Are you experiencing an influx of idle young hands around the house recently? It is a story as old as time itself, and one that the American Indians who have called these lands home for centuries knew just how to deal with.

American Indians played a large variety of games in their day-to-day lives. The purpose of these games varied, but some benefits included increased dexterity, hunting practice, cognitive training and, of course, entertainment. Try out this fun family game and watch the time fly by!

Tune in to Parks@Home each Saturday, where we’ll be sharing different games that were played by American Indian tribes each week.

The Laughing Game

• Played by: Nootka (or Nuu-chah-nulth; Pacific Northwest)
• What You Need: Yourselves
• How to Play: Players will divide themselves into two teams and sit opposite each other. Teams will take turns attempting to make opponents laugh. First team to laugh loses.

How will you get your opponents to laugh? Share your winning strategies below!

Information about this game cited from Wake Forest University.

—
Will Buelsing
Nature Interpreter, Miami Whitewater Forest