# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Parachute day in P.E. class is the best. Watching that parachute float up and down is mesmerizing. Running around a parachute is great exercise. And working together to keep all the balls on a parachute during a game of popcorn encourages cooperation. Parachute play isn't just fun and games, it teaches:

Cooperation

Social skills like sharing and taking turns

Hand-eye coordination, balance, and mobility

Core and arm muscles

Social interaction and communication

Listening and responding

Parachutes are also inclusive. Everyone can participate, and they're an enjoyable sensory experience for many kids. All you need to get started are a couple of basic supplies, like this parachute and ball pit balls from Amazon.

Here are 37 parachute games to try with students.

1. Mushroom (The Classic)

Let's start with the basic mushroom. Students spread out in a circle, holding the edge of the parachute. Students pull the parachute taught and lower it. On the signal, they raise the chute upward, all working together. The goal is to all get under the parachute at the same time and sit down, pulling the parachute behind them so that it creates a mushroom shape.

2. The Umbrella

The umbrella-a mushroom format, but keeping hands up-is a great way to practice teamwork before students move on to more advanced parachute games.

3. Make Waves

All the students hold the parachute and move it up and down to create waves.

4. Treasure Under the Sea

Place "treasures" (balls, bean bags, small stuffies) in a box underneath a parachute. Make waves above it and students are sent in as "divers" to collect the items.

5. Cat and Mouse

Assign students the role of cat and mouse. When the "mouse" is called, the mouse starts crawling under the parachute. Once the mouse is under the parachute, call "cat" and the cat starts crawling after the mouse to see if they can tag the mouse. Set a time limit for the cat to seek and then switch roles.

6. Parachute Tag

Have students lift the parachute high. Then call one student's name and have them run to the other side before the parachute comes down and tags them.

7. Jellyfish

Students sit and wave the parachute while a ball is rolled under it. Then students sit under the parachute and send the ball back out.

8. Climb the Mountain

Students work together to create a "mountain" out of the parachute and then, two at a time, try to climb the mountain as the other students hold the mountain steady.

9. One-Hand Run

Each student holds the parachute with one hand and extends the other hand for balance. The students run clockwise in one direction, then change hands and run in the other direction. Use music to prompt students to change directions.

10. Popcorn

Put balls on top of the parachute and wave it so that it looks like popcorn popping. Start with a few balls and then add more and more!

11. Parachute Switch

Using a large parachute, have students hold the edges of the parachute. Give each student a number so there are some repeating numbers (so, if you have 20 students, have them number 1-10 so there are two of each number). Then, call out a number and have the students with that number run under the parachute.

12. Parachute Tug-of-War

Divide students into two teams. Ask the teams to stand on either side of the parachute and hold it. Each team has to try to pull the opposite team onto their side.

13. Windy Day Song

Use this song to warm students up to using the parachute with younger students.

14. Merry-Go-Round

Have students hold the parachute with one hand and hop, skip, or jump in a circle. The result looks like a merry-go-round.

15. Turtle Walk

Have students space out evenly and hold the edges of the parachute. The goal is for students to get into the parachute and make it look like a turtle's shell. Then, once they have the shape, they try to walk and move the parachute like a turtle's shell would.

16. Turtle Race

If you have two parachutes and enough students, have them divide into two groups, create two turtles, and then race as parachute turtles.

17. Parachute Twister

Use the parachute as a twister board and call out activities for students to do while they have their hands on one color and their feet on another.

18. Shoe Shuffle

Assign students numbers 1 through 6. Have no. 1 children throw their shoe into the middle. Lift the parachute and have students retrieve the shoes. Then, repeat the procedure with number 2, 3, and so on.

19. Parachute Dance Around the Clock

Students hold on to the parachute and dance clockwise, counterclockwise, backward, and forward depending on your direction. Play music so they can move to the tempo and make it more challenging.

20. Toss the Fleas

Hold the parachute taut. Put all the balls (fleas) on the center of the parachute. Divide students into teams. The goal is for one team to throw the fleas and the other team has to not let the fleas out.

21. Parachute Keepy-Uppy

Students hold the edges of a parachute. Throw a beach ball onto the parachute and students have to work together to keep the ball from bouncing out.

22. Alligator

Students lie on their backs and put the parachute on top of them, holding it firmly down. Then they crawl slowly with the parachute over them.

23. Man in the Middle

A student sits in the middle of the parachute and the other students move the parachute to create waves around them.

