Game: Protect the castle

Supplies Needed:

• Large soft balls (e.g. dodgeballs or beach balls)

• Cones, large cardboard boxes, or blocks (to build the “castle”)

• Optional: crowns or sashes to identify defenders

• A large open play space (hall or field)

  
  

  How to Set It Up:

• Build the CastleStack cones, boxes, or large soft blocks in the centre or one side of the play area to create the “castle.”➤ It doesn't need to be fancy — even a few stacked cones works!

• Choose Defenders & Attackers

  • Select 2–3 “Castle Defenders” whose job is to protect the castle without touching the ball.

  • The remaining children are Attackers who try to knock over the castle with soft balls.

    
    

• Mark a Throwing LinePlace a line or set cones a few metres from the castle. Attackers must throw from behind this line.

How to Play:

1. On your signal, attackers take turns throwing the ball to try and knock over part (or all) of the castle.

2. Defenders can block, duck, and move around the castle — but can’t use their hands to touch the ball!

3. If the castle is knocked over, defenders and attackers swap roles and rebuild it for the next round.

4. Repeat with new defenders so everyone gets a turn!

Optional Variations:

• Timed Rounds: How long can the defenders protect the castle before it falls?

• Team Play: Create multiple small castles and rotate teams through defender/attacker roles.

• Magic Ball Round: Use a different-coloured ball as the “super spell” that knocks over the whole castle in one go!