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10 Timeless backyard games for warm weather fun

Try these 10 backyard games to make the most of warmer weather.

8. Capture the Flag

Screenshot from Amazon.com
The perfect flag for a game of Capture the Flag

Another game from many of our childhoods, this one works in a backyard, field or neighborhood street.

You’ll need:

- 2 flags or bandanas
- An area with varied terrain, such as trees or other landforms

Divide into two teams. Mark a line in the center of the play area. Each team’s territory, or base, is one either side of the line. Each team also picks a spot for its Jail, usually far from the flag. Determine a time period (5-10 minutes) during which each team hides its flag within its own territory, usually in the part farthest from the opponent. Once flags have been hidden, the teams meet in the middle. Each player tries to enter the other team’s territory and find its flag.

In addition, the player has to bring the flag back into his or her own team’s area without getting tagged by an opponent. Tagged players go to Jail and sit out the game until tagged by a teammate, at which time they can rejoin the play by walking back into their own territory first. Players can only be tagged within the enemy’s base. If a player is tagged while transporting the flag, the flag is dropped at that spot. The game is won when an opposing flag is successfully captured and brought to the home base.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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