Parachute Games for PE: 14 Fun Parachute Activities for Elementary Students
If you've ever carried a parachute bag into the gym, you know what happens next. Students spot that rainbow of color before you even unzip it, and suddenly the room is full of cheers, wiggles, and "Are we doing the parachute today?!" Very few pieces of PE equipment get that kind of reaction.
Parachute games are one of the simplest ways to get an entire class moving, cooperating, and smiling at the same time. Every student holds the edge, every student has a job, and nobody sits on the sideline waiting for a turn. Behind all that fun, students are building real skills: timing, force control, body control, spatial awareness, and teamwork.
After more than 30 years in physical education, I can tell you the parachute works best when there's a plan behind the play. Clear expectations, simple cues, and a smart progression of games turn a "fun day" into a lesson with real learning goals.
In this post, you'll find 14 parachute games and activities, seven for grades K-2 and seven for grades 3-5, each with an objective, a materials list, and step-by-step directions. You'll also get my parachute movement expectations, teaching cues, tips for large groups and small spaces, and simple ways to assess parachute skills.
Grab your parachute, and let's get started.
Quick Answer: Parachute games are cooperative PE activities where the whole class holds the edge of a parachute and works together to lift, wave, shake, and launch. Favorites include the Mushroom, Make Waves, Popcorn, and the Igloo for grades K-2, and Rollerball, Rocket Launch, and Parachute Volleyball for grades 3-5. Teach a two-hand grip, safe spacing, and clear start and stop cues before adding balls or sending students underneath.
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Why Parachute Games Belong in PE
It's easy to think of the parachute as a "fun day" treat, something you pull out before a holiday break or on the last day of a unit. But parachute games deserve a regular spot in your PE program because they build skills that are hard to teach any other way. When 20 or more students share one piece of equipment, success depends on every person around the circle.
Here are five skills students practice every time the parachute comes out:
Cooperation: The parachute only works when everyone works together. One student pulling too hard or letting go changes the game for the whole group.
Body Control: Students learn to stay on their spot, move on the signal, and stop when the group stops, even when the excitement level is sky high.
Force Awareness: Students feel the difference between a gentle ripple and a big wave, and between a soft lift and a launch that sends a ball flying.
Timing: Lifting, lowering, and launching on a count teaches students to match their movements to the rest of the group.
Spatial Awareness: Running under the parachute, trading places, and returning to the edge all require students to find open space and avoid collisions.
Parachute play also lines up nicely with the 2024 SHAPE America standards. Lifting, waving, and running under the parachute build motor skills (Standard 1), and students apply movement concepts like force, timing, and pathways along the way (Standard 2). Games like Jaws and the Class Record Challenge call for teamwork, encouragement, and respect for classmates (Standard 3). For a closer look at the new standards, check out Understanding the New SHAPE America Physical Education Standards for 2024.
Another big plus: parachute games are naturally inclusive. Every student holds the edge, no one gets picked last, and students of different skill levels succeed side by side. That makes the parachute a great tool for building a welcoming PE environment, like the one described in Diversity and Inclusion in PE, and for practicing the relationship skills covered in SEL in PE.
The parachute works well at big events, too. At our field day, the parachute made a great cooperative station that students could rotate to.
Before the first wave, though, students need to know what's expected. Let's set them up for success.
Before You Start: Parachute Expectations and Cues
A parachute brings a lot of excitement into the gym, and excitement can turn into chaos quickly if students don't know what's expected. A few minutes spent on expectations and cues before the first game pays off for the rest of the unit.
These are the six Parachute Movement Expectations I use in my Power PE parachute unit:
Use a Proper Grip: Hold the parachute with both hands at all times.
Keep Safe Spacing: Stay evenly spread around the parachute edge.
Move Together: Listen for cues and stay in sync with your group.
Control Your Force: Know when to move gently and when to go big.
Keep Trying: Reset calmly and keep going if something goes wrong.
Encourage Others: Support your classmates and celebrate effort.
My expectations were posted on the gym wall where students could always see them, and parachute expectations work the same way. When they're posted, you can point to them instead of stopping to explain. For more on this approach, see PE Expectations: 10 Positive Physical Education Expectations for Students.
