How to Play the Pickle Game

While it is not entirely clear what hurling socks at each other has to do with pickles, this is definitely an outdoor winner

This high energy version of dodgeball is a great way to get kids moving outside. You can play this game with things that you probably already have around the house, and it is good for hours of outdoor fun. Pickle is also a great way to let siblings work out their aggression in a nonviolent way that actually compels them to play together.

Things You'll Need

• Two bases (door mats or kitchen rugs work well)
• Sock ball
• Two catchers gloves

Instructions

1. Place the two rugs at least 20 feet apart for bases. If you are playing with older children, then the bases can be even farther apart than this.

2. Select two people to be "it." These people will each stand in front of a base and toss the ball back and forth to each other. Their goal is to hit one of the other players in the middle with the ball so that the player will become "it" and the previous person who was "it" gets to play in the middle.

3. Divide the rest of the players into two groups. One group will start on one base and the other group will start from the other base. The goal is to not get hit with the ball.

4. Have the players run back and forth from one base to the other. They do not have to run in a straight line, but you cannot return to a base until you have touched the opposite base. The only way to get tagged is to be hit with the ball. Tagging with hands does not count.

5. Allow the game to continue until everyone is too tired to run anymore. You can also play to a goal, such as stopping when everyone has been "it" once.