01Gather Your Equipment

  • To play Kick the Can, you will need the following:
  • - A large can
  • - An open outdoor area with plenty of hiding spots
  • - A soft ball or object to use as the 'can kicker'
  • - Optional: flashlights for playing at night

02Set Up the Playing Area

  • Choose a wide and open outdoor space for your game.
  • Designate a 'jail' area where captured players will wait.
  • Place the can in the center of the playing area.
  • Establish boundaries for the game to ensure everyone stays within a certain area.

03Determine the Roles

  • Choose one person to be the 'can keeper'. This person will guard the can.
  • The remaining players will be 'hiders'. Their goal is to avoid being tagged by the can keeper and reach the can without getting caught.

04Start the Game

  • The can keeper stands by the can and closes their eyes, counting to a predetermined number (e.g., 30). This gives the hiders time to find their hiding spots.
  • While the can keeper counts, the hiders scatter and hide throughout the playing area.
  • Once the can keeper finishes counting, they shout, 'Ready or not, here I come!'. The game officially begins!

05Capture and Rescue

  • The can keeper's objective is to spot and tag the hiders.
  • If a hider is tagged by the can keeper, they are 'captured' and must go to jail.
  • Other hiders can attempt to 'rescue' captured players from jail by kicking the can without getting caught by the can keeper.
  • To successfully rescue a player, the rescuer must kick the can and say the captured player's name without being tagged.
  • If the rescuer is caught, they join the captured player in jail.
  • The game continues until all hiders are captured or someone successfully kicks the can.

06Game Variations

  • Kick the Can is a versatile game, and you can modify the rules to make it more challenging or interesting.
  • Here are a few variations you can try:
  • - Multiple cans: Use multiple cans and designate them as 'safe zones'. Hiders can temporarily avoid being captured by reaching a can.
  • - Time limit: Set a time limit for the game. If the can keeper doesn't capture all the hiders within the time limit, the hiders win.
  • - Teams: Divide players into teams. The can keeper and hiders can take turns playing the different roles.
  • - Nighttime version: Play Kick the Can in the dark using flashlights. It adds an extra element of excitement and suspense.

Conclusion

Kick the Can is a timeless game that provides hours of outdoor fun. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or introducing it to a new generation, it's guaranteed to create laughter and excitement. So gather your friends, grab a can, and let the games begin!

MethodsDetails
Gather Your EquipmentGet a large can, find an open outdoor area, and collect a soft ball or object.
Set Up the Playing AreaChoose a wide space, place the can in the center, and establish boundaries.
Determine the RolesAssign someone as the can keeper and the rest as hiders.
Start the GameThe can keeper counts while the hiders find hiding spots. When the counting is done, the game begins.
Capture and RescueThe can keeper tries to tag hiders, while the hiders try to kick the can without getting caught.
Game VariationsTry different variations of the game to add new challenges and excitement.
kick the can
outdoor game
hide-and-seek
tag
group game