Sardines is an active game that is played like hide and go seek — only in reverse! One person hides, and everyone else searches for the hidden person. Whenever a person finds the hidden person, they quietly join them in their hiding spot. Soon, the hidden group starts to look like a bunch of sardines!
This game should be played in a large indoor area. Be sure it is safe and that you are allowed to play in the area. The ideal group size is 8-15 people. This game is for ages 12 and up. No special materials are required to play.
Instructions for Sardines (also known as Reverse Hide and Seek)
Gather everyone together and explain the rules and boundaries of the game. Be sure to keep everyone safe and ensure no one wanders into areas that they aren’t supposed to be in. When everyone understands the rules and boundaries, ask for a volunteer to be the first person to hide. Give the person a set amount of time (e.g. a few minutes) to hide, while everyone else closes their eyes or sits in a neutral spot away from the playing area.
When time is up, everyone splits up and tries to find the hidden person. When someone finds the hidden person, the game is not over! He or she quietly hides alongside the hidden person. Over time, several people will be hidden together, resembling a bunch of sardines.
The last person to find the hidden party loses that round. He or she is the next person to hide. Alternatively, you can reward the first person to find the hidden person by allowing that person to hide if he or she wants to.
Variations
There are other variations to this game, such as playing it in pairs. This adds a little more teamwork to the game.
