7 Creative Ways to Play Limbo

Here's how to play a classic game of Limbo along with seven ideas for a unique twist.

By NYMetroParents Staff July 27, 2020

The way we celebrate, party, and play with our friends looks very different these days. The good news is, this can mean a newfound appreciation for some party classics that you may have not played (or thought about) in a long time. Limbo is an easy and fun way to get the whole group on their feet and can be played in a safe, socially distant manner. So, whether you're having a playdate with a few friends, celebrating a birthday, or looking for something physical to do on family game night, here's how to play Limbo the classic way, from 175 Best Camp Games and seven ideas to add unique twists to the game.

Players: Three or more

Equipment: Music and a long stick

How to Play Classic Limbo

Have two players or leaders hold either end of a stick horizontally at about the average shoulder height of the participants (or purchase a Limbo set like this one). Players line up behind the stick (six feet apart!) and, one at a time, lean backwards and dance under the limbo stick. If they fall, touch the ground with anything other than their feet, or touch the stick, they’re considered out.

After all participants have had an opportunity to try the stick at that height, lower the limbo stick and everyone who made it the first time gets to go again. The stick is lowered by a little after each round. The winner is the player still able to pass under the stick when no other player can make it under without touching the limbo stick or falling.

Limbo is often played in large groups, and so we recommend having a second game running for players who are eliminated, so they don’t have to just be observers.

If regular old Limbo just isn't that exciting to you anymore, here are some unique twists on the classic game:

Glow in the Dark Limbo

Slide some glow sticks onto your Limbo Stick, lower the lights, and you've got a glow-in-the-dark game of limbo. For extra glow-in-the-dark fun, players can wear glow-in-the-dark accessories or you can even add a black light to enhance the glow.

Water Limbo

Limbo sprinklers like this one add a summer spin to the game and make it even harder to see where you're going!

Roller Limbo

If you have experience on roller skates, roller Limbo is a fun and challenging modification to the game. Advanced skaters can try bending backwards while skating under the stick, or you can crouch down and make yourself as small as you can to roll right through. Make sure everyone wears helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads!

Trivia Limbo

Trivia games are an easy way to get the whole group thinking and learning new things. Have each player answer a trivia question before their turn at limbo. If they get it right, the stick won't be lowered for that turn. If they get it wrong, it will.

Backwards Limbo

Everything is more challenging backwards!

Crabwalk Limbo

This can be a fun challenge to add to the game or a way for the less limber and younger players to participate!

Freeze Tag + Limbo

It's Limbo but every time the music stops, you have to freeze no matter what position you're in!

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7 Creative Ways to Play Limbo