National Kickball Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Activities Awareness Sports
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every April 17
Holiday emoji:: ⚾

National Kickball Day arrives every April 17, calling everyone to the playground for some good old-fashioned ball-kicking action. Gather your friends, lace up your sneakers, and relive the joy of this simple yet exhilarating sport. Organize a casual game, teach a new generation, or simply enjoy the nostalgic spirit of the day.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected National Kickball Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that sports retailers and casual dining spots often roll out deals for active holidays. Look for discounts on playground equipment and kickballs from brands like Franklin Sports or Champion Sports. Family-friendly restaurants such as Chipotle or Domino’s might offer group meal deals perfect for post-game celebrations. Local parks and recreation centers could host free clinics or open play sessions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Kickball Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalKickballDay. Film your best kicks, funniest bloopers, or creative game variations.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalKickballDay. Share vibrant photos of your kickball game, team outfits, or nostalgic playground scenes.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalKickballDay. Share quick updates from your game, funny kickball anecdotes, or challenge friends to a match.

National Kickball Day Hero

Edward G. Devaud

Edward G. Devaud is often credited with developing 'Kick Baseball' in 1917 while serving as the supervisor of playgrounds in Cincinnati, Ohio. His innovation aimed to teach children the fundamentals of baseball in a more accessible and engaging format, using a larger ball that was easier to kick than to hit. Devaud's work laid the groundwork for what we now know as kickball, making it a beloved sport in schools and communities.

History of National Kickball Day

National Kickball Day is celebrated on April 17 every year. The first time National Kickball Day was observed was on April 17, 2015. Kickball was founded by Nicholas Seuss in 1917 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kickball is a fun sport enjoyed by people of all ages. Like baseball, two teams compete for points by running around the bases to earn points.

With kickball, however, players kick the ball instead of hitting it with a bat. Kickball uses large, inflated rubber balls rather than the smaller, tougher ones used in baseball. The game is often employed as a teaching aid to help young children get a better grasp of baseball basics. It can serve as their introduction to the world and rules of baseball.

It is equally popular with adults; sharing popularity — and indeed — similarities with other games such as softball. Two teams compete for points by kicking a rubber ball and running around the bases, similar to baseball or softball. At the end of the game, the team with the most runs wins. It’s no surprise that the game has gained popularity among both youngsters and adults because it’s simple to play and a lot of fun.

Fans of the game have been clamoring for a special day to celebrate this special game. National Kickball Day is a great initiative that allows fans to celebrate their favorite sport while also introducing it to newcomers. National Kickball Day was created by the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA). They are a national social and sports events association that runs a kickball league for thousands of people across the United States each year. National Kickball Day gives you an excuse to go out and reminisce about your glory days or find a new way to exercise.

National Kickball Day timeline

1917

Kickball is Invented

Nicholas Seuss invents kickball in Cincinnati, Ohio.

1922

The Earliest Account of Adult Players

Supervisor for Physical Education for the New York State Department of Education, Daniel Chase, reports the earliest account of adult kickball players.

1942 — 1943

Soldiers Enjoy the Game

American journalist Ernie Pyle writes a report about U.S. soldiers playing kickball during the Tunisia Campaign.

1920

Kickball Helps Kids Learn Baseball Basics

Physical education teachers use kickball to teach young students baseball basics.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Kickball Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Kickball Day by sponsoring community kickball tournaments or organizing friendly matches for their employees. Sports bars could host viewing parties for professional kickball leagues (where available) or offer specials to customers wearing team jerseys. Retailers of sporting goods can run promotions on kickballs and related gear, while local restaurants might create special ‘team platters’ for groups celebrating after a game. Encourage participation and community spirit.

National Kickball Day FAQs

When is National Kickball Day?

In 2027, National Kickball Day is observed on Saturday, April 17, making it an ideal weekend activity for friends, family, and community groups. Plan a game and embrace the nostalgic spirit.

How many people play kickball?

Kickball’s popularity spans across generations, with adult leagues like WAKA (World Adult Kickball Association) boasting thousands of members, alongside countless school and community programs. It’s a truly widespread activity.

How popular is kickball today?

Today, kickball continues to thrive, with organized adult leagues growing in urban areas and its consistent presence in school curricula. It’s cherished for its ability to bring people together for lighthearted competition and camaraderie.

What is the difference between kickball and baseball?

Kickball is essentially a simplified version of baseball, designed for broader participation. It replaces the bat and small ball with a larger, softer ball that players kick, eliminating the need for specialized hitting skills and making it easier for everyone to play.

National Kickball Day Activities

Play kickball with friends
Grab a ball and play a game with your buddies to honor your favorite sport. If you don’t know how to play, this is the perfect day to learn.
Join a kickball league
Take your game to the next level by joining a kickball league. Test your skills against some of the best players the game has to offer.
Watch a kickball game
National Kickball Day is a great opportunity to kick back and enjoy the game with friends and family. Watch a kickball game and show support to your favorite teams.

5 Facts About Kickball That Will Blow Your Mind

Anyone can play
Because of the lack of specific equipment and highly skilled positions, almost anyone can play kickball — thus, it's known as "The People's Sport."
Open world
You can play it however you like and create your rules.
Flexible
You can use balls such as a basketball to play kickball.
There is no time limit
The game of kickball has no set time restriction; you can keep playing indefinitely.
No dress code
You can wear whatever you wish, including a jacket and tie if necessary.

Why We Love National Kickball Day

It's a stimulating game
Non-sports fans prefer to portray the game as simple-minded and brutal, but they have no idea how much thought goes into assembling a winning team. You can have as many elite players on your team as you want, but if you don't have the brains to back them up, you'll be eating dirt.
Socializing with friends and family
National Kickball Day allows participants to connect with their peers. It also provides an excellent bonding environment for children and their parents.
It encourages people to participate in sports
The day was established to encourage people to participate in sports, particularly baseball and softball. This develops athletic children's skills and improves the skills of less athletic children.