[For Kids] Fun Activities for Cherry-Blossom Viewing: Recreation and Games
When we think of spring, we think of cherry blossoms—and cherry blossoms mean hanami, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce games and activities that are perfect for kids at hanami!
Hanami often takes place in parks or small open spaces.
Parks are great because they have playground equipment for children, but not all hanami spots are equipped with play structures.
We’ve gathered activities and games that kids won’t get bored with anywhere, and that the whole family and friends can enjoy together!
We’ll introduce a variety of ideas, from classic outdoor games that require no equipment to activities that make use of nature.
Be sure to check them out!
- [For Adults] Fun Games to Liven Up Your Cherry-Blossom Viewing: Recreation and Party Games
- Fun! Spring activities for children: recreation and hands-on play
- Outdoor games and recreational activities recommended for children
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- [For Kids] Today's Recommended Recreation Idea Collection
- Fun nature activities that children will love. Recreational games.
- Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for spring
- A collection of simple indoor recreational games
- [For Kids] Let’s Play in English! A Collection of Fun Recreational Activities and Games
- A roundup of fun games and recreational activities using balloons
- [Elementary School] Games and Recreational Activities to Enjoy at a Forest School Camp
- Backyard play ideas: Easy ways to have fun with kids! How to make use of your garden
[For Kids] Recommended Games for Cherry-Blossom Viewing: Recreational Activities and Games (21–30)
Classic and fun! Flag-raising game
When you hear the names Akira Eguchi, Takeshi Kishino, and Rin Maeda, which group comes to mind? If you can answer this, you’re quite the comedy aficionado.
The answer is the Nonsense Trio.
They were essentially the originators of the “Flag-Raising Skit,” famous for the phrase “Raise the red, lower the white.” Let’s have some fun with this “flag-raising game,” which feels fresh to the younger generation.
You can easily make the flags by sewing red and white handkerchiefs onto sticks.
It’s especially fun to line up a bunch of people and compete in a big group.
Since it’s a game where differences in physical strength don’t matter, adults should definitely jump in and play alongside the kids!
Hiragana Bingo for Everyone
Hiragana Bingo is a slightly brain-teasing game that kids can play on their own with just paper and a pen.
You write your favorite hiragana characters on a 4-by-4 grid (16 squares), pass the sheets around, and then, using the card you receive, take turns saying words, aiming for bingo.
It really tests the kids’ vocabulary—how quickly can they open up their own squares?
At the 100-yen shop! Puzzle ring
Ring puzzles—if you’re an adult, chances are you played with them at least once as a kid.
At first glance, they’re simple: interlocked rods and loops.
But brute force won’t solve them; as the name suggests, you have to use your wits to untangle and separate the pieces.
Did you know that many kinds of ring puzzles are now sold at 100-yen shops? They’re great even at hanami spots where space is limited and running around isn’t possible, and they let you focus and play quietly.
You might even find that adults get hooked, too!
cat’s cradle
How about playing cat’s cradle, that classic game from long ago? It’s great because you can play it anywhere as long as you have some yarn or a string.
There are many ways to play: you can play alone, or with a few people taking turns to catch and pass the string.
You can make all sorts of shapes like Mt.
Fuji, a broom, or Tokyo Tower and have fun showing them to each other, or compete to see who can make them the fastest.
It’s also nice that there are so many ways to enjoy it.
It’s a game grandparents can join in, too.
Cat’s cradle♪ Butterfly
Ayatori, the traditional Japanese string game passed down through generations.
During cherry blossom season, playing it under the sakura trees has such charm, doesn’t it? There are many figures you can make with ayatori.
Since it’s hanami time, how about a butterfly? It’s an easy game that even children trying ayatori for the first time can enjoy!
Perfect for cherry-blossom viewing bento! Making tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet)
I think many young children are interested in cooking.
Even in households where it’s hard to let them try in everyday life, using an event as a chance to give it a go is recommended.
Many people make and bring a bento when going out for cherry-blossom viewing—an “ohanami bento.” How about trying tamagoyaki, a classic and easy-to-make bento item? To prevent burns, have an adult present and cook together whenever using heat.
It will surely make everyone look forward to eating the bento!
Shiri-moji Showdown
Shiri-moji, often used for penalty games, is exactly what it sounds like: a game where you write letters with your butt! It’s a simple idea—using your backside to draw characters—but it’s surprisingly tricky and really fun.
You can use it as a forfeit, or play it like a lively quiz where others guess the letters you’re “writing.”