Freeze Tag

Overview

Freeze Tag is one of those traditional games we've all played. When you have themed parties, changing the name is an easy way to incorporate imaginative play into a tried and tested favorite.

Age

Preschool, School-age, Tweens, Teens

Number of Players

5 to 10, 10 to 20, 20+

Team Division

Every man for himself (individual players)

Competitiveness

Either/or (can be played either way)

Difficulty

Easy peasy (fun and simple)

Indoor or Outdoor

Either

Space Needed

Medium (a clearable open space the size of a 2-car garage), Large (gym, outdoor field, reception hall)

Noise Level

Rowdy

Mess Factor

Clean and tidy

Prep Time

5 minutes or less

Game Time Length

5 - 15 minutes

Supplies

basic freeze tag needs nothing

variations would need a prop of your choosing

Setup

1. Select one person to be "It."
2. Designate two "Safety Zones" at the opposite ends of the playing area.
3. "It" should stand in the center of the playing area.

How to Play

1. On "Go," everyone tries to run from one side of the play area to the other without getting tagged.
2. "It" runs around in the center and tries to tag as many people as possible.
3. Once somebody has been tagged by "it" they have to freeze where they are, staying still as a statue!
4. This person can only become "unfrozen" if tagged another player.
5. The game ends when either everyone has been frozen, or "it" becomes tired.

Variations

1. "Hammer Time"- "it" uses a large blow-up hammer to tag people as they run by - those people must sit down on the ground (like nails hammered into a board). Players are released by being helped up from their sitting position by another player (like a nail being pulled out of a board).
2. "Beach Tag" - "it" uses a beach ball to tag players (either just holding in it in their hands or tossing it dodge ball style. Frozen players are unfrozen when another player pretends be a seagull and pecks at their shoulder.
3. "Puppy Tag" - "it" uses a soft squeeky toy to tag players. Players are released by getting a good pat on the head or belly rub from their fellow players.
4. Come up with your own version.

Tips

1. Encourage the players to be gentle when tagging. Tagging is gentle touch, not a full-on PUSH to the ground.
2. Give a time limit to those folks in the safety zones to keep things moving.
3. Encourage "it" to move within the entire playing area, not just the middle.