Traditional Children’s Games in the Philippines

Filipino children have always enjoyed playing outside with their friends. From city streets to village yards, many traditional games are still played today. These games are full of teamwork, movement, and fun—no screens needed! Let’s explore some of the most popular ones.

Patintero

Patintero is one of the most well-loved traditional games in the Philippines. It’s played with three to five children per team, and you need only a flat surface and some chalk.

How to play:
Draw a large rectangle on the ground (about five to six meters long) and divide it into equal sections. One team guards the lines while the other team tries to cross through the sections without being tagged. The guards can only move along the lines—if they step out, they lose!

This game builds teamwork and quick thinking!

Agawan Base

Agawan Base means “stealing the base,” and it’s a fast-paced game that gets everyone running!

How to play:
Divide into two teams and draw a line down the center of a field. Each team has a “base” marked with a rock, shoe, or any object. Players try to cross into the other team’s area and tag their base without being caught. If they’re tagged, they’re out! It’s a game full of energy and excitement.

Tumbang Preso

This game mixes aiming, strategy, and chasing—all in one!

How to play:
Place an empty can in the center. One player is the preso (prisoner) and guards the can. Other players try to knock it down using their slippers (each player has two). If someone knocks over the can, the preso tries to tag them while they rush to retrieve their slipper. Once all slippers are taken, the preso chases the players and tags someone new to take their place.

Kids love this game for its mix of skill and running!

Learning Through Play with Dinolingo

Traditional games like Patintero and Tumbang Preso are more than just fun—they teach kids how to follow rules, work in teams, and stay active. They also include words and actions from the Filipino language, making them a great tool for cultural learning.

If your child wants to learn Tagalog (Filipino) while also having fun, Dinolingo is a fantastic way to begin. With lessons full of interactive games, songs, flashcards, and videos, Dinolingo helps kids ages 2–14 learn Tagalog naturally. Whether on the web, iOS, or Android, it offers flexible access and even includes a parent dashboard to track progress.