Fun and Traditional Games Kids Play in Denmark

Games are a big part of growing up in Denmark. Children enjoy playing with their friends outside and learning through fun. Some Danish games might remind you of games you’ve played in your own country—just with different names and a cultural twist. Here are three popular games Danish kids love to play.

Barrel Cat (Slå katten af tønden)

This game has a long history. In medieval times, people believed that putting a cat in a barrel and hitting it would drive away evil spirits. Thankfully, the game has changed over time. Today, the barrel is filled with candy and decorated with pictures of cats. It’s hung from a tree or ceiling, and kids take turns hitting it with sticks until the treats fall out. The child who breaks the barrel becomes the “King” or “Queen” of the Cats for the day and gets to wear a crown!

This game is often played during the Danish celebration of Fastelavn, which is similar to Halloween and Carnival combined.

Capturing Chains (Laenkfange)

This game is a fun variation of tag. One child starts as “It” and chases the others. When “It” tags someone, the two join hands and continue chasing others together. As more children are tagged, the chain grows longer and longer. The last child to be caught is the winner! It’s a great game for teamwork and giggles.

Kick the Tin (Spark til Dåsen)

Kick the Tin is like a mix of hide-and-seek and tag. One child is chosen as “It” while the others hide. The child who is “It” tries to find them and must kick a can and call out the name of each hidden child to catch them. If the seeker forgets to kick the can, the child can escape and hide again. Captured children are kept in a separate area, but they can be freed if another child kicks the can before being caught.

This game is exciting, full of surprises, and great for group play.

Learn and Play with Danish Culture

With Dinolingo, kids can explore Denmark’s culture and language through interactive games and activities like these. Dinolingo’s lessons are designed for children aged 2 to 14 and include videos, songs, printable materials, and fun language games. Available on web, iOS, and Android, Dinolingo supports up to 6 users per subscription and makes learning Danish a joyful experience for the whole family.