Potato Sack Race

Overview

Hopping frantically to the finish line in a potato sack never ceases to amuse even the most timid of children. Potato sack races have a million variations, each one as fun as the next. Don't fret if you can't find potato sacks, I've got many alternatives that work just as well!

Age

Preschool, School-age, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Number of Players

3 to 4, 5 to 10, 10 to 20

Team Division

Every man for himself (individual players), Teamwork! (divide into teams)

Competitiveness

Either/or (can be played either way)

Difficulty

Easy peasy (fun and simple)

Indoor or Outdoor

Outdoors

Space Needed

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

Noise Level

Rowdy

Mess Factor

Clean and tidy

Prep Time

No prep time needed!

Game Time Length

5 - 15 minutes

Supplies

1 Potato sack per person or team (see variations for other options)

obstacle course equipment (optional) cones, pillows, hula-hoops, etc.

Setup

1. If you have a large group, divide them into teams. Then line them up one behind the other at the "starting line."
2. If you have a small group, ask each person to stand behind the "starting line."
3. Pass out 1 Potato sack to each team, or each person (for small groups).
4. Place cones (or any other placement indicator) at the other end of the play area (about 20-30ft away) across from each team or individual player.

How to Play

1. Have the first person of each team or individual player get inside the potato sack and hold it up by their hands. Squeezing firmly to the opening of the sack.
2. On "Go!" they will hop from the staring line, to the cone, and back to the start line to complete the race.
3. The first person to hop their way back wins!
4. If you are playing with teams, the potato sack hopper will hurry out of the sack, once they have returned, and the next person on their team will jump in and continue the race.
5. The fastest hopping team wins the race!

Variations

1. If you don't have potato sacks, here are some alternative options that work equally well:
Glad Heavy Duty Garbage bags
Pillow Cases
Bandanas or rope used to bind both legs together.

2. Make the game a "Caterpillar Race"! Instead of hopping, children must wiggle and giggle their way from one end to another.
3. Create an obstacle course. Use cones to hop around and hula-hoops to hop through to challenge your most efficient potato sackers!