Before video games and endless TV channels, kids in the ’60s and ’70s had something even better—each other. The neighborhood was our playground, and as long as we were home by dinnertime, the world was ours to explore. Whether it was a game of tag that stretched across multiple yards or a backyard baseball showdown, we found endless ways to entertain ourselves. These 13 games weren’t just pastimes—they were a way of life, teaching us teamwork, strategy, and sometimes a little friendly mischief.
1. Kick the Can
A combination of hide-and-seek and tag, Kick the Can was the ultimate game of strategy and speed. The goal was to free captured players by kicking the can before the “it” player tagged you. The excitement came from sneaking around, darting out at just the right moment, and hoping you didn’t get caught. The game could last for hours, with kids hiding behind trees, fences, and even under porches to stay in the game. FamilyTree writes that the full history of this game will really kick you right down memory lane.
Kick the Can was a perfect way to use the whole neighborhood as a playing field. It encouraged teamwork, quick thinking, and a little bit of daring. The sound of the can clattering across the pavement was a triumphant moment for the daring rescuer and a groan of defeat for the one who was “it.” Best of all, it only required an empty can, making it a game anyone could play at any time.
2. Red Rover
Red Rover was a test of strength, strategy, and a little bit of nerve. Two lines of kids would stand opposite each other, holding hands tightly as they chanted, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send (name) right over!” The chosen player would charge at the opposing line, trying to break through the clasped hands. If they succeeded, they took someone back to their team—if not, they joined the other side. Mental Floss writes that this game is one of many with a surprising history.
The game was simple but intense, with kids carefully choosing whom to call over based on speed or brute force. It was all about finding the weak spot in the chain and hoping you didn’t get clotheslined in the process. Despite the occasional bruises, Red Rover was a staple of recess, backyard play, and summer evenings. It was the perfect mix of teamwork and good-natured roughhousing.
3. SPUD
SPUD was a classic that required nothing but a playground ball and a big group of kids. One player threw the ball in the air while shouting someone’s name, and that player had to catch it while everyone else ran. As soon as they caught the ball, they yelled “SPUD!” and everyone had to freeze. The player then tried to hit someone with the ball—if they missed, they got a letter in the word “SPUD,” and if they hit, the unlucky target earned a letter instead. T.F. Harper praises this game as a beloved staple of the playground.
The game was a great mix of agility, quick reflexes, and a little bit of luck. Kids would duck, dodge, and dive to avoid getting hit, all while trying not to move a muscle when frozen. It was the kind of game that kept you on your toes and could be played anywhere there was a bit of space. Once you got all four letters, you were out—but the real fun was in staying in the game as long as possible.
4. Ghost in the Graveyard
A nighttime twist on hide-and-seek, Ghost in the Graveyard was equal parts thrilling and terrifying. One player, the “ghost,” would hide while everyone else searched, and as soon as they were spotted, the finder would yell, “Ghost in the graveyard!” Everyone would then race back to home base before the ghost could tag them. If you were tagged, you became the next ghost, lurking in the shadows and waiting for your chance to strike.
This game was best played as the sun went down, making every shadow and rustling leaf feel ominous. It combined the excitement of sneaking around with the heart-pounding rush of sprinting to safety. Kids would jump, shriek, and laugh as they barely made it back to base in time. It was a game that felt like an adventure, keeping us outside long after the streetlights flickered on.
5. Four Square
Four Square was the ultimate playground game, requiring nothing more than a rubber ball and a good patch of pavement. The game was played on a large square divided into four smaller ones, each with a player. The goal was to bounce the ball into another player’s square in a way that made it difficult for them to return it. If they missed, they were out, and the next kid in line would step up to take their place.
The best part of Four Square was the mix of skill, strategy, and pure fun. Some kids developed tricky spins or special moves, making the game feel almost like an art form. The competition could get fierce, but it was all part of the fun, as kids lined up for their turn to make it to the “king” square. It was a game that could last for hours, filled with laughter, quick reflexes, and the occasional argument over whether a ball was in or out.
6. Wall Ball
Wall Ball was a simple but addicting game that could keep kids entertained for hours. All you needed was a big brick wall and a rubber ball, and the rules could be as simple or as complicated as you wanted. The basic idea was to throw the ball against the wall and have the next player hit it back before it bounced twice. If you missed, you had to run and touch the wall before someone else threw the ball back and hit the wall first.
There were endless variations, with some games involving one-handed catches, trick shots, or even penalties for certain mistakes. The best part was that you didn’t need a whole team to play—it could be just two kids or a whole group. The game encouraged quick thinking, hand-eye coordination, and just a little bit of good-natured trash talk. Whether played at recess, in a driveway, or against the side of a school, Wall Ball was a staple of childhood.
