Ask Ollie
Circus Rope Balance Walk
Here's one to try together!
Walk the tightrope like a star! Can you stay on the line with a book on your head?
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- risk of tripping or falling, especially with eyes closed or when walking backwards
- falling book could hit someone
- spilled water can make the floor slippery
- need a spotter for the eyes-closed challenge
- hard floor or obstacles nearby
What you need
- Clear cups, 1 plastic cup
- Water, enough to fill the cup one third full
- Rope, 1 long rope, scarf or string
- Book, 1
- Towel, 1, for spills
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Clear a flat space about 3 meters long, away from furniture and sharp corners. Soft grass or a rug is best.
- Lay your rope straight on the floor or grass.
- Walk the line heel to toe with your arms out. Ask: What do your arms do to help you stay steady?
- Now walk the rope backwards, slowly.
- Balance a book on your head and walk the line.
- Carry a cup of water along the rope. Ask: How can you walk so the water stays still?
- Close your eyes and walk while a helper spots you.
- Walk again while a partner counts down from ten.
- Bend the rope into curves and walk it again.
- Put on a circus show with a drumroll for your family! Ask: Which trick will you show first, and what will you try next time?
Play it again
- Animal walk: waddle like a penguin or tiptoe like a cat along the rope.
- Bean bag toss: carry a rolled sock on your head and toss it into a basket at the end.
- Rope maze: build a long wiggly path around the room and race the clock.
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