Running games provide a great source of aerobic exercise for children and the whole family. Children and teens should get at least an hour of physical activity each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tag games, chase games and relay races require plenty of running. Designate time on the evenings and weekends for your family to play these running games, or organize running games for your children's parties.
The Blob
In this variation on tag, one "it" player absorbs each player she tags to form an ever-increasing unit of players, known as the blob. Select one volunteer to begin the game as the blob. That player must chase and attempt to tag all of the remaining players. Each tagged player becomes a new member of the blob, and must hold hands with another member of the blob. The blob must move as a unit as it tries to tag more and more players. The last player to be tagged by the blob becomes the first blob player in the next round.
Elbow Tag
Elbow tag allows players to alternate between short bursts of sprinting and moments of rest. The game requires an even number of players, and a clear grassy playing area. Designate one player as "it" and one player as "free" to begin the game, and have the remaining players divide into pairs. Instruct the pairs to stand with arms linked in a circle formation, with about 10 paces between each pair of players. When the game begins, "it" chases the free player until the free player links arms with one of the standing pairs. The player in the pair with whom the free player did not link arms becomes the new free player, and must sprint away from "it" to avoid being tagged.
Relay Races
You can play a wide variety of relay races that incorporate running. You can even incorporate relay races into a large field day or mini-Olympics event. Try the classic three-legged race, in which pairs of players must race to the end of a course and back with two legs tied together with bandannas, or try the balloon sandwich race, in which pairs must race to the end of a course and back while balancing an inflated balloon or filled water balloon between their backs. On a hot, sunny day, try a water relay race. Place a bucket filled with water in front of each team, and a smaller empty bucket or jug at the other end of the course. Team members take turns soaking a sponge in their team's bucket and then racing to the opposite end of the course to squeeze the water out into the empty bucket. The first team to fill its jug wins. You can also have players fill a plastic cup with water and race to the other side while holding the cup over their heads. To ensure players get wet in this version of the race, punch holes in the sides of each plastic cup.
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