12 Childhood Games That Could Never Be Made Today
These old-school games were once playground favorites, but they would never fly today.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Many games kids used to play would not be allowed now because of safety rules or changing social norms. Some were too rough, some were risky, and others just would not feel right anymore. This list looks back at 12 games that were once popular but would not make it past today’s rules. You might remember playing a few of these yourself.
1. Tag
EJ Fox (“pseudoplacebo”) from Circleville, United States on Wikimedia Commons
Once a staple of playground fun, tag has been banned in some schools due to concerns over injuries and bullying. The game’s competitive nature and physical contact have led to its decline in modern play environments.
2. Red Rover
Kyra Malicse on Wikimedia Commons
Red Rover involved children forming lines and attempting to break through the linked hands of their peers, often resulting in collisions. Due to the physical risks, many schools have removed it from their approved activities.
3. Marbles
Marbles on Wikimedia Commons
Marbles was a popular game requiring skill and precision. However, concerns over choking hazards and the game’s competitive nature have led to a decline in its popularity among today’s children.
4. Slingshot Wars
Lt. P. W. Cloud, S.C.U.S.P. on Wikimedia Commons
Children once engaged in playful battles using slingshots, aiming at targets or each other. Modern safety standards deem this activity too dangerous, leading to its decline.
5. Hopscotch
Dave Parker on Wikimedia Commons
Hopscotch was a simple game promoting balance and coordination. While still played, its prevalence has diminished due to changing play preferences and urbanization, which have reduced safe play areas.
6. Hide and Seek
Annatsach on Pexels
Hide and Seek encouraged exploration and stealth. However, safety concerns and the potential for children to hide in dangerous places have led to increased supervision and restrictions.
7. Stuck in the Mud
Salimisnow on Wikimedia Commons
This game involved tagging players who then had to freeze until freed by teammates. Physical contact and the potential for exclusion have made it less favorable in today’s inclusive play environments.
8. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Jasonbook99 on Wikimedia Commons
Lawn darts were heavy, metal-tipped projectiles thrown at ground targets. Due to numerous injuries, they have been banned in several countries and replaced with safer alternatives.
9. Stickball
Wolfgang Sauber on Wikimedia Commons
Stickball, a street version of baseball, was popular in urban areas. Modern traffic and safety concerns have made spontaneous street games like this rare.
10. Tetherball
chewonki Intense game of Puffin-Owl tetherball
Tetherball involves hitting a ball attached to a pole, aiming to wrap it around the pole. Injuries from the ball or pole have led some schools to remove tetherball setups.
11. Conkers
XCalPab on Wikimedia Commons
Conkers involved swinging horse chestnuts on strings to break an opponent’s nut. Due to concerns over eye injuries and allergies, many schools have banned the game.
12. Kiss Chase
Anna Tarazevich on Pexels
Kiss Chase was a game where players chased others to steal a kiss. Modern understandings of consent and personal boundaries have rightly led to its discontinuation in schools.