Roll Over

Overview

What kid doesn't love pretending to be a puppy? Played as a relay race or just for fun, kids act like pups by rolling their doggy bones (actually balloons) with their noses across the finish line.

Age

Preschool, School-age, Tweens

Number of Players

5 to 10, 10 to 20, 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

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 minutes or less

Supplies

1 ballon per team or child (plus extra, just in case)

Setup

1. With a large group, divide group into teams and run as a relay race. For smaller groups this can be played individually.
2. Designate a starting point and finish line. If you are playing as a relay, the finish line will become the "turn around line" for team members to head back to their teams.
3. Inflate balloons - 1 for each player or team.
4. Line up children at the starting point (either in teams, one behind the other, or for individuals, shoulder to shoulder)
5. Give each player (or team) a balloon.

How to Play

1. On "Go", each player or the first member of each team, gets down on all fours with their balloon!
2. Using only their nose the player rolls the balloon to the finish line (or, if playing as a relay race, to the line and back).
3. For a relay, once the player returns to their team, the next player repeats the action.
4. Play until everyone has gone.

Variations

1. This game can be adapted for a Kitty Party, where the kitty is pushing around a "ball of yarn" (balloon).
2. Or a Penguin rolling an egg...
3. A bulldozer pushing dirt...