1 rope, 8 fun jump rope games
There are so many uses for skipping ropes, aside from jumping. A skipping rope is one of those pieces of equipment that checks all the boxes: it’s inexpensive, multipurpose, can be used by toddlers AND octogenarians, it’s transportable, and it can be used indoors or out. Not to mention, research indicates that jumping rope regularly can improve balance and coordination.
Check out the following jump rope games when you’re trying to come up with some new, fun ideas.
Jump rope games for kids in groups
When you’ve got a group of kids together, jump rope games are an excellent way to get them moving, working together, and having fun. With these games, kids can take turns jumping, counting out rhythms, and even competing in friendly team challenges, while improving their coordination and teamwork skills. They won’t even realize they’re building skills while playing!
1. Slithery snake
My kids LOVED this game and would request that we play it over and over. It’s perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and anyone wanting some hopping fun.
Have one person hold the skipping rope on the ground and wiggle it slowly or quickly depending on the age of the children. Have your child(ren) jump over the rope without getting touched by the “snake.”
2. Tug of war
Tug of war used to be an Olympic sport (honestly!) but now comes with no medals—unless you really want to give some out. The game teaches kids about team-building, compromising, and problem-solving.
Divide the kids into two teams with an equal number of kids on each. Wrap a piece of duct tape or tie a ribbon around the middle of the rope and draw a line on the ground. Teams each take an end of the rope and on the word “go,” pull the rope as hard as they can. The first team to pull the centre of the rope past the line on the ground is the winner. Make sure your rope is sturdy enough for tugging, and shake up the teams so that everyone can pull with everyone else.
3. Helicopter
Choose one person to be the “helicopter” and have the others stand in a circle around them.
The helicopter takes one end of a rope and spins it slowly around the circle on the ground. Kids have to jump over the rope each time it spins by them. If they touch the rope, they can either take be out, or have to do an action such as five jumping jacks or three frog jumps.
4. High (or not too high) jump
Have two people hold a rope very low to the ground, one at either end. Can your child(ren) jump over the rope without touching it? Raise the rope a little each time your child manages to make it over successfully.
Make sure that the rope is held loosely so if your child does touch the rope they won’t trip or fall.
5. Limbo
From “how high can they fly?” to “how low can you go?” Have two people hold a rope and have your child stand behind it. With fun music playing, have the kids bend backwards and pass under the rope without touching it. Once they’ve managed to pass under, lower the rope and have the kids try again.
Jump rope games kids can do alone
Sometimes you don’t have a group of friends to play with. No problem! These games are still loads of fun, and help kids build jump rope skills while playing. Check out these games that can be done alone, but can also be adapted for groups.
6. Dance ribbon
While kids can use any skipping rope as a “dance ribbon,” it’s extra fun to use a bright or multi-coloured rope. Fold the rope in two and have your child hold both handles of the rope or let them use the full length of the rope. There are no limits to your child’s imagination and the number of movements they can make with the rope.
Ensure they have lots of room (especially indoors where knick-knacks and other children could be the accidental targets of your child’s swinging fun)!
If your child is a bit stumped for ideas, show them how they could twirl the rope above their head or across their body in a swinging motion from side to side. They can dance, leap, and shimmy with not a care in the world! And if you’d like to put it to music, here’s a great dance party play list.
7. Balance beam
Have your child lay their skipping rope on the ground in a straight or curvy line. Can your child balance while walking backwards or forwards on the rope? Can they hop on one foot along it? Here’s a detailed explanation.
8. Shape maker
One of the greatest things about a rope is that it can be twisted and bent and zigzagged and curved in so many ways! How many shapes can your kid make with a rope? A rope can be shaped into a racetrack for cars and trucks to zoom along. It can be used to practice forming letters. Make a square, an oval, or a figure 8 and have your child jump in and out of it.
With a rope and a plan (or 8), your kids are bound to have fun indoors or out.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on October 29, 2021.
A suggestion for your High Jump game. Make a rope out of elastics by tying them together or purchase an elastic cord from the fabric store. It eliminates the trip hazard as the rope now moves with the child. It also allows you to have the rope go higher with the flexibility of the jumper pulling it down with their hand or leg. Us old-timers called this game “jumpsies”.
What great ideas for entertaining children with just one piece of equipment. Brilliant hints. Thank you very much.
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading, Lorna!