24. Under the Bridge

Students stand at the edge of the parachute and grip the edges. One student is the referee and they call out names randomly (or, have them draw sticks with the students' names on them). When a student's name is called, they must cross the bridge or go under the parachute. The rest of the students try to capture the student who is passing by bringing the parachute down.

25. Weather Station

Students spread out evenly around the parachute. One child is the weather reporter. The weather reporter calls out what type of weather it is. Flutter, wind, storm, tornado (run around), hail (add balls). Have students create movements for other types of weather too.

26. Color Quiz

Place the parachute on a flat surface. Students stand around the parachute. The teacher announces a color and students must identify the color on the parachute. Students can run to the color, jump on it, or lift it.

27. Shake Hands

Assign a number to each student. Students hold the parachute up, and the teacher calls out two random numbers. The students with those numbers run to the middle and shake hands. They can also introduce themselves in the process.

28. Number Switch

Have students sit or stand around the parachute. Assign a number to each player. A teachers calls a number and those two students switch spots by running under the parachute.

29. Fruit Salad

Students hold on to the parachute. The teacher assigns fruit names to each student in a sequence (apple, grape, pear, berry). Make sure that each fruit is assigned to two players. The students move the parachute up and down. The teacher calls names of fruits, and when their fruit is called, students cross under the parachute.

30. Row the Boat

Students sit in a circle, holding on to the parachute. Working together, they pull back and forth so they are moving back and forth and working their abdominal muscles.

31. Rocket Launch

Place a ball in the middle of the parachute and see how high you can send it.

32. Shark Attack

Students take turns being sharks and rescuing other kids who are moving the parachute.

33. Duck, Duck, Goose

Students hold on to the parachute and move it while the student "goose" taps on the student "ducks." They have to run all the way around the parachute to sit back down without being tagged.

34. NASCAR

Students lift the parachute up, and then three students at a time run around the circle as fast as they can. The goal is to get back to their places before the parachute comes down.

35. Parachute Volleyball

If you have small parachutes, play volleyball using the parachutes and large beach balls over a net. Or if you have one large parachute and a beach ball, divide students into two teams. One team is on each side of the parachute and tries to knock the ball off the other side, past the other team.

36. Parachute Golf

Throw a ball into the middle of a parachute and have students shake the parachute so that they can count the number of shakes that it takes for the ball to go through the hole.

37. Mad Scientist

One child stands in the middle of the parachute with their head touching the fabric. The other students pull the parachute back and forth over the student's hair until it stands on end. A great introduction to static electricity!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
37 Parachute Games That Kids Will Really Grab Onto

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parachute games develop social skills, hand-eye coordination, and cooperation, not to mention they're mesmerizing and fun!

# data[].attributes.body
Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving by asking open-ended questions about the story, such as "What do you think will happen next?" or "How do you think the character is feeling?" This will help promote cognitive development and language skills.

# data[].attributes.body
All the Children sit around the outside edge of the parachute. One child is the cat and crawls on top of the parachute, and another is a mouse and crawls under the parachute. The cat trys to catch the mouse while the other children shake the parachute trying to hide the mouse. Once the mouse is caught it two other children get to be the cat and mouse.

# data[].attributes.body
Beach Ball with Feeling EMOJI on it.

You popcorn it and then Go 1, 2, 3, and shake the parachute, then stop and it will roll off. The closest child will grab it. They will see the feeling and act of the face. They will then all act out the emotion and yell what it is. They play it until they are not interested anymore.

HAPPY SAD MAD EXCITED FRUSTRATED

# data[].attributes.body
Ready to try out some parachute activities with your kids? Here are a few awesome ones:

– Parachute Wave: Children wave the parachute one at a time taking turns around the circle. Watch as the parachute takes on a wave motion just like ocean waves!

-Switcharoo: With the parachute being held up, the teacher calls out something the kids can have in common like birthday months. The children who have that birthday month have to run under the parachute and find an empty spot.

-Bear Hunt: Children put the parachute into a “mushroom” and then sit on the inside edge. The teacher runs around the outside pretending to be a bear. Then a child is selected to be the next bear, and they switch.

Stories:

-As an Ocean: Place small plastic animals on the outside of the parachute. Shake the parachute up and down to make waves. Then tell a story about an ocean adventure!

-As a Magic Carpet: Have the kids hold on to the edges of the parachute. Then tell a story about flying around the world on a magical carpet!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you ever wanted to add a little excitement and movement to your day? If so, parachute activities are perfect! They're enjoyable for preschoolers and up, and can be adapted to any ability level. Best of all, they're easy to set up and require minimal preparation. Ready to try them out? Check out some of the best parachute activities for preschoolers and up!

