Time: Your Child’s Best Gift

Duck, Duck, Goose

A lively and beloved children’s game, Duck, Duck, Goose involves suspense, choice, and a fun chase, perfect for group play.

Print Instructions

Equipment Needed

No equipment required.

Step 1- Choose ‘It’

Before forming a circle, select one player to start as 'It.'

Step 2-Form a Circle

Players, excluding 'It,' sit in a circle, facing inward.

Step 3- The Call

'It' walks around the outside of the circle, tapping each player's head and saying 'Duck' with each tap.

Step 4- Choosing the ‘Goose’

At their discretion, 'It' taps a player and says 'Goose.'

Step 5- The Chase

Upon calling 'Goose,' 'It' can run in any direction around the circle. The chosen 'Goose' gets up and chases 'It' in the same direction.

Step 6- Taking a Seat

'It' tries to circle back and sit in the 'Goose's' vacant spot before being tagged. If 'It' succeeds, the 'Goose' becomes the new 'It.'

Follow

The Rules

Rule 1

While walking and saying 'Duck,' 'It' must walk, not run.

Rule 2

Once 'It' says 'Goose' and chooses the new 'Goose,' both 'It' and the 'Goose' may run around the circle.

Rule 3

The chase should proceed in the direction 'It' initially chooses when they start running.

Have Extra Fun With Our

Game Variations

Speedy Goose

Multiple Ducks and Geese

Handicap Variation

Implement a rule where the 'It' & 'Goose' must run around the circle twice before sitting down.

Have more than one 'It' and 'Goose' for larger groups.

To even the playing field, especially when older or faster players are involved, these players can sit on their hands or perform another action that mildly impedes their ability to stand quickly (such as tie laces together), giving younger players a fair chance.

Benefits of Playing

Duck, Duck, Goose

Benefit 1

Encourages active physical play and coordination.

Benefit 2

Enhances quick decision-making and reflexes.

Benefit 3

Fosters social interaction and turn-taking.

YouTube

Watch How To Play