7. Mother May I?
Mother May I? was a mix of strategy, memory, and following directions, making it one of the most unique childhood games. One player acted as the “Mother” (or “Father”), standing at one end of the yard while the other players lined up at the other. Each player would take turns asking, “Mother, may I take [number] [type of steps] forward?” The Mother could say yes or no, or even suggest a different type of step, like “baby steps,” “giant steps,” or “frog hops.”
The fun came from trying to get to the finish line while also avoiding being sent back to the start. Some kids tried to sneak in extra steps, while others got creative with their requests. It was a game that combined following rules with finding clever ways to move forward. Even though it was slow-paced, it could get competitive—and it definitely helped teach patience and listening skills.
8. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag was the ultimate test of speed, teamwork, and sneakiness. The game was played with two teams, each guarding their own flag while trying to steal the other team’s. Players had to sprint, dodge, and hide to avoid being tagged while sneaking into enemy territory. If you got caught, you were sent to “jail” and had to be rescued by a teammate before you could play again.
This game was serious business, often lasting for hours with kids strategizing elaborate plans for victory. The best part was the thrill of sneaking into enemy lines without getting caught, and the rush of running full speed back to your base with the flag in hand. It was a game that worked best with a big group, making it perfect for neighborhood kids who wanted to play something bigger than just tag. It was a classic that could turn any park or backyard into an intense battlefield.
9. Statue Maker
Statue Maker was a game full of surprises, requiring both creativity and balance. One player would spin another around a few times and then let them go, at which point they had to freeze in place like a statue. The goal was to hold the pose as long as possible without falling or breaking character. Sometimes the “statues” had funny or dramatic poses, making the game part competition and part comedy show.
This game was especially fun because it involved a little bit of everything—movement, silliness, and suspense. Kids who played the “statues” had to be creative, while those who did the spinning had to make things as tricky as possible. It was a great way to burn off energy while also giving everyone a chance to be silly. It was one of those games that didn’t need fancy equipment—just some imagination and a group of kids ready to have fun.
10. Freeze Tag
Freeze Tag took the classic game of tag and added an exciting twist—once you were tagged, you had to freeze in place. The only way to get back in the game was for another player to unfreeze you by touching you. This led to plenty of dramatic moments, with teammates darting across the yard to rescue frozen friends while dodging the person who was “it.” It was fast-paced, exciting, and a perfect game for big groups.
Freeze Tag was all about strategy and teamwork, as players had to decide when to make a run for it or when to wait for the perfect moment. It was the kind of game that could last for hours, with kids constantly switching roles and laughing the whole time. The best part was that it could be played anywhere, from the schoolyard to the backyard. It was a game that kept everyone moving and entertained until the call for dinner.
11. TV Tag
TV Tag was a clever twist on regular tag that required kids to think fast. If the person who was “it” came after you, you could avoid being tagged by dropping to the ground and shouting the name of a TV show. The trick was that you couldn’t repeat a show that had already been named, which meant you had to keep coming up with new ones on the fly. If you hesitated or ran out of shows, you were tagged and became “it.”
This game was a hilarious mix of running, quick thinking, and memory. Some kids rattled off shows effortlessly, while others panicked and got tagged because they couldn’t think of one in time. The fun part was hearing all the different TV shows kids could remember, especially as the game went on and it got harder. It was a great way to combine pop culture with classic tag, making it an instant favorite in the neighborhood.
12. Chinese Jump Rope
Chinese Jump Rope was a test of coordination, rhythm, and agility, using a long loop of elastic stretched between two players’ legs. The jumper had to complete a series of choreographed moves, starting with simple jumps and getting increasingly complicated. If you messed up, you had to switch places, but if you nailed it, you got to move on to the next level. It was part dance, part endurance challenge, and all fun.
This game was perfect for kids who loved a mix of movement and precision. The best part was inventing new patterns or trying to one-up your friends with fancy footwork. It was a game that could be played anywhere, and all you needed was a stretchy band of elastic. Chinese Jump Rope was a playground staple, proving that sometimes the simplest games were the most fun.
13. Marbles
Marbles was a game of skill, patience, and a little bit of luck. Players took turns flicking marbles into a circle drawn in the dirt, trying to knock their opponents’ marbles out while keeping their own in play. Some kids took their marbles seriously, bringing collections of prized “steelies” and “cat’s eyes” to the game. Winning meant adding to your collection, while losing meant giving up your favorites.
Marbles was more than just a game—it was a whole culture, with different rules and regional variations. It was a game of precision, requiring a steady hand and good aim. Even though it was slower-paced than some other games, it was just as competitive and exciting. For kids who played, the sound of marbles clicking together was the sound of childhood itself.
These games weren’t just a way to pass the time—they were the heartbeat of childhood. They brought the neighborhood together, kept us active, and created memories that still make us smile today. Long before smartphones and social media, we had the thrill of a well-played game and the joy of hearing “Just one more round!” before heading home for dinner. The best part? No batteries required—just a little imagination and a whole lot of fun.
