Home >> Games & Cards >> Kids Games

Sport Activities & Games Like Double Dutch

Double Dutch is a jump roping game that allows players to turn two ropes at the same time. One player or more can jump into the ropes while they are turning. The players can either jump in one by one or altogether. This sport traces back to ancient Phoenician, Egyptian and Chinese times, according to the National Double Dutch League's website. In addition to Double Dutch, there are alternatives to this entertaining jump roping game for kids to enjoy.

Rubber Band Rope Jumping
- This jump roping game originated in China, according to Topis Online Magazine. It helps children practice their jumping, coordination and social skills, all at once. For this game, you need enough rubber bands to make two jump ropes. Any size rubber band is sufficient. Take the first rubber band, wrap it around the second rubber band and make a knot. Do the same for the rest of the rubber bands until you have a jump rope long enough for the person to jump over. At least three people can play this game together. Two players should be holding the jump rope near the floor by their ankles. (Their ankles would be in one of the loops.) The third player should jump into the bands and stand on one side of it, while trying to bring both of the bands together. Then, the player should jump again, this time with the bands separate. The player should try jumping a third time to the middle of the rubber bands and back outside of it.
High Water Low Water
- This game teaches children about motor and language skills as they learn how to jump rope. For this game, you need to have a long jump rope. Use two players to hold the ends of the jump rope low so that it hits the ground. Have the rest of the players form a line in order to take turns jumping over the rope. Raise the rope a little higher as each child gets a turn. After each round of High Water Low Water, raise the rope even higher. By playing this game, children can think of creative ways of jumping over the rope without touching it. If the rope is too high for some players, have them bend underneath it instead. Any player who touches the rope ends up holding one end the rope for the other players.
All Together
- For this game, you should have one large jump rope and at least five to seven players. Two players must hold the ends of the jump rope, while the others jump into the rope. Have players jump into the rope one at the time. As each one enters the rope, everyone should chant, "All, all, all," until the last player is in the jump rope. Say the following chant and have players jump out of the rope by their birthday month: "All, all, all, all in together, any kind of weather. I see a teacher looking out the window. Ding dong, fire a bell. January, February, March..."

Kids Games