Kids come up with the greatest games to amuse themselves and have done so since the beginning of time. "The Floor is Lava" is a game that we're sure everyone remembers playing during their childhood, and many of us have watched our own kids come up with variations of this game. Add in a few extra touches and obstacles, and you've got yourself an entire rainy afternoon filled with adventure.
This games is so popular that there are YouTube videos to demonstrate, songs that sing about it and can accompany your journey over the lava, as well as a video game called "The Floor is Lava" that you can download for free.
How To Play "The Floor Is Lava"
This game is played by simply avoiding the floor at all costs, using furniture to make your way around the room, as well as other household items, such as books, etc. When someone touches the ground, they are out and the remaining players continue the game until everyone has succumbed to the lava, then you get up and do it all again. The challenge is that no one can remain in one spot for longer than 10 seconds or they are automatically out.
Toddler Version Of "The Floor Is Lava"
It's a lot trickier and slightly more dangerous for your toddler to be jumping on furniture and leaping off tables, so there is a safer way. Place blankets, mats and pillows across the floor about 1 or 2 feet apart and have them jump from pillow to blanket to stuffy in order to avoid the lava. They will have just as much fun without any of the hazards. Just be prepared to take part, as your little one will most likely make you the lava monster.
The Floor Is Lava Tag Variation
Another variation of this game is to play tag while avoiding the floor. Players must move around the room trying to get away from the player that is 'it'. Once they are tagged, they must then chase others. It's a lot trickier to tag someone, and equally as difficult to run away, when you are using limited space. Again, the time limit for standing still to determine your next move is only 10 seconds, so be sharp.
Lava Playground Variation
This is a great version for older kids. Take them to a playground or even build a course in your backyard with a rope, a tire, monkey bars, and whatever else you can think of. They can swing, climb and slide their way over and across the lava. Make it more interesting by having one of the kids be the lava monster who stays on the ground and tries to tag those who are climbing around the playground. When someone is tagged, it's their turn to be the lava monster.
Educational Twist For "The Floor Is Lava"
You want to entertain your toddler while teaching them their ABC's and 1,2,3's? Place individual pieces of paper on the floor with the alphabet on each one, and numbers 1-10, then place them about 2 feet apart. Call out a letter or number and have your toddler jump to that piece of paper. Don't worry, they don't have to leap 10 feet, just have them jump until they reach the desired piece of paper. It will be a crazy amount of fun, and teach them in an entertaining way, so they won't even be aware that they're learning.
Mix It Up
Depending on the climate you live in, vary the game so that it encapsulates a water park you might visit, a nature trail with fallen logs and large boulders, or even a beach that you frequent. Choose safe obstacles, with safe distances distances and jump from log to rock to sand, or branch to grass patch to pathway.
With imagination, you can play this fun kids game just about anywhere you go and with whomever you are with. This fun game is for toddlers to tweens, to teens to adults, depending on how challenging you make it. You can literally make this a part of a kids playdate or a family barbeque, with virtually no planning; just a little imagination.
Sources: Fun Games Kids Play, Parents, Ryan's World