Limbo

Overview

The classic game of Limbo is as much fun to watch as it is to play. It answers that age old question "How low can you go?" Limbo can be altered to fit a variety of themes - check out our fun suggestions for a new "bend" on Limbo.

Age

Preschool, School-age, Tweens, Teens, Adults

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

Semi-rambunctious

Mess Factor

Clean and tidy

Prep Time

5 minutes or less

Game Time Length

5 - 15 minutes

Supplies

Stick, pole, jump rope, water-hose, flashlight (anything to create a line to walk under)

Music - ideally the "Limbo Rock" song, but not necessary

Setup

1. Select two participants to hold up either end of the pole or stick being used as the "Limbo Stick".
2. Line up everyone else behind the "Limbo Stick."
3. Turn on some lively music, or if you've got it, a copy of "Limbo Rock".

How to Play

1. Once the music begins, the line of players take turns walking under the limbo stick.
2. The rule is that players must lead with their feet, knees, hips, upper-body, and finally their head. Players MAY NOT walk head first under the "limbo stick." That's waaay to easy!
3. After all players have walked under the Limbo stick, the two people holding the stick lower it about 6 inches.
4. Players walk under the stick again. As the stick lowers with each round, it becomes harder and harder to "Limbo."
5. Players that touch the ground or the stick while trying to bend and contort themselves are out!

Variations

1. "Flashlight Limbo"- Are you having a slumber party, dance party, or late night adventure? Play Limbo using the light of a flashlight instead of a stick. It's equally fun. The minute a body comes into contact with the light, the body part becomes illuminated, and it's clear who is out.
2. "Water Limbo"- On a hot day this is a great silly game. Instead of a pole or stick, use a garden hose. Not only do participants become sprinkled with water, the ground becomes wet. You know what that means...lots of slips and slides!
3. Try for as low as they can go...make the only rule that the players hands can not touch the ground - meaning they can lay all the way on the floor and scootch under the bar, as long as their hands don't touch the floor.

Tips

1. Have a spotter on hand for those kids that may lose their balance. This is a physical game, so you want to make sure people are safe.
2. "Limbo Rock" can be downloaded from ITunes. Create a CD with "Limbo Rock" over and over, so that play can continue without someone having to man the music.
3. Make sure that players clear the stick and return to the back of the line as quickly as possible so the next person can go. You may need helpers to maintain your line.