What is Ga-Ga Ball, you ask? It is a fast-paced, high energy sport played in an octagon-shaped pit. The more players, the better! Dubbed a kinder, gentler version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam or rubber ball and combines the skills of dodging, running, striking and jumping – all while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees.
Ga-Ga Ball is believed to have originated in Israel, slowly spreading across the U.S. over the last several decades. Ga means “hit” or “touch” in Hebrew. In the rules of Ga-Ga ball, the ball must touch the ground 2 times before it is considered in play, hence the name! Ga-Ga Ball consists of a lightweight, bouncy or foam ball and an octagon enclosure known as the “Ga-Ga Pit.” The object of the game is to hit players with the ball at or below opponents’ knees to eliminate them one-by-one from the pit. The last one left in the Ga-Ga Ball Pit is the winner!
What really makes Ga-Ga Ball great is that kids of any size, age or athletic ability can play and have the same chance to win as anybody else. Games generally last only a few minutes, and eliminated players are called back into the action quickly. Once a player is out, they can have as much fun watching and cheering while the other players finish off the game. Then, a new game starts all over, and you’re back in action again!
You can borrow one of our Ga-Ga balls at the Activity Shack during operating hours, which is included in your activity wristband; or you can bring your own. Our Ga-Ga Ball pit is located north of the water crossing and across the street from the Activities Shack.
