How to Play Hide and Seek

Players take turns hiding and trying to get to home base without being caught.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Play with at least three children.

2. Select an area in which to play the game. Designate a specific area with clear boundaries.

3. Have everyone gather around a tree or other landmark, which will be "home base."

4. Announce that you are "It."

5. Close your eyes (no peeking!) and count to 10 or 20 or whatever number seems appropriate based on the ages of the children playing.

6. Make sure that the rest of the players hide while you are counting.

7. Call out, "Ready or not here I come," when you are finished counting.

8. Go and look for the other players.

9. Be alert, because, as you are searching, the others are trying to run to home base.

10. Try to find and touch, or "tag," the hidden players.

11. Try, at the same time, to tag the running players before they get to home base.

12. Forget about the players who get to home base without being tagged, because they are "safe."

13. Remember the first player you tag. That person will be It in the next round.

14. Be It again if you don't tag any of the players and they all get home safe.

Tips & Warnings

• This game is best played outside.
• Make sure the players know that tagging means simply touching another player, not tackling him or her.

on 11/22/2005 If you are in deep woods where camoflauge, stay low, and be quiet.