National Skipping Day

National Skipping Day: Jump Into Fun & Fitness!

National Skipping Day is on 27th March 2026. It’s a day all about having fun, staying active, and learning some cool skipping tricks. It is the perfect excuse to grab a rope, get moving, and have some fun. National Skipping Day is all about:

• Getting active – moving your body keeps you healthy
• Having fun – skipping is a game and a workout at the same time
• Learning new skills – there are lots of tricks to try
• Playing with friends – skipping is better together!

You don’t need much, just a skipping rope and a little space.

Why Is Skipping Good for You?

Skipping might look simple, but it’s great for bodies and brains! It strengthens the heart, helps build legs, tummy, and arms, and burns off extra energy. It also gives the brain a boost because jumping and counting simultaneously help with concentration and memory. Best of all, skipping is fun and makes you feel happy, like your brain is doing a little happy dance!

5 Fun Skipping Games for Primary PE

1. 60-Second Challenge

Equipment: Skipping ropes

How to Play:

How many skips can you do in one minute? Count carefully and try to beat your score on your next turn!

2. Traffic Lights

Equipment: Skipping ropes

How to Play:

Ensure the children are in their own space so they won’t hit each other while skipping. When everyone is ready, shout out one of the following instructions:

• Green – Skip fast
• Amber – Skip slowly
• Red – Freeze!

You can make this game competitive by saying that anyone who skips after a ‘Red’ shout is eliminated.

3. Follow the Leader

Equipment: Skipping ropes

How to Play:

1.     Create groups of around 4 or 5.

2.     One member of each group should be nominated as the leader.

3.     The leader chooses a skipping move (such as two-foot, one-foot, or criss-cross).

4.     Everyone tries to copy the leader.

5.     Change the leader after 2 minutes.

4. Skipping Dice Challenge

Equipment: Skipping ropes, large foam dice (or number cards)

How to Play:

1.     Pupils stand spaced out with their rope.

2.     Roll a large dice at the front.

3.     The number rolled tells everyone what to do:

1 – 10 basic jumps
2 – 10 alternate foot skips
3 – 5 criss-cross
4 – 10 jumps on the left foot
5 – 10 jumps on the right foot
6 – Make up your own move!

5. Skipping Cool Downs

Equipment: Skipping ropes, calm music (optional)

How to Play:

1.     Slow Motion Skips

·      Children stay on their spot and skip very slowly

·      Can they make the rope turn smoothly

·      Land softly and quietly

·      Keep their shoulders relaxed

2.    Rope Breathing

·      Children stop jumping and hold the rope handles.

·      Stretch the rope out in front.

·      Breathe in as they slowly lift the rope above their head.

·      Breathe out as they lower it back down.

·      Repeat 5 slow breaths.

 3.   Balance & Stretch

·      Keep holding the rope.

·      Stand on one foot for 5 seconds (swap sides).

·      Step one foot back and stretch calves.

·      Reach the rope overhead and stretch tall.

·      Slowly roll your shoulders backwards.

National Skipping Day is a super fun way to get moving and feel happy. So grab your rope, put on your trainers, and jump, skip, and giggle your way to a healthy, happy day! If you are after more ideas for activities to play in the playground, check out our blog here.