Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
If your child loves the idea of flying and adventure sports, parachute games for kids are just what you need to expose them to. Children like to believe they can fly like their superheroes. And since the idea can be dangerous, some of us took to kite flying or even playing with parachutes as kids. Parachute flying is not easy or a real possibility for all but several parachute games and outdoor activities can help kids have a fun time. So, delve into this post for a list of amazing parachute games for your children.
19 Fun Parachute Games And Activities For Children
12 Parachute Games For Kids
Games that involve the use of a parachute exercise the child’s muscles while strengthening their arms and shoulders. Most importantly, parachute games develop team-building skills, which help the child to socialize and make new friends.
No matter what the age of your children is, they will surely enjoy these fun parachute games for kids. All they need is a parachute, and they’re good to go.
1. Parachute tug-of-war
Image: Shutterstock
This parachute game is super fun entertainment, providing recreation to children. It requires a parachute and more than four children.
- Divide the number of players into two teams.
- Ask the teams to stand on two sides of the parachute, holding it firmly.
- Begin the game on the count of 3.
- The task is to pull the opposite team onto their side.
- Whoever accomplishes this goal faster wins the game.
Infographic: Fun Parachute Games And Activities For Children
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
2. Parachute turtle
Image: Shutterstock
What if you could walk like a turtle? For this game, all you need is a parachute and a bunch of enthusiastic kids.
- The children have to space out evenly and hold the edges of the parachute.
- The task is to get inside the parachute, inflate it and give it the shape of a turtle’s shell.
- Once the children sit inside the chute, which now looks like a turtle’s shell, they must start walking slowly, just as a turtle would do.
- The challenge is not to disturb the shape of a turtle.
- If you have more than one team of kids to play this game, having a parachute turtle race would be a great idea too.
3. Parachute mushroom
Image: IStock
Like the earlier game, this game also requires only a parachute and a team of more than five players.
- The players must hold all the edges of the parachute.
- Select any two or three players to stand in the center of the parachute: they would be the stem of the mushroom.
- The other children have to bring the edges, slightly inwards to resemble the cap of a mushroom.
- Voila! Your very own parachute mushroom is ready.
Once the mushroom is ready, see for how long they can hold it in shape.
Kendra Jones, a blogger, has some advice on setting up a parachute for a group of toddlers. She says, ”With a very large group, I feel it is safer and easier to manage if children are on top of the chute. Ask grownups to scoot back and spread the chute in the middle of the floor. This usually requires temporarily relocating toddlers, so I usually ask grownups to grab their children while we are spreading out the chute. I just move any stragglers myself. Once the chute is laid out, release the toddlers (i).”
Do remember4. Fleas off the parachute
Image: IStock
Worried where to get fleas from for the game? Don’t worry, we’ve got you all covered here – get tiny, lightweight plastic balls and call them fleas for this game.
- Divide the players into teams of two.
- The children have to hold all the edges of the parachute firmly.
- Place all the balls on the top and center of the chute.
- The task of one team is to throw the fleas (balls) out.
- And the other team is not to let the fleas out.
- Having a timer would make the game a lot more fun.
5. Circus tent
Image: IStock
For this game, you will need a giant parachute and a large group of kids.
- The children must firmly hold the edges of the parachute.
- When the game begins, they must all go inside while holding the parachute. They can kneel or sit inside the parachute, as per their convenience.
- As there are no rules, children may also get creative with the shapes and design of their tent.
6. Sea waves
Image: IStock
A lot of sitting and standing is required in this game; so ensure the children are well-hydrated.
- Hold the parachute up firmly to the waist level.
- Divide the children into two teams.
- One team has to stand, and the other one should sit alternatively, giving it a wave effect.
- This process can go on until the teams are exhausted. You can add a twist by asking them to do a certain number of waves within a time frame.
7. Beach-ball off the ground
Image: IStock
Whether or not you are at the beach, this game can be played just anywhere. All you need is a beach ball and a parachute.
- For this simple game, start by holding the edges of the parachute.
- Throw the ball onto the parachute.
- Flutter and wave the parachute into various directions but not let the ball fall off. Game on?
8. Alligator alligator
Image: IStock
Crawl, crawl, and have fun, but don’t attack like you are one.
- The children have to lie on their backs and place the parachute on top of them.
- Let them spread across the entire chute and hold it firmly.
