Through extensive research online and talking to a couple different P.E. teachers, I’ve created what I believe to be the most comprehensive list of jump rope games available. I’ve included the instructions for those games here (both single player and multi-player games).
Jump Rope Games And Activities:
- Squirrels and Acorns
- Jump N’ Run
- Jump Rope Math
- Getting’ Fancy
- Whirlwind Challenge
- Helicopter
- Jump The Mountain
- Partner Up
- Snake Shake
- Jump and Splash
Also, at the end of this article, I’ve included some tips for helping kids jump rope with proper form. I’ve also included some of the best jump ropes for kids.
Let the games begin!
Best jump rope games (single player)
Single player jump rope games are great if you have an only child and want a fun way to encourage him or her to get outside. They’re are also great for P.E. class or at a birthday party, when you have a bigger group of kids.
1. Squirrels and Acorns
Squirrels and Acorns is a fun and easy game to play! And, it only requires one player. However, you can play this game with as many players as you want.
What you need:
- Standard jump rope (one for each player)
- Dice (two for each player)
- A pile of things (toys, markers, stuffed animals, whatever you can find)
How to play (instructions and rules):
The main objective of this game is to collect as many things as you can in a set period of time, or until all the things (in the pile) are gone.
Each player will have their own station, usually marked by a piece of paper or some chalk. The game begins by each player rolling their dice. The player will either add or multiply (depending on the skill level of the players) the two numbers and then attempt to jump rope that many times.
If they trip on the rope before they’re able to successfully reach that many jumps, they have to start over. If they’re successful, then they run to the pile of things, grab one item and bring it back to their station.
The players will continue to do that until either the time is up or all the things have been collected. You’ll want to decide on the rules prior to beginning.
If only one child is playing, the objective is for him or her to collect as many things as possible in the set time. If there are multiple players, they winner is the person who collects the most items by the end of the game.
Here is a video with a demonstration of how the game is played.
2. Jump N’ Run
Jump N’ Run is a fun game that can be played with a single player, however it’s usually more fun with multiple players. It’s super simple though!
What you need:
- Standard jump rope (one per player)
- Large yard or field
How to play (instructions and rules):
Jump N’ Run combines traditional jump rope with racing. The objective of the game is simple, be the one with the quickest time through the finish line!
The difference between Jump N’ Run and a regular foot race is the players are required to spin and jump over the rope as they race to the finish. Make sure there is a clear starting line and finish line.
If played by multiple players, the winner is obviously the first one across the finish line. If played by only one player, keep track of their time and have them try to beat it.
3. Jump Rope Math
Jump Rope Math is a fun game that challenges the player’s athletic ability and their math skills! It can be played by a single player or with a group.
What you need:
- Standard jump rope (one per player)
How to play (instructions and rules):
The objective of this game is to solve math equations by jumping rope. The player is given an equation, for example 12 x 2. the player then repeats the equation and answers it by performing that many amount of jumps. In this case, the player would jump 24 times (12 x 2 = 24).
You can play this with as many kids as you have jump ropes (each player needs their own rope).
When the player answers the equation correctly, they get 1 point. If there’s only one player, see how many points they can accumulate. If there’s multiple players, see who can get the highest score.
4. Gettin’ Fancy
Gettin’ Fancy is a great game to play with kids who have mastered the basic jump and want to learn more advanced jump rope tricks.
What you need:
- Standard jump rope (one for each player)
How to play (instructions and rules):
Gettin’ Fancy can be played be one player or multiple. To start, the player begins jumping rope. As they jump, someone will call out different moves and the player has to incorporate that move into their jump.
For example, someone would yell out “one leg!”… the player would then proceed to jump on one leg. Then “in and outs!”, the player would then jump with both legs out, then both legs in. “Double under!”, “criss cross!”, “boxer step!”, etc., etc.
As the game goes on the moves should become harder and harder.
The objective of the game is to perform as many tricks and moves as possible, without messing up.
In a group setting, the last player to remain jumping wins. If there’s only one player, see how long you can go for, then try again and beat it.
