How to Play Kick the Can with Your Family

Learn the classic outdoor game kick the can that combines hide-and-seek with tag for hours of family fun.

1. What You'll Need. Gather an empty can (soup cans or large coffee cans work well), a safe outdoor area with plenty of hiding spots like trees, bushes, or playground equipment, and at least 3 players (though 5-10 players makes it even more fun). Make sure your play area has clear boundaries that everyone understands.
2. Setting Up the Game. Place the can in the center of your play area on flat ground. Choose one person to be 'It' first - you can draw straws, play rock-paper-scissors, or volunteer. The person who is 'It' stands near the can while everyone else gathers around. Establish clear boundaries for where players can hide, and make sure everyone knows any safety rules for your specific area.
3. How to Play. The person who is 'It' closes their eyes and counts to an agreed-upon number (usually 20-30) while everyone else runs to hide. After counting, 'It' tries to spot the hidden players. When 'It' sees someone, they must run back to the can, kick it, and call out that person's name and where they were hiding (like 'I see Sarah behind the oak tree!'). If 'It' is correct, that person is captured and must sit in a designated area near the can. However, if a hidden player can sneak back and kick the can before being spotted and called out, they free all captured players and 'It' must start over. The game ends when everyone is captured, and the first person caught becomes the new 'It.'
4. Winning and Starting a New Round. The round is over when 'It' has successfully captured all the hidden players. The first person who was caught becomes the new 'It' for the next round. All captured players are freed, and everyone gets to hide again. You can play as many rounds as you like, and some families enjoy keeping track of who was 'It' the least number of times.