Ants in the Pants (game) facts for kids
Ants in the Pants is a fun game where players try to flick plastic ants into a pair of toy pants! It was first made in 1969 by William H. Schaper's company, Schaper Toys. Today, the game is produced by Hasbro.
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What is Ants in the Pants?
This game is all about skill and aiming. It challenges players to launch small plastic ants into a pair of miniature pants. The name of the game comes from a common saying in English. If someone is very nervous or can't sit still, people might say they have "ants in their pants". The word "antsy", meaning nervous, also comes from this idea.
How Do You Play?
The main goal of Ants in the Pants is simple: get as many of your ants into the pants as you can!
Game Pieces
The game usually includes a small, plastic pair of pants that stands on its own. You also get several plastic ants. These ants come in different color codes, so each player uses their own color. The ants are designed to be springy. When you press down on their tail and let go, they jump into the air! This springy action is how you launch them.
Playing the Game
To play, each player takes turns trying to flick their ants. You press the ant's tail and release it, making the ant spring up. The challenge is to aim your ant so it lands inside the plastic pants. The player who gets the most of their ants into the pants wins the game!
Different Versions of the Game
Over the years, different versions of Ants in the Pants have been made. Some sets include characters that "wear" the pants. These are often cardboard cutouts. They can also act as backboards, helping to bounce the ants into the pants. Another common feature in some versions is plastic suspenders (or braces). These can be used as fun obstacles that ants might need to jump over or around.
Ants in Pop Culture
The game has even appeared in popular culture. For example, Ants in the Pants was shown in an episode of the TV show South Park called "Damien".
See Also