Best Double Dutch games (multi-player)
In this section I’ve outlined some of the best Double Dutch jump rope games. I’ve also included some other fun multi-player games.
Double Dutch, for those of you unfamiliar, is a game that’s played with 3 or more players. Two players line up across from each other, each with one end of the jump rope, while the third player stands between them. The two players on the outside (the Spinners) will rotate the rope and the third player jumps over it.
More in depth instructions on how to play Double Dutch.
5. Whirlwind Challenge
The Whirlwind Challenge is a great game that’s guaranteed to spark some friendly competition between children.
What you need:
- Double Dutch jump rope
How to play (instructions and rules):
The Whirlwind Challenge is most fun when you have a big group of kids wiling to play. It’s a great game to play at school.
To begin, have two players stand across from each other (as if you were playing Double Dutch) each with one end of the jump rope. Have the rest of the players line up on one side of the jump rope.
The objective of the game is to run through the rope, as it turns, jump once, and then run out without getting caught in the rope. That player then returns to the end of the line and waits for his/her next turn.
Each player only gets one spin to complete their jump. If they miss their opportunity, they’re out.
The players continue to run through the rope until there’s only one player remaining. The last person to make it through the rope without getting caught wins.
Here is a video with a demonstration of how this game is played.
6. Helicopter
Helicopter is simple game that’s great for kids who might not be as experienced with jumping rope yet. It’s played with at least two players, but can be played with as many people as you want.
What you need:
- Standard jump rope (only one needed)
How to play (instructions and rules):
This game is played by having one player stand in the center while the other players circle around him or her. The player in the middle will grab one end of the jump rope and spin in circles while dragging the rope around them, like a helicopter propeller.
The objective of this game is for the players on the outside to jump over the rope without letting it touch their feet. If a player gets tagged by the rope they receive one point and then trade places with the player in the middle (the spinner).
The winner is the player with the least amount of points at the end of the game.
7. Jump The Mountain
Jump The Mountain is a group game where they player that can jump the highest wins.
What you need:
- Double Dutch jump rope
How to play (instructions and rules):
Jump The Mountain can be played by as few as 3 players, however it’s best if you have more. This is a great game to play at school with a large group.
To begin, have two players stand across from each other (as if you’re playing Double Dutch) each with one end of the Double Dutch jump rope. Have them pull the jump rope tight at about their knee’s height (leaving a little bit of slack in case someone misses the jump).
The rest of the players line up on one side of the rope, between the two people holding the rope. They players then proceed to jump over the rope and make their way to the back of line.
Once everyone makes it through, the rope is raised higher making the jump a little more difficult.
Each round the rope gets a little higher. The last person to be able to successfully jump over the rope is the winner!
8. Partner Up
Partner Up is a team jump rope game that tests both players rhythm and timing. It’s a challenging and one that’s fun to compete with other teams.
What you need:
- Standard jump rope (one for every 2 players)
How to play (instructions and rules):
While this game is simple, it’s not as easy as it looks. It requires a minimum of two players to play, but can be played with as many people as there are pairs (teams of two).
To begin, one player grabs a rope and the other player lines up in front of him or her. The player in front should only be about 1 foot in front of the other player.
The objective of this game is for both players to jump over a single jump rope, at the same time. The player in the rear will be spinning the rope, with both players jumping over it.
The winning team is the team that gets the most consecutive jumps without tripping over the rope. If only one team is playing, see how many jumps you can get and then try to beat it.
9. Snake Shake
Snake Shake is a great game to play with younger children. It’s both fun and a great way to get them more comfortable with the mechanics of jumping rope.
What you need:
- Double Dutch jump rope
How to play (instructions and rules):
Snake Shake is played with three players. To begin, two players line up across from each other (as you would for Double Dutch) each with one end of the Double Dutch jump rope. The third player (the Jumper) lines up between them.
As opposed to rotating the rope in a circular motion, like Double Dutch, the rope is instead waved across the ground or grass. Moving the rope back and forth, like a snake, the Jumper jumps over the rope.
Each jump from one side to the other is a successful jump, or one point for the Jumper. The objective of the game is to get as many jumps (points) without your feet touching the rope.
