Healthy August

Summer Fun with Games!

It is our second week of Healthy August, over the holidays, we’ve got five exciting games to share that will get you outside, running around, and having fun with your family, friends, and Study Buddies. Last week we learnt to play Fruit Salad.

This week’s game is another classic favourite… Duck, Duck, Goose!

How to Play Duck, Duck, Goose (for everyone 5+)

What you need:

• A group of players (at least 6 makes it more exciting).

• A big open space, indoors or outdoors, where everyone can sit in a circle.

Setting up:

• Everyone sits on the ground in a circle, facing inwards.

• Choose one person to be the picker who stands outside the circle.

How to play:

1. The picker walks slowly around the circle, gently tapping each person on the head or shoulder, saying “Duck… Duck… Duck…”

2. At any moment, the picker can tap someone and say “Goose!”

3. The “Goose” must jump up quickly and chase the picker around the circle.

4. The picker runs all the way around the outside and tries to sit down in the Goose’s spot before getting tagged.

5. If the picker makes it safely, the Goose becomes the new picker. If the Goose tags the picker, the picker goes again!

Tips to Make It More Fun

• Speed Ducks: The picker must keep moving quickly—no slowing down to trick people!

• Funny Ducks: Instead of “duck,” players can use silly words (like “banana, banana, goose” or “cat, cat, dog”).

• Silent Goose: The picker doesn’t say anything—they just tap gently, and players have to listen carefully for the different sound on the “Goose.”

• Goose Run Challenge: Make a rule that the picker has to run in a silly way (hopping, skipping, or running backwards).

Older Kids’ Version (Ages 9–12)

Want to make Duck, Duck, Goose even more exciting? Try these twists:

• Double Goose: The picker can tap two people as “Goose”—both have to chase the picker at once!

• Secret Goose: The picker only says “Duck” but taps one person harder for “Goose.” That player has to notice and start chasing.

• Obstacle Goose: Place small objects (cones, cushions, or jump ropes) around the circle so the picker has to dodge them while running.

• Time Pressure: The Goose has only 5 seconds to tag the picker before they must stop chasing.

These versions add extra speed, strategy, and laughter—perfect for older players who want more of a challenge!

Healthy August Tip

Duck, Duck, Goose is not just a fun running game—it’s great for keeping your body healthy too! Sprinting around the circle makes your legs strong and helps your heart pump faster. Plus, it keeps your reflexes sharp as you react quickly to being chosen as the Goose.