Opening Game

Virus Tag

Virus Tag is a fast group tag game where the tagging team grows as players are caught. It creates a lot of movement and laughter while encouraging children to pay attention to space and teamwork.

Time8 to 12 minutes
Best ForMedium or large groups
SpaceCultural hall, gym, field, or large open area
SuppliesCones or boundaries

How To Run It

  1. Mark a clear playing area with safe boundaries.
  2. Choose one child to be the starting tagger.
  3. When the game begins, the tagger tries to gently tag other players.
  4. Tagged players join the tagger to form a growing tagging team.
  5. The tagging team works together until only one or two players remain.
  6. Restart with a new starting tagger.

Safety Adjustments

  • Do not require children to hold hands if that makes running unsafe.
  • Use a "tagging team" instead of a chain in a small or crowded room.
  • Set a walking-only rule if the floor is slippery.
  • Use gentle tags only, and pause immediately if the group gets too rough.