- The task is to slowly crawl like an alligator, with the parachute on top.
- To make it more fun, divide the children into two teams, like the left and right legs of the parachute alligator.
- When one leg moves, the other one stays still.
9. Don’t get trapped
Image: IStock
This exciting game is also referred to as crossing under the bridge. All you require is a parachute and more than three players.
- All the players have to stand at the corners of the parachute and grip the edges of the parachute tightly.
- Let one of the players be the leader or referee and ask them to call out the names of the other players randomly.
- Whenever someone’s name is called, that player must try to cross the bridge, but while going under the parachute. Others have to try and trap the person who is crossing.
- If the player comes without getting trapped, they win. The idea is to be swift and smart while they cross.
10. Weather change
Image: IStock
This interesting game engages kids and keeps them on their toes.
- The children have to space out evenly and hold the parachute.
- One among them has to be the weather reporter.
- Decide one type of parachute movement, – flutter, swing, move up and down, etc.
- The weather reporter has to announce the weather conditions and the other players have to move the parachute accordingly.
11. Parachute volleyball
Image: Shutterstock
This activity can teach children to work as a team and enhance their social skills.
- Divide the children into two teams.
- One team will try to keep the ball on the parachute and the other team, off it.
- If the ball is dislodged from the parachute, just place it back on it and continue.
- The teams will be switched after two minutes.
- Make the game more challenging by not allowing team mates to stand next to each other.
12. Parachute tag
Image: Shutterstock
There is no clear winner in this game and it continues till everyone gets their name called.
- The parachute is placed on a flat surface, and the players assemble around it (place one player before each colored slice of the parachute).
- Players should grab and lift a piece of the parachute above their heads.
- One player is selected to call a name. Once a name is called, that player should let go of his section and run underneath the parachute to reach the other side, and the others need to bring the parachute down.
- If the parachute touches the running player, then he returns to his original spot.
7 Parachute Activities For Kids
Just like the games, parachute activities for kids are entertaining and come with a little bit of learning.
Here are some fun activities with a parachute.
13. Merry-go-round
Image: IStock
Simple actions, such as sitting, standing, walking, and running, can be taught through this activity. This activity is ideal for young or middle-school children who need a bit of physical exercise.
- Let the children stand while holding the parachute with either the left or right hand. All of them have to unanimously decide on which hand to use, as they all must be facing one direction.
- Have an adult, such as the teacher or a parent, supervise the activity. They should instruct the players to do as instructed: sit, stand, move, or pause.
- The result will be a beautiful merry-go-round formation by the players.
Quick tip14. Color quiz
Image: IStock
This would be a great learning activity for kids in the elementary stages, as it involves a quiz on colors. Any adult, parent, or teacher can conduct this activity.
- Place the parachute evenly on a flat surface.
- The adult must announce a color, and the children have to identify that specific shade on the chute.
- You can make this more fun by asking the kids to jump from one color to the other, instead of walking to it.
15. Retrieve your shoe
Image: IStock
This exciting activity involves a lot of running around. It is more entertaining when there are more players.
- The players have to hold the parachute up in the air, at the shoulder level.
- Each player will take numbers, and the odd and even-numbered kids will form a group each.
- When the odd numbers are called out, they must knock their shoes under the parachute. Repeat the same with the even numbers, in the next round.
- Now, set up a timer for 30 seconds.
- When the timer goes off, all the odd-numbered players have to retrieve their own shoes. And in the next round of 30 seconds, even-numbered players must retrieve the shoes.
- Whichever team can retrieve the most number of shoes within the time frame, wins!
16. Shake hands/ Icebreaker
Image: Shutterstock
Similar to the above activity, this one is about shaking hands and introducing oneself to the other person. This activity is ideal for breaking the ice when playing with new players.
- Ask all the children to hold the parachute up firmly.
- Now assign numbers to each of them.
- An adult, who is supervising the activity, can call out any two random numbers.
- These numbers have to then go inside the parachute and shake hands with each other. They may also talk, introduce, and get to know the other player.
17. Swap numbers
Image: IStock
This fun activity can be used to teach numbers or more to children.
- Children may either sit or stand around the parachute.
- Assign numbers to each player.
- An adult may call out any two numbers, who have to now switch their spots with each other.
