USA / Canada (widespread 20th century; documented in the US since at least the 1910s)
Red Light, Green Light
Also known as Statues, Grandma's Footsteps (US version)
Advance on 'green light,' freeze on 'red light', anyone caught moving goes back to start.
3+ playersAges 4-10In or outActiveBig spaceNo kit
The rules
How to play
1
The Caller stands at one end with their back to the players.
2
On 'green light!' the players advance toward the Caller as fast as they like.
3
On 'red light!' the Caller spins around, any player caught still moving is sent back to the start line.
4
The Caller may turn at any time.
5
The first player to tag the Caller without being sent back wins and becomes the next Caller.
Keep it fair
The Caller has the final say on who was moving, but they should be generous, not nitpicky, or the game grinds to a halt.
Good for building
self-controlbalancespeedobservation
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
More to play
