Mummy Races & Zombie Tag: Halloween-themed Gross Motor Games - post

As Halloween approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. This beloved holiday, filled with costumes, candy, and creative decorations, offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in #playful activities that promote physical fitness and social interaction.

While trick-or-treating is a staple of the season, incorporating Halloween-themed #gross-motor games can elevate the fun and keep kids active. These games not only enhance #gross-motor-skills but also encourage teamwork, creativity, and laughter among participants. 

Halloween-themed Gross Motor Games

Perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings, these Halloween-themed games will keep kids active and entertained.

Here are some fantastic Halloween-themed #gross-motor games to consider:

• Mummy Wrap Race:

  • Objective: Teams compete to wrap one member in toilet paper, transforming them into a mummy.
  • How to Play:
    • Divide kids into teams of two or more.
    • Each team selects one member to be the mummy.
    • Using a roll of toilet paper, teams race against each other to wrap their mummy completely.
    • The first team to finish wrapping their mummy wins!
  • Skills Developed: Coordination, teamwork, and #speed.

• Zombie Tag:

  • Objective: A classic game of tag with a spooky twist.
  • How to Play:
    • Choose one or two players to be "zombies" while the rest are "survivors."
    • Zombies try to tag survivors, turning them into zombies.
    • The last survivor remaining wins the game.
  • Skills Developed: Agility, speed, and strategic thinking.

• Pumpkin Bowling:

  • Objective: Knock down "pins" using small pumpkins.
  • How to Play:
    • Set up plastic bottles or cones as bowling pins.
    • Use small pumpkins as bowling balls.
    • Players take turns rolling their pumpkins to knock down the pins.
  • Skills Developed: Hand-eye coordination and balance.

• Creepy Crawly Obstacle Course:

  • Objective: Navigate through a series of Halloween-themed obstacles.
  • How to Play:
    • Set up an obstacle course using items like hula hoops, cones, and soft toys.
    • Incorporate Halloween elements like crawling under "spider webs" (string) or jumping over "grave markers" (boxes).
    • Time each child as they complete the course, encouraging them to improve their time.
  • Skills Developed: Gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.

• Ghostly Freeze Dance:

  • Objective: Dance to music and #freeze when it stops.
  • How to Play:
    • Play Halloween-themed music and let the kids dance #freely.
    • When the music stops, everyone must freeze in place.
    • Anyone caught moving is out until the next round.
  • Skills Developed: Rhythm, balance, and listening skills.

• Witch Hat Ring Toss:

  • Objective: Toss rings onto witch hats.
  • How to Play:
    • Set up witch hats at varying distances.
    • Players take turns tossing rings (or glow sticks) onto the hats.
    • Award points for each successful toss, with further hats worth more points.
  • Skills Developed: Hand-eye coordination and precision.

These Halloween-themed gross motor games not only provide a fun way for children to stay active but also encourage creativity and teamwork. Whether indoors or #outdoors, these activities are sure to bring joy and excitement to any Halloween celebration!

References

• https://organized31.com/kids-halloween-creepy-mummy-coffin/
• https://www.pinterest.com/pin/sugar-blossoms-halloween-mummy-wrap-race-game--106116134961996682/
• https://www.onionringsstudios.com/wolf-mummy-monster-halloween-tag/

Mummy Races

Mummy Races are perfect for Halloween gatherings, providing an active and entertaining way for kids to engage with one another while celebrating the spooky season.

How to Play Mummy Races

• Preparation:

  • Gather a sufficient amount of toilet paper rolls (at least 2-3 rolls per team).
  • Set up a clear start and finish line in a spacious area, either indoors or outdoors.

• Team Formation:

  • Divide the players into teams of 3-5 participants.
  • Each team selects one member to be the "mummy" for the race.

• Wrapping the Mummy:

  • On the signal, teams will have a set amount of time (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to wrap their chosen "mummy" in toilet paper.
  • The goal is to wrap the mummy from head to toe while ensuring that the toilet paper stays intact.

• The Race:

  • Once the wrapping is complete, the mummies must race to the finish line.
  • Team members can assist their mummy by cheering them on or helping them navigate the course, but they cannot physically assist in moving.

• Winning the Game:

  • The first mummy to cross the finish line, fully wrapped and intact, wins the race for their team.
  • Consider offering fun prizes for the winning team, such as Halloween-themed goodies or certificates.

Tips for a Successful Mummy Race

• Safety First: Ensure the racing area is free of obstacles to prevent tripping.
• Encourage Creativity: Allow teams to come up with fun names for their mummies or even decorate them with additional Halloween accessories.
• Capture the Moment: Have a camera ready to take pictures of the hilarious moments during the race, as the sight of toilet paper-wrapped mummies is sure to bring smiles.

Mummy Races are a fantastic way to get kids moving and laughing, making them a must-try activity for any Halloween celebration!

References

• https://www.onionringsstudios.com/wolf-mummy-monster-halloween-tag/
• https://www.playworks.org/resource/active-halloween-games-to-play/

Zombie Tag

Zombie Tag is an exhilarating twist on the classic game of tag that adds a spooky Halloween flair. In this game, one player takes on the role of a ''''zombie'''' while the other players act as survivors trying to evade being tagged. As the zombie tags players, they too become zombies, creating a thrilling chase that encourages active play and social interaction among kids. This game is perfect for both outdoor and indoor settings, making it a versatile choice for Halloween festivities.

How to Play Zombie Tag

• Setup:

  • Choose a spacious area, either indoors or outdoors, where players can run freely without obstacles.
  • Designate one or more players as zombies. The remaining players will be the survivors.

• Game Rules:

  • The zombies start with their arms outstretched, mimicking the classic zombie walk.
  • On a signal, the zombies attempt to tag the survivors with a light touch, often referred to as "butterfly fingers."
  • If a survivor is tagged, they immediately join the zombie team and help tag the remaining survivors.
  • The game continues until all players have been turned into zombies.

• Variations:

  • Time Limit: Set a timer for a certain duration, and see how many survivors can remain untagged within that time.
  • Safe Zones: Introduce #safe zones where survivors can rest for a few seconds but can only stay for a limited time.
  • Zombie Powers: Allow zombies to have special powers, such as a speed boost for a short duration, to make the game more dynamic.

Benefits of Zombie Tag

• Physical Activity: This game promotes running and agility, helping kids #develop their #gross-motor-skills.
• Social Interaction: Players must communicate and strategize to avoid being tagged, fostering teamwork and social skills.
• Creative Play: Kids can get creative with their zombie personas, adding an imaginative element to the game.

References

• https://www.4esnovelty.com/blogs/blog/halloween-party-game-ideas?srsltid=AfmBOoq16iaZBOuxRNVwFGtsRxxHGsjGuAmWoV6SvR92G4-y3kY5Ewoj
• https://www.pinterest.com/pin/sugar-blossoms-halloween-mummy-wrap-race-game--106116134961996682/
• https://www.weareteachers.com/halloween- #classroom-games-activities- #crafts/
• https://www.onionringsstudios.com/wolf-mummy-monster-halloween-tag/
• https://www.playworks.org/resource/active-halloween-games-to-play/
• https://chascrazycreations.com/fun-and-scary-halloween-games-for-kids-and-adults/

#developed