Fitness Active Play How to Play Dragon or Sock Tag By Catherine Holecko Catherine Holecko Facebook Catherine Holecko is an experienced freelance writer and editor who specializes in pregnancy, parenting, health and fitness. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 11, 2020 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Adah Chung Fact checked by Adah Chung LinkedIn Adah Chung is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and occupational therapist. Learn about our editorial process Print Ariel Skelley / Blend Images / Getty Images Dragon tag is just one of the dozens of versions of tag or chase kids can play. Like most tag games, it's lots of fun for a group, requires little equipment, and will really get players running and moving. It fits perfectly with a knights-and-princesses party theme (or a straight-up Dragons theme). But it can be adapted to other themes or just played spontaneously anytime you have a group of kids gathered. And it even encourages kids to work together as a team. Plus, see below for a variation called Sock Tag—in that one, it's every man for himself! How to Play Split players into groups of four or more and have them form chains by linking arms or grabbing each others' waists or shoulders.Give the last player in each chain a scarf, bandanna, or long sock to act as a "tail." Have those players tuck the "tails" into the back of their waistbands. Each chain is now a Dragon.Start by having the Dragons scatter across a playing area. When you shout "Go!" the Dragons chase each other, trying to grab opponents' tails (while protecting their own tails too). Only the first player in the dragon chain can grab another team's tail.Each team's chain must stay unbroken. Decide in advance what the consequences will be if a chain comes loose. You could have the whole team perform a fitness activity (such as five squats, or a running a quick lap around the playing area). And/or, require the chain to reform with a different player at the head and tail. Play until one player has all the tails, or for a predetermined time period. Tips & Variations No sitting on or hiding of tails!Sock Tag Variation: Also called "Tails." Every player gets a tail, and they all play both offense and defense (trying to grab each other's tails while also protecting their own). As with Dragon Tag, instead of having players sit out once their tails have been grabbed, let them perform a fitness activity instead. When that's complete, they can rejoin the game and try to grab themselves a new tail from another player. Play until one player has all the tails, or for a predetermined time period.Giant Dragon Variation: Another option—helpful if you have a slightly smaller group of players—is to make just one dragon. The player at the head of the line tries to steal the tail, while the players in the middle try to stop her (without breaking the chain). Top 10 Versions of Playing Tag Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit