Given the space and ‘licence’ to play, children will do what comes naturally – that is, they will play. So in running your play street there is no need to provide lots of stuff, or to organise activities.
Kids will be delighted with the chance to play on the usually forbidden space of their street. They will bring out their own stuff and make up their own games. We promise! But we do get that some people will feel more confident with a few games up their sleeve, especially if they are new to play streets. So here are some ideas to tuck away, along with a bit of chalk, rope and bits of junk. Just don’t be disappointed if you don’t get to use them!
CHALK GAMES
Chalk obstacle course ** Covid-friendly**
Each team gets a pack of chalk and a ‘zone’ to create linked parts of an obstacle trail – expect silly walks, jump zones and acrobatics.
Hula blockers
Try to land as many bean bags as possible inside your opponents’ hoops (or chalk circles).
London to Paris
One end of your street is London – the other is Paris (or Istanbul, or Shanghai)
TARGET GAMES
Elephant
A great re-use for those holey tights! Players put an orange or a ball in the feet, the top on their head, and try to knock down bottles filled with water.
Sponge bombs
Three games great for those hot summer days on your play street.
Water balloon rounders
Buckets of water and balloon bombs take the place of bats and balls for a play street friendly, very soggy version of this popular field game.
GUTTER GAMES
Five stones (also knucklebones or jacks, dibs, dabs, otadama and many more)
This game is more than 3,000 years old and variations of it are played all over the world. Players use stones, bones or specially made ‘jacks’ to throw, catch and sweep their way through eight or more challenges. Check WikiHow for one version of the rules.
Marbles
Many happy hours have been spent by generations of children playing marbles on the street. Check one version of the game here on Wikihow.
GROUP GAMES
Grandma’s footsteps
Sneak up on ‘grandma’ without her seeing you. Great excuse for some dressing up too!
Sweeper
All you need is a bit of old rope.
