Healthy August

4 hours ago
2 min read

Summer Fun with Games!

This is the fourth week of our healthy August games, and that means long days full of sunshine and play! 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 all about speed and stopping… Red Light, Green Light!

How to Play Red Light, Green Light (for everyone 5+)

What you need:

A group of players (at least 4 is good, more is even better).
A big open space—like a playground, garden, or park.

Setting up:

Choose one person to be the Traffic Light. They stand at one end of the space with their back turned to the group.
The rest of the players line up side by side at the other end, ready to race forward.

How to play:

The Traffic Light shouts “Green Light!” and turns their back. Everyone runs forward.
When the Traffic Light suddenly calls “Red Light!” and spins around, all players must freeze instantly.
If the Traffic Light spots anyone still moving, that player must go back to the starting line.
The first player to reach and tag the Traffic Light becomes the new Traffic Light for the next round.

Tips to Make It More Fun

Yellow Light: Add a “Yellow Light” command, where players must move in slow motion.
Funny Freeze: When “Red Light” is called, players must freeze in a silly pose (like a statue or superhero stance).
Sneaky Switch: The Traffic Light can try to trick players by saying “Red Light” in a softer or funnier voice.
Backward Run: For extra challenge, players must run backwards during “Green Light.”

Older Kids’ Version (Ages 9–12)

Want to make Red Light, Green Light more challenging? Try these twists:

Obstacle Course: Place cones, cushions, or objects in the playing area. Players must dodge them while running and still freeze when told.
Speed Round: The Traffic Light calls lights quickly—changing every second!
Silent Play: The Traffic Light uses hand signals (red = stop, green = go, yellow = slow) instead of words. Players have to watch carefully.
Double Traffic Lights: Two Traffic Lights give commands at the same time. If they disagree, players must choose which one to follow!

These versions add more strategy, quick reactions, and laughter for older kids.

Healthy August Tip

Games like Red Light, Green Light sharpen your reflexes and improve self-control—you learn to stop and go quickly. The short bursts of running also give your heart a healthy workout and help build stamina.