Do you know these kinds of tag? The rules and how to play various versions of tag
Did you know that the classic children’s game “tag” actually has many different ways to play? By tweaking the rules a bit—like with Color Tag, Freeze Tag, or Shadow-Stepping Tag—you can enjoy a fresh twist on the usual game.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of tag games that kids can’t get enough of, along with their rules and how to play.
It’s packed with versions you can enjoy in the schoolyard, at the park, or even indoors! Not just for kids—adults can have fun too! Why not try these lively tag games together and get the whole group excited?
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Do you know these kinds of tag? Various tag rules and how to play (1–10)
Tickle demon
Let me introduce “Tickle Tag,” a game kids can enjoy with friends or with their parents.
First, decide who will run away and who will be “It.” Once roles are set, try to avoid getting caught by “It.” Up to this point it’s just like regular tag, but the real fun starts after someone is caught.
When “It” catches a runner, give them a big hug.
Among friends it’s sure to spark laughter, and with a parent or guardian it can be a great way to communicate and bond.
If you’re playing Tickle Tag with a small child, it’s also fun for the parent or guardian to take the runner’s role.
can-kicking tag
Prepare an empty can and let’s play “Kick the Can” tag.
First, choose one person to be “It,” then have one of the other children kick the empty can.
Place the can inside a circle drawn on the ground and give it a good kick.
While “It” is picking up the can and returning it to its original spot, the children can hide.
Try to hide where “It” won’t see you, like behind buildings or trees.
When “It” spots someone hiding, they say, “I found you, [name]!” and step on the can.
Anyone unlucky enough to be found is caught by “It” and must wait inside the circle.
But there’s a chance for rescue: if a hidden child kicks the can while “It” is searching, the captured children are freed and can run away.
It’s a fun game where the outcome—whether “It” wins or the kids win—keeps things exciting.
Cops and Robbers
Kids of different ages sometimes play together, right? Some games are hard to play together because the rules are complicated or physical abilities differ.
But Cops and Robbers (Keidoro) is a game that a wide range of ages can enjoy.
First, split into robbers and police.
It’s a good idea to make the robber team larger.
The police count to 10 while the robbers run away.
When the police finish counting, they go after the fleeing robbers.
Robbers tagged by the police are put in jail, but they can call for help from teammates who haven’t been caught yet.
If a teammate tags a jailed robber, that robber is freed and can start running again.
If the police catch all the robbers, the police win; if any robbers manage to keep escaping, the robbers win.
Keidoro is a game where the outcome keeps you on edge every time you play.
Do you know these kinds of tag? Rules and how to play various tag games (11–20)
Tag, child-catching demon (a variant of tag called “Kotorooni”/“Kotoro-oni”).
It’s a game played with an “it” (oni) and a line of children.
In regular tag, you run away so you don’t get caught by the tagger, right? In Kotorogui, the oni targets the child at the end of a single-file line.
The oni moves to try to tag the last child with a ball.
The child at the front of the line spreads their arms to guard the last child from the oni.
It’s surprisingly strenuous, making it perfect for kids who want to be active.
As the line gets longer, it becomes easier for the oni to exploit gaps in the guard.
Ice tag
In the game of Ice Oni (Freeze Tag), any child who is tagged by the Oni (it) freezes solid like ice and can’t move.
In some regions it’s also called “Katatamari Oni” (Freeze Oni) or “Stop Oni.” A frozen player is revived when another child tags them, and the game ends when everyone has been tagged.
High Tag
In parks and schoolyards, there are usually curbs, playground equipment, or other places you can climb.
In “Taka-oni” (high tag), there’s a rule that if someone is higher than ground level, the chaser can’t tag them.
Climb onto playground equipment or big rocks to escape the chaser.
If everyone stays up high, no one can be tagged, so try adding a rule like only being allowed to stay up high for up to 10 seconds.
Tag (growing variant)
At first, it starts as a regular game of tag, but even if the demon (it) chases a child and tags them, their roles don’t switch—the original demon stays the demon.
The simple rule is that being tagged just increases the number of demons.
The game keeps adding demons and doesn’t end until the last child is caught.
Being chased by a whole crowd of demons can be pretty scary, right?
