Kick the Can

Kick the Can

A fast-paced hiding game where participants hide while one person is 'it'.

  • 6+ years
  • Group size: 4+
  • Duration: 30 min
  • Tag
  • Nature playground
  • Folk game
  • Mountains, forests and fields
  • Open space
  • Boxes
  • Ball

An empty tin can or ball is placed in the middle of a large circle. Participants gather around the can. One participant is chosen to be 'it'. Another kicks the can hard away. While 'it' runs to retrieve the can and then counts to fifty, the others run and hide.

Every time 'it' spots someone, they must run back to the can and shout the name, for example: 'Alex on the can!'. Those who are caught can be freed: a participant who has not been caught can run to the can and kick it far away. 'It' must then retrieve the can and count to fifty again before they can search for the others.

It's a good idea to keep an eye on the rotation of who is 'it'. If someone is 'it' for a long time and struggles to catch the others, you can switch at a natural opportunity. Adults are welcome to participate in the game.