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Tag, You're It! 10 Variations of the Traditional Game of Tag

Tag is a classic childhood favorite and now that the warm weather has arrived you may be looking for some exciting alternatives to the traditional game. These variations are perfect for parties, picnics or just for fun. Don’t be afraid to add your own creative twist because that is what makes the game more fun and memorable.

Reverse Tag- Just as the name suggests, this variation of tag is played in a reverse manner than the original game of tag. Begin the game by choosing one player to be “it”, the remaining players count to 10 while “it” runs away. When finished counting the players must tag “it”, when they do, they become “it”.

Elbow Tag- You will need a minimum of 6 players for this game. Begin the game by choosing one player to be “it” and another player to be chased. The remaining players break in to pairs and link elbows (if there is an uneven number of players you can play in groups of 3). The player being chased can link elbows with a group at any time to avoid being tagged, the player on the end must break off and they become the new “it”.

Bandage Tag- Choose one player to be “it” to begin the game. When “it” tags a player they become “it” and must hold their hands where they were tagged to “bandage” it. Players can make one another look really silly by tagging them in silly places.

Pizza Tag- One player is chosen to be the “Chef”, when they tag a person they must call out a pizza topping. When players are tagged they must recite each pizza topping that was called, if they fail to do so they are eliminated from the game. The game is played until there is only on player remaining, who become the new “Chef” for the next round.

Rainbow Tag- One player is chosen to be a “rainbow catcher” and the remaining players are assigned a color of the rainbow. When everybody has been assigned a role, the players assigned colors line up at one end of the play area and the rainbow catcher stands at the opposite side. The rainbow catcher calls out a color, the players who have been assigned that color must try and run past the catcher without being tagged. The players who are tagged become new “rainbow catchers” and try to tag the remaining players the next round. Randomly, the catcher can call out “Rainbow!” and all players must run to the other side. The last person to be tagged become the new rainbow catcher.

Freeze Tag- To begin the game, choose one player to be “it”. When “it” tags a player they must freeze in place where they are unable to move. The only way the tagged player can become unfroze is to be tagged by another player. When every player has been tagged “it” gets to choose who “it” will be for the next game.

Amoeba Tag- One person is “it” or the “amoeba”, when a player is tagged they must join hands with “it” and help tag the other players. This game is played until each player has been tagged.

Tip: Chains should not be more than 6 players for safety reasons, if you are playing with a large crowd, have players break in to chains of three when a chain reaches six.

TV Tag- One player is chosen to be “it”. When players are about to be tagged they must sit down as quickly as possible and call out a TV character before getting tagged. If they player is not tagged first, “it” must run after a different player. When a player is tagged they become the new “it”.

Clothes Pin Tag- Each player will need 5 clothes pins pinned to the back of their shirts. The objective of the game is that players must take the other players clothes pins without losing their own. Player can only take one clothes pin from another player at a time. When a player loses all of their clothes they are eliminated. The last player wins.

Shadow Tag- this game is best played in the afternoon or early evening when shadows are long. Choose one player to be “it”, players are tagged when “it” steps on their shadow. When tagged the player becomes “it”.