13 Schoolyard Games from the ’50s and ’60s That Today’s Kids Wouldn’t Recognize
Back in the 1950s and ‘60s, recess was the highlight of the school day. With no smartphones or video games, kids had to get creative, filling playgrounds with laughter, energy, and fierce competition. These games were simple, thrilling, and unforgettable, yet many have disappeared from modern playgrounds.
From high-speed chases to strategic showdowns, these classic schoolyard games were once the heart of childhood fun. Let’s step back in time and remember 13 playground favorites that would leave today’s kids totally confused!
1. Red Rover
“Red Rover, Red Rover, send [Name] right over!” This game was equal parts strategy and brute force. Two teams lined up, arms locked, daring a chosen player to break through their linked hands.
Why did kids love it? The thrill of charging forward at full speed, testing both teamwork and toughness. Though safety concerns have all but banned Red Rover from today’s playgrounds, it once reigned supreme.
2. Kick the Can
This game was a clever blend of tag and hide-and-seek, with one goal—kick the can before being caught! The “guard” had to protect the can while players tried to sneak in and send it flying.
Why was it special? It fostered teamwork, stealth, and quick thinking. As screens and structured sports took over, this once-beloved game faded into the past.
3. Marbles
Marbles was part game, part collectible obsession. Players flicked their marbles, aiming to knock others out of a drawn circle. Kids competed for rare and colorful marbles, swapping and strategizing like pro traders.
Today, video games have replaced this old-school pastime, but for generations, marbles were playground gold.
4. Duck Duck Goose
Seated in a circle, kids waited in nervous excitement as the tapper circled them, whispering “Duck… duck… duck… GOOSE!” The chosen “goose” then had to leap up and chase the tapper before they could take their seat.
Why did kids love it? The suspense of being picked kept everyone engaged, and the burst of speed made it endlessly fun.
Though it’s still played in some places, structured P.E. programs have largely replaced these classic games.
5. Capture the Flag
This high-energy game required speed, teamwork, and clever tactics. Two teams each had a flag, and the goal was to capture the opponent’s while protecting your own.
Why did it rule the playground? It was a real-life adventure, with kids devising plans, sneaking past guards, and pulling off epic escapes.
Today’s kids might find it too low-tech, but Capture the Flag was once the gold standard for recess fun.
6. Hopscotch
Hopscotch required nothing more than chalk and a small stone. Kids hopped through numbered squares, avoiding the lines and retrieving their marker.
This game was great because it combined balance, coordination, and a touch of competition, making it a staple of playgrounds everywhere.
Though you can still spot hopscotch grids here and there, fewer kids play it today—but back in the day, it was a daily ritual.
7. Jacks
This game involved bouncing a small ball and scooping up tiny metal jacks before the ball landed.
Why this game was so addictive? Well, it required speed, precision, and hand-eye coordination, with levels getting progressively harder.
Sadly, video games have replaced this simple yet competitive game, but for generations, it was a must-play at recess.
8. Four Square
Using a rubber ball and a grid drawn on the pavement, Four Square was part tennis, part dodgeball. Players had to bounce the ball into each other’s squares, aiming to eliminate opponents and claim the “king” square.
Why did it rule? It was a game of strategy and reflexes, but most importantly, it was fast and fun.
Today, organized sports dominate playgrounds, pushing this recess favorite into obscurity.
9. Cops and Robbers
A twist on tag, Cops and Robbers turned kids into criminal masterminds and relentless pursuers. Robbers hid, while cops tried to track them down and bring them to “jail”.
Kids loved this game because it was part storytelling, part high-speed chase, and every round was different.
These days, games with set rules and objectives have taken over, but back then, recess felt like a blockbuster action movie.
10. Double Dutch
Double Dutch was not for beginners—it involved two jump ropes turning in opposite directions while players tried to jump in, keep rhythm, and show off tricks.
The rhythm, the teamwork, and the incredible moves made this game a recess spectacle.
While still popular in some urban areas, few kids today have mastered the art of Double Dutch.
11. Tetherball
A ball, a pole, and two players determined to wind it around their way—Tetherball was a fierce one-on-one duel of strength and precision.
Why did kids love it? It was simple but intense, with bragging rights on the line.
Once a playground staple, many schools removed Tetherball due to safety concerns, but it remains a nostalgic favorite.
12. Blind Man’s Bluff
In this game, one child was blindfolded and had to tag others using only their sense of hearing.
The excitement and unpredictability made this game a favorite, especially when players tried to stay silent to avoid getting caught.
Concerns about safety and fairness have largely pushed this game into history, but it was once a schoolyard favorite.
13. Stickball
Finally, Stickball was the ultimate DIY sport—all you needed was a broomstick and a rubber ball to turn any street into a baseball field.
Why was it great? It was accessible to everyone, fostering a love of sports without the need for expensive equipment.
Today, with organized sports and high-tech gear, stickball has become a relic of the past.