This is a wonderful active game, great for indoors or outside, and all you need is two friends, or two heavy chairs, and the stretchy skipping rope provided. Wrap the rope (which is one big loop) around the ankles of your two friends as they stand with their feet shoulder width apart and as far away from each other as makes the rope taught. Then jump inside and outside of the rope according to a predetermined pattern that can be changed every time. When you miss a move or accidentally step on the rope, switch places with a friend and let them have a turn. Similar to hopscotch, Chinese jump rope games work great when paired up with songs.

• best for ages 5 and up
• try doing different jumping patterns along to favourite songs
• great for coordination and physical activity