Guide: Fun, Large-Scale Outdoor Hide and Seek!

Hide and Seek is a classic children's game, however take it outside and invite all of your friends and it becomes a blast for everyone! This guide will focus on the rules, safety, and gear needed to have a great time with outdoor hide and seek!

Rules

The rules of Hide and Seek are simple. You have one person (or group, depending on how many players you have) look for the "hiders". This guide will focus on playing a night time, as this adds to the suspense of the game.

Boundaries

The boundaries of the playing field should be definite and easy to see. For best results an area roughly the size of a football field should be used, with plenty of cover and places to hide. If you must set up flags or cones as boundaries, remember to pick them up when you are done!

Hider Rules

The Hiders consist of two person groups (to accommodate for young children) and they must hide within 10 feet of each other. Hiders may go anywhere within the game bounds to hide, and are allowed to move around freely as the game progresses. The Hider of the group which is found first is the Seeker of the next round, and his/her partner can opt to join in.

Seeker Rules

The first Seeker or Seekers (no more than two!) are chosen at random.

The seeker(s) are armed with a flashlight, and must give the Hiders at least 45 seconds to hide. In order to catch a Hider, the Seeker must be within five feet of the Hider, shine the flashlight on the Hider and call out a key word. The key word, chosen before the game, will be yelled by the Seekers after ten minutes if no one is found, and a new group of Seekers will be chosen.

Safety

Use common sense, no hiding in dangerous places!
Always group a younger player with an older one
Use insect repellent!
Always respond to the key word
Make sure the place you choose to play is legal! Check with local authorities!

Gear

Flashlights
Insect Repellent*
Comfortable Shoes
Long sleeves and long pants or jeans* (best with dark colors!)
Cell Phones or Walkie-Talkies

This is a great pass time for all ages, give it a try and you will get addicted! As long as you follow the rules and safety measures, it is a great game! Everyone will have a good time, parents, kids, and teens alike!