Tip18. Find the treasure
Image: IStock
This activity can help kids learn the names of various objects and improve their gross motor skills.
- Pile up a bunch of things under the parachute.
- The players have to hold up the parachute to the knee level.
- An adult may supervise or conduct this activity. They have to call out the name of one player at a time and assign an object to be retrieved.
- The players have to crawl down the parachute, find the object, and bring it out.
- To make it more challenging, set a time limit in which they have to find and retrieve the object.
19. Fruit partners
Image: Shutterstock
Test a child’s presence of mind with this activity that is both fun and amazing.
- An adult has to assign fruit names to the players in a sequence, ensuring one fruit is assigned to two players.
- The players hold up the parachute and slowly move it up and down.
- When the name of the fruit is called out, the players with that name have to switch places and hold the parachute before it touches the ground.
- Continue this game, until all the fruit names are called out.
- You may modify the game, by assigning names of countries, rivers or numbers.
Tips For Leading Parachute Games And Activities
Parachute games can keep children engaged and happy for long. However, it is important to maintain safety and follow a few guidelines to make the experience fun and safe for everyone. Here are some tips you can follow.
- Ensure all the players understand the rules before starting the activity.
- Choose a safe space that is large enough to accommodate all the players.
- Supervise the children at all times to prevent injuries.
- Customize the games to suit different age groups and skill levels.
- Ensure all the players have the opportunity to participate and no one feels left out.
- End the games with a quiet activity to help the children calm down.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I wash a play parachute?
Yes, you may wash a play parachute by hand or in a washing machine. Remember to check the instructions provided by the manufacturer about the process and the type of detergent to use.
2. What do children learn from playing with a parachute?
Parachute games are interactive team-building activities for kids that help improve their team-building skills, promote social interaction, and develop their hand-eye coordination and mobility.
3. Can parachute games enhance a child’s coordination and motor skills? If so, how?
Yes, parachute games can help enhance a child’s coordination and motor skills. By engaging in play with a parachute, children develop hand-eye coordination and improve their gross motor skills. The different parachute movements they explore necessitate the usage of different muscles, encouraging physical growth and coordination (1).
4. Are there any parachute games specifically designed to improve cognitive skills in children?
Yes, there are many parachute games like alligator alligator and parachute mushroom that enhance cognitive skills in children. The cooperative aspect of parachute games encourages interaction with others, problem-solving, and communication skills, all of which are excellent for cognitive development (2).
5. How do parachute games contribute to the overall emotional well-being of children?
Parachute games improve children’s emotional well-being by fostering a sense of participation, teamwork, and cooperation.
6. How can parachute games be adapted to suit different age groups and skill levels?
Parachute games can be modified for various age groups and skill levels by changing the difficulty of movements, creating obstacles or challenges, and including age-appropriate themes.
7. What are some creative ways to incorporate learning concepts into parachute games for children?
Some creative ideas to incorporate learning concepts into parachute games for children include using colors for practicing color recognition, assigning letters or numbers to different sections of the parachute for counting or spelling activities, and incorporating shapes and having children identify and imitate the shapes formed with the parachute.
Games and activities involving parachutes can be customized and played in various ways. Parachute tug-of-war, parachute mushroom, circus tent, and don’t get trapped are some interesting choices that even you can try with your child and their friends. To up the joy, let your child do some parachute activities, such as color quiz and swamp numbers once they are done with parachute games. Instruct the kids on how to use or hold the parachute cautiously so that neither the children nor the parachute is harmed. Overall, parachute games are one of the most engaging group games for kids that are both a good source of enjoyment and physical activity.
Key Pointers
- Encourage your child’s love for flying by playing parachute games with them.
- Parachute games are not only fun, but also promote physical development.
- Try games like Fleas off the Parachute, Parachute Turtle, Parachute Mushroom, Circus Tent, Alligator Alligator, and Parachute Tug of War.
- Make sure to supervise your child during play to prevent injuries.
Illustration: Fun Parachute Games And Activities For Kids
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Let your kids have fun with these exciting parachute games! Learn how to play and enjoy the laughter and joy of these fun activities.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Parachute play: with babies and toddlers;https://klmpeace.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/parachute-play-with-babies-and-toddlers/
References
- Parachute games; The Genius of Play
- Cognitive Development In School-Age Children: Conclusions And New Directions; National Library of Medicine
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