Childhood Games Every Damascus Kid Loved!

If you grew up in Damascus in the ’80s, your childhood was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and creativity—all without a single Wi-Fi signal in sight! The streets and alleys were your playgrounds, and the games you played were packed with imagination, turning every corner into an adventure. Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s revisit some of those classic games that made childhood in Damascus unforgettable:

Football: The Ultimate Neighborhood Showdown

Every kid knew that when the ball came out, it was game on! Whether you were dribbling through narrow alleys or kicking around in the local park, “football brought everyone together. Young and old alike would join in, turning every match into a fierce (but friendly) competition. Skills? Check. Endurance? Double check. This was where future soccer stars were made—at least in your imagination!

Hide and Seek: The Art of Not Getting Caught

As the sun dipped low, the excitement in the air was palpable—it was time for hide and seek! One kid would count with eyes shut tight while the rest scattered to the best hiding spots they could find. The thrill of being found (or not!) was pure joy, and the narrow streets of Damascus were the perfect maze for this classic game of cat and mouse.

Cops and Robbers: The Great Damascus Chase

Who didn’t love a good chase? In this game, you’d split into two teams—cops and robbers—and the race was on! The cops would hunt down the robbers through the neighborhood, and if you got caught, you were out… until the next round. Every sprint, every dodge, felt like you were in your own action movie, starring you and your friends.

Hopscotch: Jumping to Victory

Hopscotch, or “hajla,” was the ultimate test of balance and concentration. Armed with nothing but chalk and a stone, you’d hop from square to square on one foot, trying to avoid a misstep. It was simple, sure, but the laughter and friendly competition made it a go-to game, whether you were playing solo or with a group.

Five Pebbles: Small Stones, Big Fun

“Five Pebbles” was the game that proved you didn’t need much to have a blast. Just a handful of small stones and a whole lot of focus! The game was all about tossing and catching with precision, and though it seemed easy, mastering it took serious skill. It was a game of concentration, and it was as addictive as it was fun.

Tug of War: The Battle of Strength

Nothing tested your strength and teamwork like a good old-fashioned tug of war! Two teams would grab either end of the rope and pull with all their might. The goal? Dragging the other team across the line to claim victory. It was a test of brute strength, but also of strategy—working together was key to pulling off a win.

Marble Game:

For those with a steady hand and sharp aim, the Marbles Game was the ultimate challenge. You’d draw a circle on the ground, place your marbles in the center, and then take turns trying to knock them out with a bigger marble. It was all about precision, and the thrill of winning a marble from your friend made it all the more exciting.

Jump Rope: Skipping Into Fun

Jump Rope was the game that got everyone moving—especially the girls! Whether you were jumping solo or taking on double Dutch with friends, it was all about rhythm and agility. The joy of mastering a tricky jump sequence or simply seeing how long you could go without tripping was endless. Plus, it was a great way to burn off all that extra energy!

These games were more than just pastimes—they were the heart and soul of childhood in Damascus. They brought kids together, filled the streets with laughter, and turned every day into a new adventure. The memories of these simple, joyful times are cherished by everyone who grew up in that era. So, here’s to the games that made our childhoods magical!

Trip down memory lane? Check our section Nostalgia here.