Throw down some hoops of different sizes in any pattern you like and you’ve got a challenging course for growing legs filled with extra vacation sugar.
Here is how to play once your hoopscotch obstacle course is set and ready to go:
- Throw a flat stone or similar object (small beanbag, shell, button, plastic toy) to land on hula hoop one. It has to land inside the hoop without touching the border or bouncing out. If you don’t get it within the lines, you lose your turn and pass the stone to the next person. If you do get it, however, go on to the next step.
- Hop through the hula hoops, skipping the one you have your marker on. Each square gets one foot. Which foot you start with is up to you. You can’t have more than one foot on the ground at a time, unless there are two number hula hoops right next to each other. In that case, you can put down both feet simultaneously (one in each hula hoop). Always keep your feet inside the appropriate hoop(s); if you step on the edge of the hoop, hop on the wrong square, or step out of the square, you lose your turn.
- Pick up the marker on your way back. When you get to the last number, turn around (remaining on one foot) and hop your way back in reverse order. While you’re on the hoop right before the one with your marker, lean down (on one foot still!) and pick it up. Then, skip over that hoop and finish up.
- Pass the marker on to the next person. If you completed the course with your marker on hoop one (and without losing your turn), then throw your marker onto hoop two on your next turn. Your goal is to complete the course with the marker on each hoop. The first person to do this wins the game!
Make it more challenging by setting a time limit. Make into a game of “speed hopscotch.” The person has a certain amount of time to complete the course, or else they lose their turn. Or you could turn it into a race!