Capture the Flag is a classic childhood game that burns lots of energy while also calling for strategy, teamwork and a bit of bravery. Whether you’re looking for a family game for the weekend or an activity for a group of kids at a party, an energetic game of Capture the Flag never fails to go down well.
The aim of the game is simple: capture the flag of the opposing team and get it back to your base without being tagged yourself. Here’s how to set it up and play.
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Setting Up the Game
First things first, you’ll need a large, safe area to play in. Divide the players into two teams and mark out a ‘zone’ for each team with clear boundaries.
Each team needs a ‘flag’ – this could be an old pillowcase, a scarf or a homemade poster. Every team hides their flag within their own zone. It should be partly visible so the other team has a chance of finding it, and once it’s placed, it can’t be moved. Be strategic about where you hide your flag – the further into your territory it is, the more running the opposing team will have to do. It’s also worth making it visible only from behind, so the other team has to come right into your zone to spot it.
Each team also needs a designated ‘jail’ area within their zone, along with one flag guard on duty to protect it.
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How to Play Capture the Flag
Once everything is set up, each team sends players into the opposing team’s zone to try to find their flag and bring it back to their own zone.
There are a few ways to approach this, but the key is strategy. Decide with your team whether you’ll rush the opposing zone all together to overwhelm them, or split into runners and scouts – letting the runners act as decoys and get caught, while the scouts slip through to find the flag.
If you’re tagged (caught by a player from the opposing team while you’re in their zone), you’re sent to jail.
Players in jail are freed once a teammate tags them. Decide before the game starts whether one rescuer can free all detainees at once, or only one at a time.
It’s a good idea to switch teams around after each round, so everyone gets a turn on a winning side.
Other Ways to Play
To extend the game, have each team hide multiple flags, all of which must be found and captured before the game ends.
If you’re playing on open ground with little cover for hiding, simply place the flag at the end of each zone and have each team run in to capture it. If a player is tagged, they must freeze on the spot until a teammate frees them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do you need to play Capture the Flag?
Capture the Flag works best with a decent-sized group, so the more the merrier. It’s a great choice for parties, family gatherings or school and community events where you have several kids to split into two even teams.
What do you need to play Capture the Flag?
Very little! You just need two flags (a pillowcase, scarf or homemade poster works fine for each), a large open space with clear boundaries, and enough players to make two teams.
Where’s the best place to play Capture the Flag?
Any large, safe outdoor space works – a back garden, local park or field. Look for an area with a mix of open ground and some natural cover, like bushes or trees, to make hiding the flag more interesting.
What happens if you get tagged in Capture the Flag?
If you’re tagged while in the opposing team’s zone, you’re sent to their jail. You stay there until a teammate sneaks in and tags you free, following whichever jail rules your group agreed on before starting.
More Games to Try
If your kids loved this one, they might also enjoy 20 Great Outdoor Childhood Games to Play With Your Child, Fun Outdoor Games for the Whole Family to Play Together, and 13 Fantastic Free and Low-Cost Garden Games for Kids.
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