Top 30 classic children’s games cherished by adults today

A survey of 2,000 adults has revealed which classic children’s games have stood the test of time and are still considered the ‘best playground games’ today. Classics like marbles, British Bulldog, conkers, and ‘What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?’ have all secured spots in the top 10. The list also included other well-liked games such as football cards, yo-yos, ‘Cat’s Cradle’ and hopscotch.

According to the survey, the majority of adults played outdoors every day during their school years. These outdoor activities were seen as a key way to forging friendships, with three-quarters regarding these times as some of their most treasured childhood memories.

The research was released to coincide with International Day of Play, taking place on June 11. This annual UN-recognised day raises awareness about the vital importance of play for children and highlights play as a fundamental right, something over two thirds of adults were unaware of.

Gillian McMahon, executive director of Right To Play UK, an international charity dedicated to using play to enhance the lives of countless children annually, remarked: “Play is a deep-rooted part of childhood in the UK. However, millions of children globally are unable to claim this basic right.”

Seven in ten believe every child should have a right to play, with physical exercise, making friends and building social skills such as empathy and cooperation seen as among the main benefits. However, this isn’t the case in certain areas across the world.

“Extreme challenges such as conflict, poverty, child labour and early marriage are depriving many vulnerable children of the childhood they deserve,” Gillian explained.

She added: “Every child should have access to the life-changing benefits of play. It is essential to children’s learning, development and well-being.”

Through their global programmes the charity reaches more than 4.7 million children who are living in some of the most challenging places on earth.

Gillian added: “Using the power of play, we are helping children to stay in school, resist exploitation, overcome prejudice and heal from the trauma of war and displacement.”