Next, give students short cue words they can hear, say, and repeat. For grades K-2, the Lifting & Waving cues are Ready Position, Lift Together, Make Waves, Control Your Force, Stay Safe, and Reset & Try Again. For grades 3-5, the Launching & Control cues are Ready Position, Synchronize, Control Your Force, Time the Launch, Communicate, and Reset & Try Again.
Finally, set a few safety basics before any game:
Agree on Start and Stop Signals: Use one word to start and one to freeze, and practice them until every student responds right away.
Go Under Only When Called: Students move under the parachute only when their color, number, or name is called, while the holders keep it high.
Practice Without Objects First: Do a dry run of waves, lifts, and freezes before adding any balls.
Keep Objects Light: Yarn balls, beach balls, balloons, and soft foam balls are perfect. For more ideas with lightweight balls, check out Beach Ball Games for PE.
With expectations, cues, and safety rules in place, you're ready to play.
Parachute Games for Grades K-2
For younger students, the focus is on the basics: a strong grip, lifting and lowering together, controlling the size of the waves, and moving safely under the parachute. These seven games build those skills one step at a time.
1. The Mushroom
Objective: Lift and lower the parachute together on a cue.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: Students hold the parachute at waist level and pull it taut. On "Mushroom!" everyone lifts it overhead together and takes a small step in as it rises to form a giant dome. On "Down," students lower it slowly. Challenge the class to make each mushroom taller than the last.
2. Make Waves
Objective: Control force by making small, medium, and large waves.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: Students hold the parachute at waist level and move their arms up and down to make waves. Call out "small," "medium," or "big," and students change the size of their waves. Add a surprise "Freeze!" and have everyone stop instantly, then hold a squat or a balance before the next wave.
3. Merry-Go-Round
Objective: Travel in a circle together while keeping a safe grip.
Materials Needed: A parachute and music (optional).
How to Do It: Students turn sideways, hold the parachute with one hand, and walk in a circle on your signal. Call "Reverse!" to switch directions. Once students are comfortable, change the movement to skip, gallop, or jog. It's an easy way to review locomotor movements.
4. Popcorn
Objective: Control shaking force as a team.
Materials Needed: A parachute and 6 to 10 lightweight balls or yarn balls.
How to Do It: Place the balls in the center and have students shake the parachute to make them "pop" like popcorn. Challenge 1: keep as many balls on as possible. Challenge 2: pop every ball off at once on a countdown. Challenge 3: put just three balls on and see how long the group can keep all three bouncing.
5. The Igloo
Objective: Lift together and work as a team to trap air.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: Students lift the parachute high, take two steps forward, and sit on the edge, pulling the parachute down behind them. The air gets trapped inside and makes a giant bubble with the whole class sitting inside. Enjoy the moment as it slowly comes down, then try again.
6. Color Call
Objective: React quickly to a cue and move safely under the parachute.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: Students lift the parachute high. Call a color, and the students holding that color let go, move under the parachute to a new spot on the other side, and grab on before it comes down. Everyone else keeps it as high as they can. Hesitant students can walk instead of run.
7. Cat & Mouse
Objective: Keep steady waves going while classmates move safely.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: Pick one student to be the mouse, who crawls under the parachute, and one to be the cat, who crawls carefully on top. Everyone else makes waves to hide the mouse. The cat tries to tag the mouse by feeling for movement. Rotate roles after each tag, and add a second cat and mouse for larger classes.
These seven games give younger students a strong base. Next, let's look at games that add launching, strategy, and team challenges for older students.
Parachute Games for Grades 3-5
Older students are ready for more challenge. These games add launching, ball control, speed, strategy, and communication, while still relying on everyone moving together. Before you start, review the Launching & Control cues, especially Synchronize and Time the Launch.
8. Rollerball
Objective: Work together to control the direction of a rolling ball.
Materials Needed: A parachute and one or two balls.
How to Do It: Place a ball near the edge. Students raise and lower their part of the parachute at the right moment to roll the ball in a smooth circle around the edge without letting it fall off. Once the class succeeds, add a second ball moving in the same direction.
