Games Kids Play, Clapping Games, Jump Rope Rhymes and Playground Songs
Playground games and jump rope songs are some of the most fun things I remember from when I was a kid. Decades later I can chant along and perform complex clapping patterns with friends who share those memories with me. The characters and tunes stay with you and when you least expect it, Ms. Lucy and her Steamboat and Miss Mary Mack are playing Down in the Valley while Cinderella Dressed in Yellow turns around with teddy bears.
These games, songs and clapping patterns have been passed from grade to grade, from kid to kid, camp to camp and school to school for generations. Some are regional favorites, but many are wide spread and can be heard on playgrounds throughout the United States. Share your favorites with us, and if you can have someone take a quick video while you show us how it’s done. I hope you enjoy this collection of kids games and childhood fun!
A Sailor Went To Sea
Another version of A Sailor Went To Sea A sailor went to Timbuktu To see what he could Timbuktu, But all that he could Timbuktu…
Avocado Clapping Game
“Avocado name of the game / if you mess up change your name” a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l,…
Double Double Clapping Game
Double double this this, Double double that that, Double this, Double that, Double double this that.
Spanish Dancer Jumps Rope
Not last night but the night before, Twenty-four robbers came knocking at my door I asked them what they wanted, And this is what they…
Do You Know How to Eat an Oreo? Clapping Game
(hands pressed together and tapped back and forth against the other person’s, then clapped on top and the bottom, then left hands held, right hand…
Cat’s Cradle String Game
Cat’s cradle is a series of string figures created and passed back and forth between two (or more) people as a game. The name of…
Apple On A Stick
Apple on a stick Makes me sick Makes my heart beat Two forty six Not because it’s dirty, Not because it’s clean, Not because I…
Quaker’s Meeting
Kids sit in a circle facing each other. Chant together… Quaker’s meeting has begun no more laughing no more fun if you show your teeth…
Had a Little Race Car 1969
Had a little race car 1969 Took it around the coooooo-rner! (continue saying ooo while the jumper in the middle runs out, runs around, and…
Popcorn
Popcorn, popcorn Pop it once, pop it twice Don’t let it burn Popcorn, popcorn Turn around, touch the ground Freeze! Submitted by, Kivia B. from…