Discover Ukrainian Games and Special Traditions

Ukrainian children love to play games—and many of them have been passed down from their grandparents. These games are full of singing, dancing, running, laughing, and sometimes even a little fire-jumping! Let’s take a look at some of the most fun and traditional games kids in Ukraine enjoy.

Ivana Kupala Night: A Magical Summer Celebration

One of the most exciting nights in Ukraine is Ivana Kupala, celebrated every year on the 7th of July. It’s a special summer festival full of music, dancing, flowers, and fire. Girls make flower wreaths and let them float on the river. If the flowers drift away, it’s believed the girl will get married. If they float back, it means she will wait longer to marry.

Later that night, people jump over small fires! It may sound scary, but in many villages, this is still a fun and exciting part of the tradition. People believe it brings good luck and joy.

The Game of “Blind Cat” (Also Called “Eyes”)

This is a very funny game where one player is chosen to be the “cat” and is blindfolded. The other players (the “mice”) walk or tiptoe around the cat. The blindfolded cat tries to catch someone and guess who they are by touching their face or hands.

If the cat guesses right, the roles switch: the cat becomes a mouse and the caught mouse becomes the new blind cat! You can play this game with 5 or more players.

The Dragon Game

In this fast and silly game, kids form a line and hold onto each other’s shoulders. The first person is the “dragon’s head” and the last person is the “dragon’s tail.” The goal? The head tries to catch the tail—without breaking the chain or using hands.

When the head catches the tail, they switch places and play again. Kids can sing songs while running around, making it even more fun!

Jungle-Jingle: A Circle Song Game

“Jungle-Jingle” is a Ukrainian song-game where kids form a circle and hold hands. One player, called “Jungle,” runs around the outside of the circle while everyone sings. When the song ends, the runner joins the circle, and a new “Jungle” is chosen. This game is full of smiles and giggles and great for birthday parties and school recess.

The Game of “Old Woman Kutsia”

In this lively game, one child is blindfolded and spun around a few times. Then the other children clap their hands and call out the blindfolded person’s name, making it harder to tell where the sound is coming from.

The blindfolded player tries to catch someone by listening carefully. The first person they catch becomes the new “Old Woman Kutsia.” It’s a game of listening, laughing, and surprise!

Easter Crafts and Pysanky Eggs

Besides games, Ukrainian children also love making crafts, especially around Easter. One of the most famous traditions is decorating pysanky, which are beautifully painted eggs. Kids use colorful wax and dye to make patterns that represent nature, family, and hope. These eggs are often made at home or in school and are a proud symbol of Ukrainian culture.

Learn Ukrainian the Fun Way

Games and songs are a wonderful way for children to learn a new language. With Dinolingo, kids can play language games, listen to native Ukrainian songs, and watch fun videos. Dinolingo offers learning tools for ages 2 to 14, including flashcards, stories, and songs—all available on phones, tablets, and computers. Parents can also track their child’s progress with the easy-to-use parent dashboard.

Conclusion

From fire-jumping festivals to playful blindfold games and colorful Easter eggs, Ukrainian children know how to have fun while learning about their traditions. These games not only bring joy but also help kids connect with their culture, language, and each other