How to Play Kick the Can {with a DIY Can}

Summer’s approaching and it’s a great time to teach the kids some traditional games and encourage a little outdoor time!  If your kids don’t know how to play kick the can, here’s a quick tutorial plus some inspiration for a DIY can.  No one will miss this orange can when they’re running in for the kick!

I remember lying in bed as a young girl, listening to our older neighbors play Kick the Can in the warm summer evenings.  If you don’t know how to play, it’s a simple and fun game and it’s a great way to get the kids outside and off electronics.

Place your can in a large area and pick someone to be “it”.  Choose an area to be the jail.  It should be close to the can but not blocking it.  The person who is “it” counts to fifty while the other players hide.  When he finishes counting, “it” tries to find and tag the players.  When they’re tagged, they go to jail.  Any of the free players can sneak in to kick the can, freeing the jailed players.  If “it” catches all the players, the game is over.  Fun, huh?

And even better if you have a cute little can to kick!  To make your can, simply spray paint an empty tin can {be sure the raw edges aren’t sharp … you can run a line of hot glue along the raw edge to ensure it won’t cut little fingers}.  When the paint is dry, you can add a target and some text.  I cut vinyl with my Silhouette but you could also paint it on.

Do your kids play Kick the Can?  I’d love to hear your favorite traditional games.

For more traditional game ideas and DIY projects to go with them, be sure to check out this fun marble holster …

… hopscotch with DIY sidewalk chalk …

… and jacks with an easy drawstring bag!