WHAT ARE PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND UP?

Parachute activities are simply any activity that's done with a parachute. That might sound like a pretty broad definition, but there are actually tons of different ways to use a parachute! Parachute activities can be used for games, movement, and even learning. They're perfect for kids of all ages, and can be adapted to any ability level. No parachute? No problem, just grab ab old sheet or tarp. They work great too!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES?

There are lots of reasons why parachute activities are great for kids! Here are just a few benefits of parachute play:

- Kids learn to follow directions and instructions.

- They promote social interaction, cooperative play, and team-building.

- They learn turn-taking skills.

- Parachute activities are a great way to get kids moving and active.

- They can be used to teach a variety of concepts, from counting to colors.

-Kids can develop a sense of rhythm.

- Parachute activities are just plain fun!

HOW DO YOU SET UP PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES?

Setting up parachute activities is easy! All you need is a parachute (you can purchase one online or at a local toy store) and some willing participants. Once you have your materials, just choose an activity to try (we've got some great suggestions below) and you're ready to go!

FUN PARACHUTE GAMES

Ready to try out some parachute activities with your kids? Here are a few awesome ones:

-Mushroom: Everyone holds the parachute at waist height. Then at the same time, everyone lifts up so the top of the parachute forms a mushroom-like shape. Then either hold the edges down on the floor or run inside and quickly sit on the inside edges.

- Parachute Wave: Children wave the parachute one at a time taking turns around the circle. Watch as the parachute takes on a wave motion just like ocean waves!

-Switcharoo: With the parachute being held up, the teacher calls out something the kids can have in common like birthday months. The children who have that birthday month have to run under the parachute and find an empty spot.

-Bear Hunt: Children put the parachute into a "mushroom" and then sit on the inside edge. The teacher runs around the outside pretending to be a bear. Then a child is selected to be the next bear, and they switch.

-Popcorn: Put small balls or beanbags on the outside of the parachute. Shake the parachute and watch them bounce around!

-Parachute Tag: One child is "it" and has to try to tag the others who are running around or sitting on the inside of the parachute.

STORYTELLING PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES

Parachutes also make great props for stories! Here are a few ways to use them:

-As a Cave: Hold the parachute up in a mushroom shape. Crawl inside and tell a story about spelunking or being in a dark cave.

-As an Ocean: Place small plastic animals on the outside of the parachute. Shake the parachute up and down to make waves. Then tell a story about an ocean adventure!

-As a Magic Carpet: Have the kids hold on to the edges of the parachute. Then tell a story about flying around the world on a magical carpet!

PARACHUTE MUSIC AND MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Parachutes aren't just for games and stories - they can also be used for music and movement activities! Here are a few of the best:

- Parachute Dance: Put on some upbeat music and let the kids dance around the parachute. Encourage them to lift it up, wave it, and jump under it!

- Parachute Drum: Place a small drum or tamborine in the center of the parachute. Have the kids hold the edges and then gently move it up and down to make music.

-Match That Music: The music is turned on and children try to match the type of music they hear. If it's a fast tempo, they can shake the parachute quickly. Classical music works great for this activity!

-Freeze Dance Party: Shake the parachute while the music plays. Stop as quickly as possible when it turns off. Begin the music again, and start over.

-Singing Songs: Sing some of your favorite songs. Add interactive parts like when you reach the chorus, everyone runs under. When you get back to a verse, everyone comes back out.

EDUCATIONAL PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES

Parachutes can also be used for educational activities! Here are a few great educational ideas:

- Colors: Children can identify colors as they wave the parachute around.

- Counting: Have the kids count how many times they can wave the parachute in the air.

- Shapes: Children can identify shapes as they wave the parachute around. The teacher can hold up different shapes under the parachute and the kids have to identify them.

- Letters: Children can identify letters as they wave the parachute around. The teacher can make letter sounds for the children to identify or hold up flashcards.

- Opposites: have the kids wave the parachute slowly for "slow" and quickly for "fast." Other examples are "high and low" and "under or over".

WHAT SKILLS DO PRESCHOOLERS LEARN DURING PARACHUTE ACTIVITIES?

Parachute activities are great for promoting a variety of skills in preschoolers, including:

- Gross motor skills: Parachute games can be an effective gross motor activity. They help kids to develop gross motor skills as they move and play. The kids are squatting, lifting the parachute overhead, crawling and sidestepping!

