Cat's Cradle is a social game for children I ran for The House of Fairytales as part of their contribution to the Thames Festival in summer 2010. It is a game of agility for children between the ages of 7 to 12.
The aim of the game is for one child at a time to collect some catnip plant which sits at the end of a lattice of wool (the "cradle"). Children must pick their way through the lattice to reach the end. They must avoid touching the woolen strands, each of which has a cat-collar bell attached to it which will jingle if it is disturbed. Older children are asked to step on specific points (marked with stones), but younger children just have to make it to the end.
The House of Fairytales operates a badge and medal system which encourages children to complete tasks, plan which ones they want to attempt and so gain specific accolades. By completing the Cat's Cradle, they won a "Strategist" stamp.
You can find out more about the House of Fairytales here.