9. Rocket Launch
Objective: Launch a ball high with a synchronized pull.
Materials Needed: A parachute and a playground ball or soft ball.
How to Do It: Choose 4 or 5 catchers to stand outside the parachute. The group counts down together, "3, 2, 1," and launches the ball as high as possible on "1." The catchers try to grab the ball before it hits the ground, and whoever gets it switches places with a parachute holder. Count how many catches in a row the class can make.
10. NASCAR
Objective: Move quickly and safely around the parachute with speed control.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: Students lift the parachute high. Call a color, and those students let go and race around the outside of the parachute, all in the same direction, and get back to their spot before it touches the ground. Students who need it can walk the lap.
11. Parachute Volleyball
Objective: Use team strategy and coordinated waves to send a ball over the other team.
Materials Needed: A parachute, a soft ball, and a cone or rope to mark the center line.
How to Do It: Split the class into two teams, one on each side of a center line. Place the ball in the middle. Each team uses controlled wave motion to launch the ball off the parachute over the other team's heads. No one may touch the ball or let go of the parachute. Play to a set number of points, then switch sides.
12. Silent Chute
Objective: Coordinate parachute movements without talking.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: The class works through the Mushroom, waves, and freezes without saying a word, using only hand signals and eye contact. Afterward, ask students what helped them stay together. It's a great way to show how much communication happens without words.
13. Jaws
Objective: React quickly and help teammates in a fun group challenge.
Materials Needed: A parachute.
How to Do It: Students sit around the parachute with their legs underneath and shake it to make waves. One student, the shark, crawls underneath and gently pulls a classmate in by the feet, and that student becomes a new shark. One student, the lifeguard, runs around the outside and grabs the hands of students being pulled to save them. Remind the shark to move slowly and pull gently, and let hesitant students hold the edge without putting their legs under.
14. Class Record Challenge
Objective: Set a class record and work together to beat it.
Materials Needed: A parachute, a soft ball, and a timer.
How to Do It: Time how long the class can keep a ball bouncing on the parachute without it falling off. Stop and talk about what went well and what to change, then try to beat the record. Finish with a Countdown Launch: everyone counts down from 10 together and launches the ball on "1" to celebrate.
These games ask older students to think, plan, and talk as a team, which is exactly what makes them so valuable.
Tips for Large Groups, Small Spaces, and Limited Equipment
Not every PE setting is the same. Big classes, tight spaces, or a single worn-out parachute can all make parachute play harder. These adjustments help every student stay involved and safe.
Give Every Student a Role: Assign roles like wave leader, encourager, counter, and safety coach so students who are waiting still have a job.
Mark Personal Space: Use poly spots or floor tape around the edge so students know exactly where to stand.
Set Up More Than One Zone: If you have two parachutes, run two zones and use a rotation timer to cut down on waiting.
Do a Dry Run First: Practice waves, lifts, and freezes before adding any balls.
No Full-Size Parachute?: Use a smaller parachute or even a bed sheet, and use fewer objects.
Short on Space?: Send fewer students under at one time, and choose stationary games like Popcorn, Make Waves, Rollerball, and Silent Chute over games that travel.
Include Every Student: Students who use wheelchairs can hold the edge from their chairs, students can walk instead of run, and a nervous student can be paired with a confident partner. Add a visual signal, like a raised hand, along with your verbal cues. For more ideas, see Adapted PE Wheelchair Activities.
For more ways to keep big classes moving, check out PE Games for Large Groups. And if you're stuck in a classroom, Indoor PE Games has plenty of small-space ideas.
Assessing Parachute Skills
Parachute games are fun, but they're also a great chance to check for learning. Because everyone plays at once, you can watch the whole class and give quick feedback as you go.
Teacher Observation: Use a quick roster check, marking a check for success or a circle for needs work. Watch for a proper two-hand grip and safe spacing, synchronized lifting and waves, force control, response to cues, safe movement under and around the parachute, and cooperative effort.
Exit Slip: End class with a short reflection, such as "One thing I did to help my team today was..." Students can share out loud, tell a partner, or write on a mini whiteboard.
