf War is an action-packed invasion game that unleashes kids’ imaginations and tactical skills. Divide the players into two teams and provide them with Nerf blasters and foam darts. Create a playing area with barriers and hiding spots for players to strategize and take cover. The objective is to eliminate players from the opposing team by tagging them with foam darts while staying out of harm’s way. Nerf War encourages creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition, making it a thrilling and safe way for kids to engage in an epic battle.
Laser Tag:
Laser Tag is an exhilarating invasion game that transports kids into a futuristic world of lights and lasers. Take the kids to a laser tag arena or set up a makeshift course with obstacles and hiding spots. Each player wears a vest equipped with sensors, and the objective is to score points by shooting lasers at opponents’ vests while avoiding getting hit themselves. Laser Tag hones kids’ reflexes, strategic thinking, and physical agility, providing an exciting and immersive experience that they will talk about for days.
Ga-Ga Ball:
Ga-Ga Ball is a fast-paced and inclusive invasion game that originated in Israel. Create a circular playing pit and have the kids stand inside it. The objective is to hit a softball with their hands or fists, aiming to eliminate opponents by hitting them below the knee. Players must stay within the pit boundaries and use quick reflexes to avoid being tagged out. Ga-Ga Ball is easy to learn, promotes fair play, and allows kids of various ages and abilities to participate, making it a fantastic addition to any playground or sports activity.
Hula Hoop Hopscotch:
Hula Hoop Hopscotch is a fun and engaging invasion game that combines two classic activities. Set up a hopscotch grid and place hula hoops on some of the numbered squares. Divide the kids into teams, and each team takes turns tossing a beanbag onto the hopscotch grid. When the beanbag lands in a hula hoop, the team member must hop on one foot from the starting point to the hoop and back. The team with the most successful hoop jumps wins. Hula Hoop Hopscotch enhances kids’ hopping skills, hand-eye coordination, and friendly competition.
Sack Race Showdown:
Sack Race Showdown is a classic invasion game with a playful twist. Divide the children into two teams and provide each player with a large burlap sack or potato sack. Designate a start and finish line, and let the race begin! The objective is for each team member to hop inside their sack and race to the finish line while staying inside the sack. The first team to have all their members successfully cross the finish line wins. Sack Race Showdown enhances kids’ balance, coordination, and teamwork, offering a joyous and competitive experience.
