Passport to Play: Traditional Children’s Games from 6 Continents

The Power of Play

Play is a universal language. Before children learn to write or recite facts, they run, chase, mimic, and laugh. What’s remarkable is that despite differences in geography, language, and resources, kids across the world come up with games that reflect their culture, community, and creativity.

In this blog, we tour six continents through the lens of traditional children’s games. Each one introduces more than movement—it’s a peek into values, collaboration styles, and childhood joy across the globe. Plus, we’ve included printable passports so children can track their global game journey!

Educational Lens

From a learning science perspective, traditional games develop essential skills: motor coordination, rule-following, turn-taking, strategy, and even language. They often emerge organically within communities, making them powerful vehicles for cultural learning.

Game 1: “Kho Kho” (India, Asia)

Game Type: Chase and Tag

How to Play:

• Two teams sit in a line, facing alternating directions.
• One team chases, tagging runners by passing behind seated teammates.

Cultural Insight: Popular in Indian schools, Kho Kho emphasizes agility, teamwork, and non-verbal coordination.

Printable: Game rules + India map + Kho Kho vocabulary sheet.

Game 2: “Catch the Dragon’s Tail” (China, Asia)

Game Type: Movement and Strategy

How to Play:

• Children form a line, holding the waist of the person in front.
• The head tries to tag the tail as the body moves to protect it.

Cultural Insight: Often played during festivals, this game mimics the motion of a dragon—a powerful symbol of strength and unity in Chinese culture.

Game 3: “Luta de Galo” (Brazil, South America)

Game Type: Balance and Tactics

How to Play:

• Each player has a cloth tail tucked into their waistband.
• Hopping on one foot, they try to grab their opponent’s tail without losing theirs.

Cultural Insight: Named after rooster fights, the game teaches balance, strategy, and fair competition.

Game 4: “El Gato y el Ratón” (Spain, Europe)

Game Type: Circle and Chase

How to Play:

• Children form a circle with one child inside (ratón) and one outside (gato).
• The cat must catch the mouse, who weaves in and out of the circle.

Cultural Insight: This game reflects narrative storytelling and character roles, common in Spanish oral traditions.

Game 5: “Mu Torere” (New Zealand, Oceania)

Game Type: Strategy Board Game (Maori origin)

How to Play:

• Played on a star-shaped board with stones.
• The goal is to trap the opponent’s piece through positioning.

Cultural Insight: A thoughtful, meditative game that introduces children to Maori symbols and strategic thinking.

Game 6: “Three Tin Cans” (Ghana, Africa)

Game Type: Target and Teamwork

How to Play:

• Stack three cans in a triangle.
• One team throws a ball to knock them down; the other team rebuilds and defends.

Cultural Insight: A popular schoolyard game that builds quick decision-making and physical coordination.

Bonus: Antarctic-Themed Challenge (Creative Improv)

Since Antarctica lacks an indigenous culture, create a cold-climate challenge:

• Waddle relay races (penguin-style!)
• Ice-block balancing acts

Encourages creativity and environmental awareness.

Printable Resource

Download the Kids’ Global Game Passport (PDF) — includes passport template, game rules from each continent, and cultural trivia.

Beyond Fun: Raising Global Players

Each game is more than a pastime—it’s a glimpse into another way of thinking, moving, and relating to others. When kids try these traditional games, they not only build gross motor skills but also grow their sense of empathy and world awareness.

So stamp their play passports, and let the global adventure begin—one joyful game at a time.