Parachute Shake and Run Game

A large bed sheet (king size works best) or an actual play parachute

Lightweight balls or small stuffed animals

Spread the sheet flat on the ground. Get at least 2 people, but this game is best with 4 or more. Everyone stands around the edge and grabs it with both hands.

Lift the sheet to waist height. Start with gentle waves — shake the sheet up and down slowly. Watch the ripples move across the surface. "Can you make ocean waves?"

Speed up the shaking. Make the waves bigger. This is an arm workout disguised as fun.

On the count of three, everyone throws the sheet as high as possible. Watch it billow up like a giant mushroom, then float down slowly.

While the sheet is floating down, yell "Underneath!" Everyone lets go and runs into the middle, sitting down as the sheet settles over them like a tent.

Pop out and reset. Try it again — the run under the sheet is everyone's favorite part.

Toss lightweight balls or stuffed animals onto the sheet. Shake together to bounce them — try to launch them as high as possible without shaking them off the edge.

Play "Mushroom": everyone lifts the sheet high, takes two steps toward the center, and pulls the edge behind them to the ground. The trapped air creates a dome you can sit inside.

A real play parachute is worth the $15-20 investment if you do group activities regularly. But a king-size bed sheet works nearly as well for free.

This is one of the best cooperative games because everyone has to work together. You can't lift a parachute or bounce balls alone — it requires coordination.

Call out colors: "Everyone holding a blue part, switch places!" (if using a colored parachute) or just call names to switch spots under the sheet.

Keep activities moving quickly. Young kids get bored if they're just holding an edge. Alternate between active games (ball bouncing, running under) and calming moves (gentle waves).

This game is a staple at birthday parties and works for mixed age groups from 3 to 12.