Cowboy Games for Children

Tin Can Shoot-Out

Using water pistols, children attempt to shoot down pop cans or tin cans sitting on a fence or other surface. Depending on the strength of the water pistols, pop cans may be a better choice for this, because they are lighter.

Stick Horse Race

Stick horses or ponies may be used for this. An obstacle course can be set up using poles, straw bales, sawhorses or other cowboy-type decorations. Children should attempt to ride their horses through the course. The first one to cross the finish line is the winner. If you don't have stick horses, brooms will work just fine for this.

Rope 'Em and Ride 'Em

For this game, you're going to need an inflatable horse or cow or a large stuffed animal and a lasso. Children attempt to rope the object and wrangle in the "wild" animal. This is usually a game loved by kids and will be done over and over.

The Cattle Drive

Nearly 50 balloons should be blown up for this. Within an area, these should be let loose. The children should be instructed to "drive" them into another specified location (or room) using their stick horses.

Cowboys & Indians

This can be played just like Red Rover, but one team can be called the Indians and the other the Cowboys. Whichever side has the most players at the end of the game wins.

Pin the Tail on the ???

Played just like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, this can be played as Pin the Tail on the Horse, Pin the Badge on the Sheriff, Put the Hat on the Cowboy or any other combination you think of. You may have to print out your own graphic and have them enlarged, but the ideas for this are limitless.

I've Got a Snake in My Boot!

Children are given four or five rubber snakes to try to toss into an old boot. The child getting the most snakes in the boot is the winner. This game can be varied to include rocks, beanbags or marbles being tossed into the boot.

Penny in the Hay Stack

Put pennies, small horse figurines and other cowboy-like items into a pile of hay. Let the children sort through it to find the items.

Sheriff Says

One person is appointed as the Sheriff. The Sheriff tells the group of children different things to do by giving instructions that start with, "The Sheriff says to..." However, if the Sheriff gives instructions to do something without saying, "The Sheriff says to...," whichever children follow the instructions are out of the game. It's a game played just like Simon Says.

Gunny Sack Races

Children put their legs into gunnysacks, while standing up. By jumping forward, they race toward the finish line. The first one there wins! This is an old-time game that has been a favorite for years and years.

Chuck Wagon Race

You'll need at least two little red wagons for this game. Children can either push themselves in the wagon or can be pulled by others. But, the object of the game is to race to the finish. The team there first wins!

Make Up Your Own Cowboy Games for Children

Most games can be turned into cowboy games for children with just a little creativity, a little atmosphere and some fun costuming. Just supplying kids with cowboy hats and red bandanas may be enough for them to come up with their games. Many traditional games such as Tag, Tug of War or any kind of race game can become western with just a bit of variation. While the games mentioned are great ones with which to start, your own little cowpoke may have some games they've thought up on their own. Ask them for their ideas.