Play like a Pioneer: Games for Pioneer Day

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Pioneers knew how to have a great time without a lot of fuss. This Pioneer Day, celebrate by playing some of these classic games. Print the game cards and invite the neighbors for some fun too!

Save it for later, pin it now!

We’ve rounded up seven classic pioneer games for your family or church to enjoy.

• Horseshoes

• Marbles

• Who’s Got the Button

• Kick the Can

• Clothespin Drop

• Fox and Geese

• Stick Pull

Take time learning the games then set up some competition rounds. Use some old fashion candy for prizes. Claeys Old Fashioned Hard Candies are a delicious choice.

Instructions are printed on individually sized cards. Laminate, punch a hole in the top corners, and keep the cards on a ring so they are easy to grab and remember the rules when Pioneer Day (or trek) rolls around.

Throwing a ward party or family reunion? Print and laminate cards for each station. Be sure each person manning the stations has played the games before so they can answer any questions that come their way.

Game board and pieces are also included in the free printable for the game Fox and Geese. We recommend printing these on heavier paper and laminating before playing. The fox and geese game pieces are easier to use when glued to heavy cardboard then use some clear packing tape to "laminate” them.

More pioneer games to try

• Jacks
• Hopscotch
• Cat’s Cradle
• Hoop Roll
• Tug of  War
• Potato Sack Race
• Build pioneer villages with Lincoln Logs

• Three legged race

• Jump rope

• Tag

• Coloring! Try our Pioneer Coloring Book

• Hide and Go Seek

• Charades (Use our Eyes to See cards for ease)

• Hide the Thimble

• Stilts (try some sturdy buckets and ropes)

• Checkers

• Dancing! There are of course, so many to choose from. Start with these:

  • Virginia Reel

  • Cotton Eye Joe Circle Dance

  • Heel Toe Polka

  • Oh Susanna

  • Big Mountain Circle

  • Cumberland Squares

And while Find a Pioneer wasn’t technically played during pioneer times, we still think it’s a great addition (and another free printable).

Keep the Pioneer Fun Going!

You might also want to try these fun pioneer things:

• Minute-to-win-it style pioneer games

• Craft like a Pioneer

• Eat like a Pioneer

• More pioneer themed printables

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