The Boat Is Sinking

Get ready

1. Clear a big open space.
2. Have kids walk around in a large circle like they're on the deck of a ship.

How to play

1. The leader calls out, 'The boat is sinking! Get into lifeboats of...' and then shouts a number, like 4.
2. Kids quickly gather in groups of exactly that number, sit down, and link arms.
3. Kids who don't make it into a full lifeboat in time are 'swimming' and help the leader spot the next round.
4. Everyone gets back up, walks in the circle again, and the leader calls a new number.
5. Keep playing until only a few kids are left.

Tips & variations

• For younger kids, don't put anyone out. Just have fun seeing who you end up with each round.
• Use it to make small groups: end on the group size you need for the next activity.
• Walking only. Remind kids to gather people, not grab or pull them.