- Hand-eye coordination: Children need to be able to see what they are doing as they move and play with the parachute. Toss a small ball on the parachute and the kids have to work to pop and keep it on it.

- Language and communication skills: Parachute activities provide a great opportunity for kids to work on their language development as they describe what they're doing and give directions to others.

- Math skills: Parachute games and activities can also be used to teach simple math concepts, like numbers, shapes, and colors. Visual-spatial concepts can also be introduced with left and right, under, over, etc.

- Creative thinking: Parachute activities encourage kids to use their imaginations and come up with new ways to play.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARACHUTE FOR MY CHILD?

When choosing a parachute for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the age and ability level of your child or students. Parachutes come in a variety of sizes, so it's important to choose one that's appropriate for your child. Second, think about what you'll be using the parachute for. If you're planning on doing a lot of movement activities, look for a parachute that's lightweight and easy to move. If you're mostly interested in games and learning activities, any size will do!

Parachute activities are a fun way to get kids moving and engaged. They offer physical, academic, and life skills benefits. Plus, they're just super fun! So grab a parachute, and get your kids involved.

RELATED POSTS
Movement Activities for Preschoolers
Large Group Activities for Preschoolers

Music and Movement Activities for Preschoolers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parachute activities and games for preschoolers - Benefits and skills are discussed as well as some really great parachute game ideas.

# data[].attributes.body
Physical activity could be ball in center and lifting to throw ball, then moving to catch it.

Social emotional activity could be if your happy and you know it get under the parachute

cognitive activity could be a soft color dice in center use it like the ball, but when it lands on a color, that kid can run to that color

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parachute Games and Songs for Social-Emotional Development

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are a variety of songs and games within this activity pack. Each activity relates to strengthening children's social and emotional development. Each activity is different, so you can pick which one will suit your children at the time.

# data[].attributes.body
Popcorn: Put small balls or beanbags on the outside of the parachute. Shake the parachute and watch them bounce around! The children will use their large motor skills to move the parachute up and down, social and emotional as they interact with each other to try to keep the bean bags/balls on the parachute, and cognitive as they think about how to keep them on the parachute.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.ssww.com/blog/parachute-play-teaching-social-connections-engagement/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parachute Play - Teaching Social Connections & Engagement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rolling out the parachute on a sunny day is a great way to pull people of all ages and abilities together. Doing it with a smile, open expectations, and joy is a recipe for fun with both caretakers and the … Read More

# data[].attributes.body
Musical handles which plays likes musical chairs. I put on music and we dance around the parachute on the floor. When I stop the music everyone grabs a handle and does the parachute fast or slow depending on what I call out. Then I start the music again and we repeat the steps.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Today's installment of storytime props is the parachute in storytime. (Previous post: Scarves in Storytime and Egg Shakers in Storytime.)

Are you ready to go over the basics?

1. What size parachute do you use?: I have three different parachutes at the library. Two fit in our smaller programming room (parachutes size 10 feet and size 12 feet). This works for classes of 20 kids or smaller. Our large parachute fits our large programming room (parachute size 24 feet). I've used this parachute in classes with 70 kids before.

2. How do you take the parachute out and put the parachute away?: In our large music & movement program, I ask the kids to find their grown-ups and stay with them while I pass out the parachute. For classes when I'm the only grown-up in the room, I have the kids touch the wall until I finish setting up the parachute. This ensures no one slips on the parachute and that I can safely lay it out without accidentally wrapping someone up inside of it. It also works for cleaning it up!

3. How do you store the parachute?: Our parachutes came with storage bags. I've also seen parachutes simply folded up on a shelf. As for the accessories, I use fabric storage bins that are kept next to the parachute to hold those.

4. Where do you get a parachute?: All of ours came from S&S Worldwide 12 foot, 24 foot. (I don't see the 10′ any longer.)

5. Has your parachute held up over the years?: Not a rip on any of them. And there's been some VERY enthusiastic shakers using our parachute in storytime.

Great! We've got the basics covered and now it's time to dive into how I use a parachute in storytime.

Games

Opposites
The parachute is a great opportunity to practice opposites: fast/slow, high/low, up/down, left/right, front/back, over/under, in/out. I will often do these with modified songs: "If you're happy and you know it, shake it fast" followed by "If you're happy and you know it, shake it slow". In particular, the parachute in storytime is perfect for up/down and these are some of my favorite up/down songs: "The Elevator Song", "The Noble Duke of York", and "Roly, Poly".

