Bringing Back the Magic of Summer Games

Remember those endless summer afternoons? We ran barefoot, laughed until our stomachs hurt, and played until the streetlights told us to go home. Fun didn’t need gadgets or fancy playgrounds—just friends, open air, and a simple game.

Now, screens have taken over, and many of these games have faded away. Open spaces turned into buildings, and playtime moved indoors. But we can change that! Let’s bring these games back, not just for nostalgia, but for our children too. Imagine their excitement when they discover the games that made our childhood special!

Here are four classic summer games and simple ways to play them today!

1. Lagori (Seven Stones)

A fast-paced game of teamwork and quick reflexes!

How to play: 

- Stack seven flat stones.

- One team knocks the stack over with a ball.

- The other team rebuilds the stack while dodging the ball.

- If you get hit, you’re out!

- The game ends when one team fully restacks the stones or eliminates the other team.

Why it faded away:

- Open spaces disappeared.

- Kids switched to video games and structured sports.

- Parents worried about minor injuries.

How to bring it back:

- Play at home! Use soft balls and plastic cups.

- Organize Lagori matches in schools and parks.

- Try mobile versions, but nothing beats the real thing!

Why should children play this game:

- Builds teamwork and strategy.

- Gets kids moving and active.

2. Gilli Danda 

A thrilling game like cricket—but simpler!

How to play:

- Use two sticks: a small one (gilli) and a big one (danda).

- Place the gilli on the ground and flick it into the air using the danda.

- Hit it mid-air to send it flying!

- Other players try to catch it or measure the distance.

Why it faded away:

- Requires skill, and kids give up quickly.

- No structured format like cricket or football.

- Cities lack open spaces.

How to bring it back: 

- Use rubber sticks for safety.

- Add cricket-style scoring to make it exciting.

- Host weekend Gilli Danda matches in parks.

Why should children play this game:

- Improves hand-eye coordination.

- Offers a fun, screen-free alternative to cricket.

3. Marbles (Kancha / Goli)

A small game with big excitement!

How to play:

- Draw a circle in the mud and place marbles inside.

- Take turns flicking a shooter marble to knock others out.

- Some versions involve rolling marbles into a hole.

- The player with the most marbles wins!

Why it faded away:

- Needs mud or sand, which cities lack.

- Parents worry about small kids swallowing marbles.

- Digital games replaced hands-on fun.

How to bring it back: 

- Play an indoor version with soft marbles.

- Organize marble-shooting contests.

- Try an AR app that mimics real-life marble aiming.

Why should children play this game:

- Sharpens focus and precision.

- Provides simple, affordable fun.

4. Chain Chain

A high-energy chase game that keeps getting wilder!

How to play:

- It starts as a regular tag game with one chaser and others trying to escape being tagged.

- When the chaser tags someone, they must hold hands and continue tagging others.

- The chain keeps growing as more players get tagged.

- The last free player wins the game.

Why it faded away:

- Needs a big group.

- Schools worry about kids tripping and falling.

- Virtual games replaced physical group play.

How to bring it back:

- Play as a team-building icebreaker in schools and societies.

- Use grassy fields to avoid injuries.

- Add glow-in-the-dark wristbands for a night version!

Why should children play this game:

- Encourages teamwork and social bonding.

- Keeps kids active and engaged.

Summer isn’t just about the heat—it’s about the memories we make. The thrill of a perfect shot, the joy of escaping a tag, and the sound of laughter after a great game stay with us forever.

These childhood games gave us some of our best moments. Let’s bring them back! Let’s teach our kids, step outside, and create new memories together. Because the best childhood moments aren’t just from the past—they’re the ones we make today!

Photo Credits: All images are AI-generated to give readers a better glimpse into these almost forgotten games.