The Iroquois enjoyed playing games to improve their strength and agility.  A game played in the winter by the Iroquois was called snowsnake.  They started out by digging a path or grove in the snow and sprinkling it with water which made a smooth surface.  Then they made a long wooden stick and slid it across the path dug in the snow.  The person who slid the snowsnake the farthest won.

    A game often played in the summer was called darts.  The game started out with two teams.  Each player within the two teams had six darts or spears.  Each team had a hoop rolled in front of them.  The players then had to try to throw the darts though the hoop.  The team with the best accuracy won.  Iroquois games were very important in  their every day lives because they learned skills that helped them in their adult lives.

    The Iroquois played many sports and games, but lacrosse was their favorite.  They did not have much equipment.  They had a stick with a net at one end, a ball made out of wood or animal skin, a goal post at each end on the field and no other protective equipment.  The purpose of the game was to pass the ball around and try to score goals.  Whoever scored the most goals won.  The game was played for fun, but that's not the only reason. They also played to improve their skills including aim, speed and strength.  Lacrosse was  played by boys and men mainly.  The games sometimes went on for two or three days.  One game even ended up in a war.  Thanks to the Iroquois, lacrosse is still played today by people of all ages. 

    The Iroquois children had fun playing for entertainment in their spare time.  The girls spent most of their time playing with corn husk dolls. These dolls had no face because the Iroquois felt if they did, a spirit would be harmed.  The young girls would also play house to strengthen their mothering skills.  The boys had fun playing many sports and games.  While playing, the Iroquois children learned skills that would help them throughout life.