It can be played indoors or outside, with young and old. Because of its versatility, hide-and-seek (or hide-and-go-seek) has been played by many generations of children.
AgesChildren (and adults) of all ages can enjoy this classic game.
Where to PlayAny area that offers hiding places and is not too hazardous is great for hide-and-seek.
How to PlayA spot is designated as "home," boundaries for hiding are set and one player is chosen to be "it." He or she counts to a predetermined number before calling out, "Ready or not, here I come!" When "it" sees someone hiding, he or she must run back to home base and call them out. The players can look for opportunities to come out of their hiding places and come in free. A traditional way of ending the game if players are still out is to call, "Ally, ally, in free" or "Come out, come out, whereever you are" or some variation thereof.
VariationsA simpler game is played without a home base. The game is won by being the last player to be found. In Chain Hide-and-Seek, players join hands with "it" when they are found. As the chain grows and becomes unwieldy, much laughter ensues. Sardines is a variation where "it" hides and all the other players look for "it." As each player finds "it," he or she joins the hiding place. As the game goes on, the searchers know that they are looking for a number of kids crammed into a small space!
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