Healthy August

Summer Fun with Games!

It is the third week of the summer, and we have already learnt two games; Fruit Salad and Duck, Duck, Goose. 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.

This week’s game is a lively chasing game… Crocodile, Crocodile, May We Cross the River?

How to Play Crocodile, Crocodile (for everyone 5+)

What you need:

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

• A big open space that can be your “river.” (You can mark the two sides with ropes, chalk lines, or just imagine them!)

Setting up:

• One player is chosen as the Crocodile and stands in the middle of the river.

• The rest of the players stand on one side of the riverbank.

How to play:

1. The group calls out: “Crocodile, Crocodile, may we cross the river?”

2. The Crocodile answers: “Only if you’re wearing [a colour or item]!” (e.g., “Only if you’re wearing red” or “Only if you have shoelaces.”)

3. Everyone who is wearing that colour or item may safely walk across to the other side.

4. The players who don’t match must try to run across without getting tagged by the Crocodile!

5. If the Crocodile tags someone, that person becomes the new Crocodile.

Tips to Make It More Fun

• Tricky Crocodile: The Crocodile can choose funny or rare things (like “only if you have blue socks” or “only if you’re smiling”).

• Silent Crossing: Players must tiptoe quietly when crossing—if the Crocodile hears them, they can chase even faster!

• Double Trouble: Have two Crocodiles in the river at once for extra challenge.

• Safe Zone: Create a tiny “rock” (like a cushion or chalk spot) in the middle of the river where one player can pause for a second to rest.

Older Kids’ Version (Ages 9–12)

Want to make Crocodile, Crocodile even more challenging? Try these twists:

• Secret Choice: Instead of saying the colour out loud, the Crocodile secretly picks one. Everyone walks across slowly, and the Crocodile suddenly shouts the colour they chose—those players are safe, the rest must sprint!

• Crocodile Tricks: The Crocodile can ask a question first (“What’s your favourite fruit?”) before deciding if you get to cross. Wrong answer? Time to run!

• Speed Crocodile: Set a timer so the Crocodile only has 10 seconds to tag as many players as possible.

• Crocodile Teamwork: Two Crocodiles link arms and chase together, making it harder to dodge.

These twists add more thinking, sneaky strategy, and fast reactions—perfect for older kids who want more of a challenge.

Healthy August Tip

Running, dodging, and quick sprints in Crocodile, Crocodile help build strong leg muscles and improve your balance. Plus, it’s a great way to practice teamwork and quick decision-making while staying active outdoors! Being healthy throughout August is important too!