<P> The floor is lava is a game, played by people of all ages, in which the players imagine that the floor or ground is made of lava (or any other lethal substance, such as acid or quicksand), and thus avoid touching the ground lest they get burned or otherwise injured . The players stay off of the floor by standing on furniture or the room's architecture . The players generally may not remain still, and are required to move from one piece of furniture to the next . The game can be played with a group or alone for self amusement . There may even be a goal, to which the players must race . The game may also be played outdoors in playgrounds or similar areas . Players can also set up obstacles to make the game more challenging . This is a variation of an obstacle course . </P> <P> Typically, any individual can start the game just by shouting "The floor is lava!" Any player remaining on the floor in the next few seconds is "out" and cannot rejoin the game for some period of time . </P> <P> There often are tasks, items or places that can "regenerate" lost body parts or health . Depending on the players, these could be embarrassing tasks, or simple things like finding a particular person . </P>

Where did the floor is lava come from