Healthy August

Summer Fun with Games!

Here is the last of our five summer games for this year's 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.

This week’s game is full of suspense and excitement… What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf?

How to Play What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf? (for everyone 5+)

What you need:

• A group of players (at least 5 makes it fun).

• A big open space like a hall, playground, or field.

Setting up:

• One player is chosen as Mr. (or Ms.) Wolf. They stand at one end of the space with their back to the others.

• The rest of the players stand in a line at the opposite end.

How to play:

1. The group shouts: “What time is it, Mr. Wolf?”

2. The Wolf calls out a time, e.g., “3 o’clock!”

3. The players take that many steps forward (3 steps in this example).

4. This continues, with the Wolf calling out different times.

5. At any moment, the Wolf can shout “Dinner time!” and turn to chase the players.

6. Everyone must run back to the starting line. If the Wolf tags someone, that player becomes the new Wolf.

Tips to Make It More Fun

• Silly Steps: Instead of normal steps, players can hop, tiptoe, or waddle like animals.

• Backward Time: If the Wolf says “Back in time!”, players must step backwards.

• Freeze Rule: If someone moves before the Wolf calls out the time, they must go back to the start.

• Group Chase: Two Wolves can team up for double the fun.

Older Kids’ Version (Ages 9–12)

Want to make What Time Is It, Mr. Wolf? more challenging? Try these twists:

• Double Numbers: The Wolf can call two times at once (“2 o’clock and 5 o’clock”) and players must choose which to follow—wrong choice means back to the start.

• Silent Wolf: Instead of shouting, the Wolf uses hand signals for the numbers. Players must pay attention and count carefully.

• Speed Dinner: When “Dinner time!” is called, the Wolf has only 5 seconds to tag someone before the round resets.

• Safe Zone: Add a halfway “safe spot” where players can rest for one turn, but only if the Wolf allows them to stay.

These twists keep older kids thinking quickly, staying sharp, and moving fast.

Healthy August Tip

This game mixes running with listening skills. You’ll sprint, stop, and change direction quickly, which makes your heart and lungs stronger. Plus, the excitement of escaping the Wolf gives you a fun burst of energy!