Rainbow Tag

Name and Purpose

Rainbow Tag combines movement and colour discovery in a joyful, fast-moving tag game.
Players practise spatial awareness, agility, and the excitement of collecting something while being chased.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Open outdoor space or large gym with a clear boundary

Materials

Washable, non-toxic, water-based paint in four to six colours
Small reusable containers (one per colour), placed around the play area
Craft foam pieces or popsicle sticks for applying paint stripes (one per container, wiped clean between uses)
One soft damp sponge for “It”
Wet wipes or a water station nearby for cleanup
Cones for boundary markers

Quick-Run Card

Set up four to six colour stations around the boundary with a small container of washable paint and an applicator.
One player starts as “It” with a soft damp sponge.
Players run to colour stations and dab one stripe of paint on their own forearm.
“It” tags players by wiping a stripe off their arm with the sponge.
Tagged players immediately visit a colour station, reapply a stripe, and rejoin. No one sits out.
Round ends when time is called. Count stripes and celebrate colours collected.

Setup and Boundaries

Place colour stations evenly around the inside of the boundary. Each station has one container and one applicator.
“It” starts in the centre. Other players spread around the boundary edge.
Signal: one short whistle = pause; two whistles = end of round.
Staff should be aware of any players with skin sensitivities. Non-toxic, washable paint is the baseline.
Check that paint applicators are clean before play begins.

How to Play

Set up colour stations around the play space. Each station has one colour of washable paint and an applicator.
One player starts as “It.” “It” carries a soft damp sponge.
All other players spread out inside the boundary.
On “Go!” players run to colour stations and use the applicator to dab one stripe of paint on their own forearm. Players collect as many different colours as they can.
“It” chases players and tags them by gently wiping a stripe off their arm with the sponge.
Tagged players immediately go to any colour station, apply a new stripe, and rejoin the game. There is no sitting out.
After three to five minutes, the counsellor calls a new “It.” The player with the most colours on their arm at that moment becomes the next “It.”
Play as many rounds as time allows. At the end, players compare their stripes and see who collected the most colours.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Sprint between stations and dodge “It” to keep stripes on your arm.
S (Support): Paint-station keeper: help applicators stay in their containers and keep stations tidy between visits.
Q (Quiet): Move calmly between stations, focusing on collecting colours rather than dodging “It.”
O (Observer): Watch, count each player’s stripes, celebrate the rainbow-collection happening in real time, join when ready.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players with skin sensitivities can apply paint to the back of their hand or a fabric wristband instead of their forearm.
Players who prefer not to be physically tagged can use a flag belt instead: “It” pulls the flag rather than wiping the arm.
Station applicators can be replaced with stamp pads for players who find paint sticks difficult to grip.

Stewardship Moment

Use only as much paint as needed. Reusable containers replace disposable cups. Clean up paint stations before leaving.
Reflection: “What does it take to build something colourful? Did you have to work for it?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves “It” wiping a paint stripe off your arm. For those not comfortable with that kind of contact, a flag-belt version is another option.”
Mid-game check: After the first few minutes, pause. “How is the pace? Are the paint stations working for everyone?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step to a colour station as keeper at any time. Raise a hand to rejoin as a runner.

Risks and Mitigation

Paint in eyes or mouth: use non-toxic, washable paint. Stations are for arm application only. Remind players before starting.
Applicator hygiene: wipe applicators between players if there are skin concerns, or give each player their own stick to carry.
“It” being too rough with the sponge wipe: coach for a light dab, not a scrub. Demonstrate the motion before play.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Rainbow Order”: players line up in rainbow-colour order using any clothing or item they’re wearing. Breaks the ice and gets players thinking about colour.
“Sponge Pass”: pass the damp sponge around the circle using only elbows. Fun and gets everyone touching the game equipment.

Debrief Questions

What? “How many colours did you collect? Was it harder than you expected?”
So What? “What strategy helped you keep your stripes?”
Now What? “What does it mean to collect something that can be taken away from you?”

Cleanup and Reset