20 Classic Connecticut Backyard Games That Defined Growing Up in the ’70s

Before video games and streaming, Connecticut kids created their own fun outdoors.

Backyards became arenas for tag, races, and imaginative games with barely any equipment. The rules were simple, the energy was endless, and every kid knew how to play.

These were the games that made summer days feel like they could last forever.

Red Rover

This game was a staple at birthday parties, school recess, and backyard hangouts.

Kids formed two lines, locked arms, and called out, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send [name] right over!”

The chosen child would sprint across and try to break through the chain of arms. If they succeeded, they took someone back with them. If not, they joined the other team.

It was loud, competitive, and sometimes bruising, but always fun.

Mother, May I?

This one combined listening skills, patience, and a little bit of luck.

One player acted as “Mother” and stood at the end of the yard while the others lined up several feet away.

Kids took turns asking, “Mother, may I take three giant steps?” or other silly variations. Mother could say yes or change the move.

The first person to reach Mother won, and the game started over.

Kick the Can

This was part hide-and-seek, part tag, and all excitement once the sun started to go down.

One kid guarded a can while the rest scattered and hid. The goal was to sneak back and kick the can before getting tagged.

If you got caught, you were sent to “jail.” If someone else kicked the can, everyone in jail was freed.

It was a perfect game for summer nights with a big group of kids.

Hopscotch

All you needed was a piece of chalk and a small object to toss.

Kids would draw numbered squares on the driveway or sidewalk, then take turns tossing the marker and hopping through the course on one foot.

The challenge came in hopping over the square with the marker and keeping your balance.

It was simple but surprisingly tricky, and always satisfying when you completed the whole course.

Freeze Tag

This was a high-energy variation of tag that kept everyone on their toes.

One person was “it,” and when they tagged someone, that player had to freeze in place.

The only way to get unfrozen was for another player to tag you without getting caught.

It turned into a fast-paced game of dodging, saving teammates, and shouting across the yard.

Simon Says

This game didn’t require any props, just a group of kids and one confident leader.

The person leading the game would call out commands, but only those that began with “Simon says” were to be followed.

If you moved when “Simon” didn’t say, you were out.

It was all about listening carefully and reacting quickly, and it led to a lot of laughter and tricky fake-outs.

Four Square

Usually played with a rubber playground ball and four chalked-out squares on the ground, this game was both competitive and creative.

Each player stood in one square and tried to bounce the ball into someone else’s without letting it go out of bounds.

There were unofficial moves, like “cherry bombs” and “baby bounces,” that added flair to the game.

It was fast-paced and perfect for big driveways or quiet cul-de-sacs.

Double Dutch

This wasn’t just a jump rope game—it was a test of timing, rhythm, and style.

Two long ropes were turned in opposite directions while a jumper waited for the perfect moment to jump in.

Kids took turns, showed off tricks, and sometimes added songs to the rhythm.

It was especially popular at school recess, but plenty of kids played it on sidewalks and in driveways, too.

Ghost in the Graveyard

This spooky-fun game was usually played at dusk or after dark, making it extra thrilling.

One player was the “ghost” who hid while the rest of the group counted together.

When the ghost was found, the finder would yell, “Ghost in the graveyard!” and everyone would run for home base.

If the ghost tagged someone before they made it, that person became the new ghost.

Jump Rope Rhymes

Before Bluetooth speakers and curated playlists, kids made their own music with jump ropes and chants.

Two kids would turn the rope while a third jumped and recited popular rhymes like “Cinderella” or “Miss Mary Mack.”

The goal was to keep jumping until the rhyme ended or until a missed step ended the fun.

It was a blend of rhythm, coordination, and creativity that kids loved to repeat over and over.

Capture the Flag

This was one of the most thrilling backyard or neighborhood games, especially when there were lots of kids.

Players were split into two teams, each with their own “flag” hidden somewhere in their territory.

The goal was to sneak across the yard, grab the other team’s flag, and bring it back without getting tagged.

It was part strategy, part speed, and totally unforgettable once the game got going.

Marbles

Though simple, marbles could hold kids’ attention for hours.

All you needed was a flat patch of dirt or pavement and a handful of colorful glass marbles.

Kids would draw a circle and take turns trying to knock opponents’ marbles out of it using a shooter marble.

It was competitive but also a way to show off your best marbles or win someone else’s.

Hide and Seek

A timeless favorite, hide and seek was easy to set up and endlessly fun.

One person counted with their eyes closed while everyone else found the best hiding spots in the yard.

The suspense of being found or trying to sneak back to base added just the right amount of excitement.

Even if the yard was small, kids could play round after round without getting bored.

Hula Hoop Contests

Every kid in the ’70s seemed to have a hula hoop or could borrow one from a neighbor.

It wasn’t just about spinning it around your waist. Kids would compete to see who could go the longest, or who could hula on an arm or leg.

Some would even combine tricks for style points.

It was a low-pressure, high-fun game that got kids moving without realizing they were exercising.

Balloon Toss

Perfect for hot days, this game was simple, messy, and always a hit.

Two players would toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch.

The farther apart you got, the more likely it was to burst, and the louder the laughter.

It was often part of backyard parties or neighborhood get-togethers, but kids also played it just for fun.

Follow the Leader

This game was all about copying the moves of the person in front.

One child became the leader and marched around the yard doing silly walks, jumps, and spins.

Everyone behind had to mimic the exact motions, no matter how goofy or difficult.

The fun came from trying to keep up and waiting for your turn to be in charge.

Wheelbarrow Races

This was a popular pick at backyard picnics and birthday parties.

One child walked on their hands while a partner held their legs like a wheelbarrow.

They would race other teams across the yard, usually collapsing in laughter before the finish line.

It was harder than it looked and guaranteed to tire kids out fast.

Shadow Tag

This twist on tag didn’t involve touching the other player, it just required stepping on their shadow.

It was best played on sunny afternoons, when shadows were long and easy to spot.

Kids would dart around trying to protect their own shadow while chasing others.

It added a playful, imaginative element to a classic running game.

TV Tag

In this version of tag, kids could avoid being “it” by yelling the name of a TV show and freezing.

But they couldn’t repeat the same show twice in one round.

It mixed fast reflexes with quick thinking and made tag even more fun for kids who loved cartoons and sitcoms.

Eventually, someone would run out of ideas and get tagged.

Ring Toss With Bottles or Cans

When no store-bought toys were around, kids made their own versions of carnival games.