Leapfrog Line
Children take turns crouching and leaping over each other down a line, a classic gross-motor game.
- Age5 to 8 years
- Time15 to 30 minutes
- EnergyVery active
- CostFree
- WhereOutdoors
- PrepNone
A movement game where children form a line, crouch down low and tucked, and take turns leaping over each other from back to front. A high-energy game that needs a soft surface and careful spacing.
How to do it
- Set up on a soft surface such as grass or a padded mat, with plenty of room and children spaced well apart down the line.
- Have each child crouch down low and tucked, head down and chin toward the chest, staying still and low.
- The child at the back leaps over each crouching child in turn, placing hands gently on the back or shoulders only, never on the head or neck.
- After clearing the line, that child crouches down low at the front and the next child at the back takes their turn.
- Keep the pace calm and the spacing wide; stop if children get tired, crowded, or too excited to stay low.
What you need
- Soft surface
- Space
- Children group
Signs it is working
Each child stays low and tucked while being jumped over. Jumpers place their hands on the back or shoulders and clear the child without knocking them. Children keep wide spacing and take turns calmly.
If it is not quite clicking
A crouching child lifts their head or is not low enough: Stop and reset before anyone jumps; a raised head is the main injury risk. A jumper cannot clear a child safely: They step around instead and you lower the challenge. Children bunch up or get over-excited: Widen the gaps, slow the turns, or take a break before someone gets hurt.
Make it yours
Younger, 5 years: Have children crouch very low and simply step or hop over with a hand on the back, rather than a full leap; an adult spots each turn. Older, 7-8 years: A longer line and a steadier rhythm, still on a soft surface with hands on the back only. Solo or pairs: With one child, have them leap over a low cushion or stuffed bolster instead of a person.
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