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Toddlers & Kids

Duck, Duck, Goose

The simplest chase game for young children. Requires no equipment and teaches taking turns.

Duck, Duck, Goose is the quintessential preschool playground game. Its enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and the sheer thrill of the chase. For young children, it is a vital tool for developing social skills like patience (waiting for your turn), sportsmanship (being okay with being "It"), and physical coordination. The rhythmic repetition of the "Duck" calls builds anticipation, culminating in the high-stakes moment of the "Goose" tag. It requires zero materials and can be played anywhere with a small group of kids. Itโ€™s the perfect "energy-burner" that also helps children practice basic boundary awareness and reaction time.
Players
5+
Duration
15 mins
Budget
Free
Mess Level
Low

Note:Zero mess. A purely physical game with no equipment.

๐Ÿ“‹What You Need

  • None required

Hungry Players? ๐Ÿ•

Planning the food for after the game? Don't guess! Use our free party tools to feed the crowd.

How to Play

1

Circle

Players sit in a circle. One person is "It".

2

Tap

"It" walks around tapping heads saying "Duck, Duck, Duck..."

3

Goose!

When they tap someone and say "Goose!", that person must chase "It" around the circle.

4

Safe

If "It" sits in the empty spot before being tagged, they are safe. The chaser becomes "It".

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Encourage kids to pick friends who haven't had a turn yet.
  • For extreme version: "Duck, Duck, GREY DUCK" (if you are from Minnesota).
  • Make sure the running path is clear of obstacles for safety.

Fun Variations to Try

โœจDrip, Drip, Drop

A summer version played with a wet sponge. The "It" person squeezes a little water on "Ducks" and pours the whole sponge on the "Goose"!

โœจAnimal Sounds

Instead of Duck and Goose, use other animals. For example, "Cat, Cat, DOG!" The chaser must bark while running.

Common Questions (FAQ)

QWhat is the minimum age for this game?

Children as young as 2 or 3 can play, as long as they understand the basic concept of sitting in a circle and chasing.

QHow do we stop one person from being "It" too long?

Set a rule that once you have been "It" and sat down, you cannot be picked as the "Goose" again until everyone else has had a turn.
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Printable Asset

Duck, Duck, Goose

Free PDFA4/Letter

Includes high-quality rules, setup guide, and variation cards.
Perfect for hosting without a screen.