National Skipping Day – April 24, 2027

Expected National Skipping Day Deals

As a Cause holiday focused on children’s health and physical activity, National Skipping Day inspires community-driven initiatives rather than commercial deals. Organizations like Skipping Workshops partner with schools to host events, providing equipment and instructors to engage over 50,000 kids annually. Brands such as Decathlon or Reebok might offer discounts on jump ropes and activewear, while local gyms or fitness centers could host free skipping clinics. Look for opportunities to donate to programs that promote youth fitness or participate in local school-based events. We will update this page with confirmed live events and awareness campaigns as April 24 approaches.

History of National Skipping Day

It’s difficult to pinpoint the origins of skipping, but it has been traced back as far as seventh century China. Chinese rope makers invented it in celebration of the New Year and called it the Hundred Rope Jumping game, or jumping 100 threads. 

In the game, three or more players use a string of rubber bands tied into a circle, usually at last six feet long. Two participants hold the rope taut as the third player stands between the two sides and accomplishes tasks that increase in difficulty as the string rises from ankle height. The game is still played today and it’s a great way to stretch those muscles. 

In 1600 BC, Ancient Egyptians would use vines to jump rope as part of their conditioning routine. For warriors, it was a proficient training regimen for battles with desirable effects that defined their musculature and increased their stamina. It wasn’t all serious, however, as jump roping was used as a form of play as well. Over time, it evolved into an art form as people began to master it and add tricks to the activity.

Jump rope has been depicted in medieval paintings where children roll hoops and jump rope down cobblestone streets. Dutch colonists brought the two-rope version of rope-skipping from Africa to America and called it doubled dutch. In the 1930s, jump rope and double dutch became popular in Black communities, specifically amongst Black girls. Girls had less of an opportunity to play sports and they became highly skilled at the game and created songs and moves to add to the fun experience.

Today, skipping has risen to even greater heights. There are national championships for jump rope and double dutch that draw in major audiences worldwide, and kids still enjoy them as playground activities. In 2002, National Skipping Day was organized as a way for children of all ages to get some exercise by getting more of them skipping.