Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road puts a fun spin on the popular game Sharks & Minnows.

This is a high energy game that requires room to run, but the good news is that it takes absolutely zero prep, so if you’re in a pinch, this is a great game?

Of course we know that the chicken wanted to cross to the other side, and that’s the exact same goal players will have for this game.

PREP TIME – None

ITEMS NEEDED – Room to Run

GAME TIME – 10-30 Minutes

PARTICIPANTS – Everyone

INSTRUCTIONS

In the event you are unfamiliar with Sharks & Minnows, the basic premise of the game is to successfully run (the minnows) from one side of the room to the other without getting tagged by the person is designated as the shark.

If the shark tags a minnow, the minnow must sit down on the floor where they were tagged and can then tag people who pass by, but they can not get up (nor can they get on their knees or lay down to extend their reach) as they are tagging people.

As mentioned above, you will need a large space to run from one side to the other. If you have a gym, just use baselines from the basketball court. If you don’t have designated lines, put down some tape or a couple of items to show where the start and end lines are. That will be where the minnows line up and where they must get past. If they are tagged in between the lines, they must sit down. If they make it, the game flips around and they must get back to the other side. Whoever is the last person standing is the winner.

The shark lines up on the other side of the room and approaches the minnows once you say go for each round.

The difference in this game is that you are going to add some action to the game. Instead of simply running from one side to the other every time, they are going to travel side to side using some different moves. This is where, “How Did the Chicken Cross the Road” comes into play.

Start each round off with a simple sprint from one side to the other by saying, “Why Did the Runner Cross the Road?”. After that, substitute other moves where the word runner is. Make the “shark” do the moves as well, it’s fun to watch! Some suggestions are

Whip/Nae Nae Dancer
Running Man
Chicken (they must motion and cluck like a chicken as they go across)
Crab
Horse
Gymnast
Boxer
Runway Model
Stanky Leg Dancer
Yule Dancer
Superman
Duff Dancer
Bop Dancer
Speed Walker
Cowbell Player
Air Guitarist
Drummer
Head Banger
Mime
One-legged Man
Cowboy Riding his Horse
Disco Dancer
Break Dancer
The Person with a Wedgie
Skater
Tennis Player
Mom Pushing a Stroller
Car Backing out of the Parking Lot

There are endless options, but some great ideas can come from animals and dance moves. Creativity is the key here. You can even award some bonus prizes to the best impressions as they play.

BONUS TIPS

1. Have someone who can show them the moves if you think you’re group might not know some of the moves (or if you don’t know them!).

2. Take some videos and post them on social media. Use creative hashtags that fit the game.

3. Give away a rubber chicken to the winner of Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road.