Do you remember the thrill of playing outside at night as a child, with the stars twinkling above and the darkness adding an air of mystery to your adventures? Playing night games is a timeless tradition that offers endless opportunities for fun, excitement, and bonding with friends and family. Whether you're playing a classic game like hide and seek or inventing your own new game, there's something truly magical about the experience of playing games under the cover of darkness. Let's explore the joys and benefits of playing night games, and share some of my favorite games and tips for making the most of your after-dark adventures. So grab a flashlight, gather your friends, and let's dive into the world of night games!
Flashlight Tag - Flashlight tag, also known as spotlight, is a classic outdoor game that is played at night. The game is usually played with a group of friends or family members and involves one person being "it" and carrying a flashlight. The other players try to avoid being tagged by the person who is "it" by hiding in the darkness or behind objects. If a player is tagged with the beam of light from the flashlight, they become "it" and the game continues. The game can be played in different variations, with different rules and objectives, depending on the group's preferences. Flashlight tag is a great way to enjoy the outdoors at night while getting exercise and having fun with friends and family.
Ghost in the graveyard - Ghost in the graveyard is a classic nighttime game that is typically played outdoors with a group of friends or family members. The game involves one person being designated as the "ghost," and the other players hiding while the ghost counts to a predetermined number, usually 10 or 20. After counting, the ghost must go and try to find the hidden players. If the ghost finds a player, they must yell "ghost in the graveyard" and the other players must race back to a designated "safe zone" before the ghost tags them. If the ghost tags a player, that player becomes the new ghost for the next round. However, if all the players make it back to the safe zone without being tagged, the ghost has to stay the ghost for the next round. The game can be made more challenging by having multiple ghosts, or by adding obstacles to the playing area. Ghost in the graveyard is a fun and exciting way to spend an evening with friends and family, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
9 Square - 9 Square is an outdoor game that is played with a large inflatable or metal frame that is divided into nine smaller squares. Each player stands in their own square, and the objective of the game is to eliminate players from other squares by bouncing a ball into their square. The rules are, Set up the frame and divide into nine squares, with each player standing in their own square. The player in the center square starts the game by bouncing the ball into one of the other squares. The player in that square must hit the ball into another square, and so on. If a player fails to hit the ball into another square, they are eliminated and must leave the game.Variations of the game include adding rules such as no holding the ball or no hitting the ball with the same hand twice in a row. 9 Square is even more fun in the dark if you use a blacklight!
Firefly - Firefly is a fun and active outdoor game that is played with a group of people. The game is typically played in the dark or in low light conditions and requires at least 4 players. The objective of the game is to capture the other team's "fireflies" by shining a flashlight on them. To start the game, players are divided into two teams, and each team is given a set of glow sticks or LED lights that represent their "fireflies". The teams then hide their fireflies in a designated playing area, while the other team counts to a predetermined number. After the countdown, the teams try to find and capture the other team's fireflies by shining a flashlight on them. When a player shines their flashlight on an opposing team's firefly, they must bring it back to their team's home base without being tagged by the opposing team. If they are tagged, they must return the firefly to its original hiding spot. The game continues until one team has captured all of the other team's fireflies, or until a predetermined time limit is reached. Firefly is a great way to enjoy the outdoors at night while getting exercise and having fun with friends and family.
Fugitive - Fugitive is an outdoor game that is played with a large group of people. The game is typically played in a large open area, such as a park or playground, and requires at least 8 players. The objective of the game is for the "fugitives" to make it from one end of the playing area to the other without being caught by the "hunters". To start the game, two teams are formed: the "fugitives" and the "hunters". The fugitives are given a head start and must run from one end of the playing area to the other, while the hunters try to catch them. The fugitives can run, hide, or use any other means necessary to avoid being caught. The hunters must stay together and work as a team to catch the fugitives. If a hunter catches a fugitive, they must hold them until another hunter arrives to assist in the capture. Once a fugitive is caught, they become a hunter for the rest of the game. The game continues until all of the fugitives have been caught, or until a predetermined time limit is reached. Fugitive is a great way to get exercise and have fun with friends and family, and it can be played in different variations with different rules and objectives depending on the group's preferences. Being a fugitive is more fun if you play in the dark!
Playing night games can be a fun and exciting way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors. From classic games like flashlight tag and ghost in the graveyard to newer games like 9 Square and Firefly, there are plenty of options to choose from. Night games can bring people of all ages together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Additionally, playing night games can provide a unique and memorable experience that is sure to be talked about for years to come. So why not gather some friends, grab a flashlight, and head outside for a fun-filled night of games and laughter?
About the Author
A consistent contributor to PE health and game ideas. Nic has been writing for Castle Sports for 2 years.
