Cat and Mouse

Cat and Mouse

A traditional chasing and catching game.

  • 3-10 years
  • Group size: 6+
  • Duration: 20 min
  • Tag
  • Folk game
  • Mountains, forests and fields
  • Gym / Sports hall
  • Open space

Everyone stands in a circle, except for one child who is the cat and one who is the mouse. The mouse starts inside the circle, the cat outside. Those in the circle should help the mouse by preventing the cat from entering, and by opening up so the mouse can slip in and out of the circle. The cat constantly tries to catch the mouse, while the circle works to protect it.

The game continues until the mouse is caught. When the mouse is caught, two new children get to be the cat and the mouse.

It can be a good idea to 'help' the cat occasionally, for example by opening up the circle a little, to create excitement and speed in the game.