Fun Recreational Games for Middle Schoolers to Play

Tag

• Tag is a running and chasing game that will get middle schoolers outside and moving. There are multiple varieties of this game, including freeze tag, shadow tag and cartoon tag. All will keep this basic recreational game exciting. Once a child is tagged in freeze tag, they have to remain frozen in place until another player tags them back into the game. In shadow tag, the child who is "it" tries to tag other players out by stepping on their shadow. During cartoon tag, a player can avoid being touched by falling on their knees and shouting out the name of a cartoon character.

Dodge Ball

• Dodge ball is a classic recreational game for middle-school students that can be played outdoors or in a gym. This game requires two evenly manned teams and two or more soft balls for play. A line is drawn down the middle of a field or area and each team chooses a side. Once play is started, the teams throw balls across the line, trying to touch the other members of the team and put them out of the game. Players are out if they cross the line. The team that loses all of its players first loses the game.

Banana Relays

• Banana relay races promote physical activity and competition between children. Middle-school students are divided up into two or more evenly manned teams. Each team is given a banana. During the first relay, each team member takes turns holding the banana under an armpit while hopping on one leg down the course and back. The banana is passed to each child in turn to repeat this activity. The team that finishes first wins one point. Children have to hold the banana between their knees while walking during the second relay. The banana is used as a baton during the third race. The team with the most points wins the game.

Soccer

• Soccer is a great recreational activity for a large group of middle schoolers. This game is easy, fun and promotes teamwork and healthy competition. Teachers and physical education instructors can use this game during class time or kids can play during recess. All that is needed is a large area and a soccer ball. Kids divide up into two teams and designate a goal on either end of the area. A player on each team is chosen to be goalie and is in charge of protecting their team's goal. The other players move the ball toward the opposition's goal without using their hands. A point is scored when the ball lands in the goal zone.