And if you want to try a different version of "The Noble Duke of York" to de-centralize the conqueror/colonizer narrative, you can use this one I wrote:

The great big teddy bear,
Bear has thousand friends,
Bear marched them up to the top of hill
And marched them down again

And when you're up, you're up
And when you're down, you're down
And when you're only halfway up,
You're neither up nor down

Cover Your...
This is a fantastic way to practice body identification and get kids giggling. I start by sitting everyone on the outside of the parachute and call out "cover your toes". Everyone races to cover their toes with the parachute. This game can be very simple for little ones, or you can use it for older kids by choosing more technical terms like the names of bones or muscles.

Basic Movement
How many of you remember doing the mushroom under the parachute as a child in gym class? If you don't remember, here's an example of the mushroom in a gym class on YouTube (fast-forward to the 1:15 mark to see the mushroom in action). This is the kind of basic movement I'm talking about. One of my favorite things to do is teamwork activities, like pretending the parachute is the wheel of the school bus and "turning" it as we walk around together.

Putting Things on the Parachute in Storytime

I love tossing things on to the parachute. I use recycled paper crumpled up as "popcorn" pieces, the kids then shake the chute until the popcorn pops off. I love buying foam shapes from craft stores and tossing those on the parachute in storytime; this works especially well with weather-related shapes like leaves and snowflakes. I've also purchased stuffed monkeys to do "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed", soft fabric balls, and foam ABC letters.

Recorded Music

Because of how loud the parachute can get, I love using recorded music to ensure that everyone can hear. Some of my favorite songs to use are:

Lifting Up & Down
- Take the Sun by Caspar Babypants
- Under a Shady Tree by Laurie Berkner
- My Ups and Downs by Jim Gill
- Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles (from my pop music edition of Shake, Shimmy, & Dance)

Shaking
- Fast and Slow by Laurie Berkner
- The Shimmie Shake by The Wiggles
- No More Monkeys by Asheba / Putumayo Kids
- I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons (from my pop music edition of Shake, Shimmy, & Dance)

Prop Songs
- Falling by Joanie Leeds (foam leaves)
- Popcorn by Laura Doherty, Popcorn by Mr. Jon & Friends, Hot Poppin' Popcorn by The Wiggles, Popcorn by Joanie Leeds (recycled paper popcorn)
- Rolling Ball by The Learning Groove (soft fabric balls)
- All You Need is Love by Caspar Babypants (foam hearts)

Moving
- Wheels in the City by Laura Doherty
- Round in a Circle by Greg & Steve
- Ring Around the Rosie by Caspar Babypants

I hope this post served as a springboard for ideas of using a parachute in storytime. If you have any other tricks, tips, or favorite activities, please leave them in the comments. I'll be back next time talking about using instruments in storytime!

- Katie Salo
Early Literacy Librarian
Indian Prairie Public Library
http://storytimekatie.com

This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competency: III. Programming Skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A children's librarian discusses using a parachute in storytime. The article includes best practices and FAQs, as well as tips and tricks for activities and songs to do with the parachute.

# data[].attributes.body
Story Telling:

-As a Cave: Hold the parachute up in a mushroom shape. Crawl inside and tell a story about spelunking or being in a dark cave.

-As an Ocean: Place small plastic animals on the outside of the parachute. Shake the parachute up and down to make waves. Then tell a story about an ocean adventure!

-As a Magic Carpet: Have the kids hold on to the edges of the parachute. Then tell a story about flying around the world on a magical carpet!

# data[].attributes.headline
In my class we lift the parachute up and call two kids names and those two run under and give each other a high-five or hug and switch spots.                     Physical-running                                                             Social emotional- giving friend high-five or hug                                                               Cognitive- they have to think and make a decision on what side they are gonna run on so they don't run into their friend.          

# data[].attributes.subject
In my class we lift the parachute up and call two kids names and those two run under and give each other a high-five or hug and switch spots.                     Physical-running                                                             Social emotional- giving friend high-five or hug                                                               Cognitive- they have to think and make a decision on what side they are gonna run on so they don't run into their friend.          

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Parachutes are the ultimate in the "toys for all ages" category. From tots to seniors, there are so many games to play with them. Parachutes also come in multiple sizes so can be used with as few as two people and as many as a hundred!

They're a perfect, colourful toy to play with inside or out-and they're pretty affordable, starting at about $25. Not only will kids be moving and shaking (literally), they'll also be learning a lot about cooperation. Here are 10 games to try with your kids.