Teacher, Self, and Peer Assessment: The Parachute Play & Teamwork Rubrics give you ready-to-use teacher, self, and peer versions.
For more ideas, read Assessment in Physical Education and PE Exit Checklist.
Parachute Games FAQs
What age is parachute play good for?
Parachute games work for every elementary grade. Grades K-2 do best with lifting, waving, and simple games like the Mushroom and Popcorn. Grades 3-5 are ready for launching, ball control, and team strategy games like Rocket Launch and Parachute Volleyball.
How many students can use one parachute?
It depends on the size of your parachute. Every student should have a handle or a spot on the edge with room for both hands. For large classes, rotate small groups or set up two parachutes.
What can I use if I don't have a parachute?
A smaller parachute or even a bed sheet works for many of these games. Use fewer objects and stick with stationary games.
Is it safe for students to go under the parachute?
Yes, with clear rules. Students go under only when called, holders keep the parachute high, and hesitant students can walk instead of run.
Key Takeaways
Parachute Games Build Real Skills: Students practice cooperation, body control, force awareness, timing, and spatial awareness.
Teach Expectations First: A two-hand grip, safe spacing, and clear start and stop cues make every game safer and smoother.
Match Games to the Grade Level: K-2 games focus on lifting, waving, and moving safely, while 3-5 games add launching, strategy, and communication.
Adapt for Any Setting: Student roles, extra zones, and simple swaps like a bed sheet keep everyone involved.
Assess the Teamwork: Observation, exit slips, and rubrics show what students are learning.
Final Thoughts
The parachute is one of those pieces of equipment that gets every student involved at the same time. With a plan behind the play, it does much more than fill a class period. It teaches students to listen, cooperate, control their movements, and cheer each other on.
Start with the expectations and cues, pick a few games that fit your grade level, and build from there. Your students will be asking for the parachute again before you even pack it up.
Which parachute game will your students try first? Let me know in the comments below.
Download a FREE Visual: SEL in Action Poster for Your Gym!
Parachute games are all about working together, so they're a perfect time to talk about social and emotional skills. Here's a free one to help! The "SEL in Action: The Game Plan!" poster shows the 5 core SEL competencies (self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills), each with a short caption that shows students how to use the skill in PE.
Fill in the form below to download this poster in five color schemes, so it matches your gym or classroom. It's sized for standard printing, and you can easily enlarge it with a school or commercial poster maker so it stands out in your gym.
Want Every Parachute Lesson Ready to Go?
Here's a set to help! My Parachute Games & Activities Unit includes 10 complete lessons, five for K-2 and five for 3-5. Each lesson has learning outcomes, a SHAPE America standard, an equipment list, modifications, keywords, essential questions, assessment options, and a warm-up, skill challenges, and a group game.
The unit also includes:
Cue Posters: A Lifting & Waving Cues poster for K-2 and a Launching & Control Cues poster for 3-5.
Parachute Skills Activity Cards: 16 skills and cooperative challenges with visual cues.
10 Ways to Play with a Parachute Poster: A quick visual of 10 parachute activities.
Exercise is FREE! Poster: Everyday movement ideas to keep students active outside the gym.
Assessment Sheets: Parachute Play Student Assessment and Self-Assessment sheets, ready to print.
Extension and Adaptation Notes: Ideas for large classes, small classes, limited equipment, and limited space.
The parachute unit is part of my Specialty Skills & Movement Bundle with 12 units and 120 lesson plans, and my Complete PE Curriculum with 48 units and 480 lesson plans. For the big picture, see my Elementary PE Curriculum Map.
You can find the Parachute Games & Activities Unit on TPT, where my Cap'n Pete's Power PE store has more than 1,000 PE and health resources.
About Pete Charrette
Pete Charrette is a National Board Certified physical education teacher and former Georgia PE Teacher of the Year with more than 30 years of experience teaching elementary PE. He is the creator of Cap'n Pete's Power PE and has developed more than 1,000 PE and health resources used by teachers around the world. Pete loves helping PE teachers build programs their students enjoy.