Once the Jumper’s feet touches the rope, the players switch giving everyone a turn to jump. The winner is the person with the most points at the end of the game.
10. Jump and Splash
Jump and Splash is a super creative game, one that will definitely get the kids laughing and having a good time.
What you need:
- Double Dutch jump rope
- Cup of water
How to play (instructions and rules):
Jump and Splash is a Double Dutch game that requires a minimum of 3 players. Start by getting into position. Two players will start off as the Spinners (standing across from each other) and the third player (the Jumper) will start in the middle of the two spinners.
The Jumper will be holding a cup filled with water.
The objective of this game is for the Jumper to jump a certain amount of times or for a set period of time while trying to spill the least amount of water.
The players will then rotate so everyone gets a turn.
At the end of each round the remaining water in the cup is measured and then refilled. Whoever is able to spill the least amount of water by the end of the game is the winner!
Jump rope tips for kids
Before beginning any jump rope game, it’s best to review some of the jump rope best practices to help avoid any injuries. I’ve included a short list of some of the most important tips for a safe and fun jump rope game.
For more information on best practices and some tips for getting started, check out How To Jump Rope.
Keep knees slightly bent
The first, and probably most important rule to remember, is to keep a slight bend in your knees while jumping. This will ensure the weight from your body and impact from your jumps is loaded onto your muscles and not your joints.
Doing this properly will prevent about 90% of any jump rope related injuries from happening. If anyone is struggling to jump with their knees bent, have them try it without the rope.
Jump on the balls of your feet
Another important rule to remember is to always jump on the balls of your feet. You want to do whatever you can to be light on your feet and keep your body-weight off your heels.
Jumping rope and landing on your heels can be hard on your bones.
Similar to keeping your knees bent, landing on the balls of your feet will ensure the weight and impact from your jumps is transferred to the right muscles
Don’t flare your arms
One mistake that’s really common with newer jumpers, especially children, is the flaring of their arms and elbows. This makes your jumps clunky and inefficient.
Do your best to keep your elbows tucked in, near your hips.
This rule may take some practice, but once you get it down you’ll find you’re able to jump rope for much longer and be incredibly more successful.
Rotate the rope with your wrists
This rule goes hand-in-hand with the the previous one. Swinging the rope around your body using your arms is an easy mistake to make. It also makes jumping rope more exhausting than it needs to be.
Use your wrists to turn the rope, not your arms.
You’ll find if you can keep your elbows in, tucked to your side, that using your wrists to rotate the rope becomes much easier. If you’re struggling to get it down, lose the rope and practice without it.
Don’t jump too high
Last rule I want to mention is making sure to keep your jumps small and controlled. It’s not necessary to jump more than a couple inches off the ground.
You see this often with newer jumpers and they can usually only jump for 30 or 60 seconds. Don’t over do it!
Best jump ropes for kids
Finally, I want to share a couple of recommendations for some good jump ropes for children. Both of these jump ropes come from the same company and I’ve personally given them as gifts to family and friends in the past.
For those of you interested, here is a more in-depth article on The Best Jump Ropes for Kids.
Beaded Playground Jump Rope
This jump rope is great for almost any child, regardless of age or height. And, I can’t think of a better jump rope for someone to learn with.
The Beaded Playground Jump Rope, from BuyJumpRopes, is a great choice for any of these jump rope games. It’s really well-made too, guaranteed to last a long-time.
This rope is made with strong plastic handles, a nylon cord that’s strung together with shatterproof beads, and comes in a variety of colors.
Not sure if there’s a better jump rope out there for kids.
Beaded Double Dutch Jump Rope
If you’re looking for a solid Double Dutch jump rope, you’re best bet is picking up the Beaded Double Dutch Jump Rope from BuyJumpRopes.
The beaded ropes are great for children as the beads hitting the ground, and the sound they make, make finding their rhythm and timing much easier.
This rope has durable plastic handles and uses a nylon braided cord with shatterproof beads. It also comes in a variety of colors.
Definitely worth it!
Hope you have a blast!