1. The Mushroom

While the vegetable might not appeal to all, the game of Mushroom definitely will!

To make a mushroom, lie the parachute flat on the ground and spread the kids out evenly around it. With each child holding a handle, have them pull the parachute so that it's tight between them all. On the count of three, have the kids raise the parachute above their head and take two quick steps toward the centre. The parachute will rise upwards and fill with air like a giant mushroom.

Once the mushroom is fully inflated, kids can let go of the handles, step back, and watch the mushroom float to the floor or they can dash under the mushroom and let it float onto themselves. Warning: this is sure to elicit very excited laughs!

2. The Wave

It's not just for stadiums and arenas! Have kids hold one or two handles and move their arms up and down. Like water in the ocean, the parachute will move in waves. Shake the parachute slowly for small waves and quickly for giant ones.

3. All Change

Get ready for a game of switcheroo! Have your kids spread themselves evenly around the parachute and each take hold of a handle. As the kids lift the parachute high above them, call out a detail that some players will have in common. Whichever players share that detail must run and trade places with each other before the parachute falls.

Examples could include: everyone wearing a blue shirt, everyone with a birthday in April, everyone with a fish, everyone who's left-handed, etc.

4. Popcorn

Hold the butter and serve up some fun! Lay the parachute on the ground and place light objects such as balls or stuffies in the centre. Have the kids pick up one or two handles and on the count of three, begin shaking the parachute up and down. The toys will bounce up like popping popcorn! Can the kids work together to keep the toys from bouncing off the parachute?

5. Parachute Treasure Hunt

Spread a large number of small toys on the ground and place a parachute evenly over them. As kids make waves with the parachute, call out one of the children's names and the toy they must find. The child must climb quickly under the parachute, find that toy and crawl back out before the parachute falls on them. Keep playing until everyone has had a turn to find a toy.

6. Ball in the Middle

Time to work on a whole lot of patience and cooperation! Place one ball on the parachute and have the kids see if they can move it to the middle of the parachute and keep it balanced there. Once they can do that consistently, add one or more balls. Can they keep them all balanced in the middle?

7. Merry Go Round

Head to the carnival for an all-time favourite ride! Have the kids hold a handle with their right hands so they're all facing in one direction. Start by having them walk in that direction and on cue (could be your voice or a pause in music if you're playing some), have them take the handle in their left hand and walk in the opposite direction. Can they skip in a circle with the parachute? Jog slowly?

8. Avoid the Snakes!

Keep clear of the scaly serpents! Put 3 or 4 skipping ropes (the snakes) on the parachute and have the kids make waves. As the snakes bounce around the parachute, kids want to keep them away from themselves. If they get touched by a snake, they must run around the parachute and back to their spot.

9. Parachute Volleyball

This parachute game requires a whole lot of teamwork.

Split the kids into two even teams of three to six players and have them stand on opposite sides of a volleyball net. One team begins with a large ball such as a beach ball or oversized ball on their parachute. The team has two bounces on the parachute to launch the ball over the net.

The opposing team must catch the ball in their parachute, and they have three bounces to get the ball back over the net. If the ball falls on the ground or is hit out of bounds, the opposing team gets a point. Players are not allowed to use their hands.

10. Wheels on the Bus

There are so many movements kids can use with a parachute while singing the always-popular Wheels on the Bus song. Starting with: "The wheels on the bus go round and round," kids can walk in a circle holding one handle of the parachute.

On the next verse, kids can walk towards each other and back while singing: "The doors on the bus go open and shut." Kids can walk backwards with: "The driver on the bus says move on back," or wave the parachute as they sing: "The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish."

What other ways do your kids like to play with parachutes?

Read more about games for kids:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 parachute games and activities for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You can play so many games with a parachute! Try these fun parachute activities with the kids in your life.

# data[].attributes.body
SPIN THE PARACHUTE AROUND WALKING ONE WAY THEN SPIN BACK AND WALK THE OTHER WAY THEN ALL WALK INTO THE MIDDLE THEN BACK OUT THEN YOU SIT AND GO UP THEN U DO IT AGAIN, PLAYING IT TO THE IRISH JIG MUSIC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parachute Song for Toddlers | Parachute Time kids music | Patty Shukla

# data[].attributes.body
I used the parachute to make a sort of fort at choice time. I then put paper and crayons under it so that the children can draw or color together. They loved it.