[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
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- 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)
A Day in the Life of Daruma
Daruma-san’s Day is played almost the same way as Daruma-san ga Koronda (Red Light, Green Light).
The difference is the call: instead of a fixed phrase, the caller says “Daruma-san [did] ___,” which lets them direct various actions.
For example, if they say “Daruma-san laughed,” everyone has to follow the instruction and laugh.
If you fail to do the instructed action, you get caught.
Just like Daruma-san ga Koronda, you can play it anywhere, and even slightly older kids will enjoy it.
If you find yourselves with some free time during cherry-blossom viewing, be sure to try it with your family.
Let’s try it! Practice introducing yourself.
At large cherry-blossom picnics centered around children, there are often chances for kids who don’t know each other to gather—maybe because the mothers are acquaintances or it’s part of a hanami event.
In times like these, try enjoying self-introductions as a fun icebreaker! Some children may feel a bit nervous about introducing themselves.
Help ease their nerves while letting everyone learn their names, favorite foods, and favorite games.
If the adults join in the introductions too, it can liven things up and help the kids relax.
[For Kids] Recommended Games for Cherry Blossom Viewing: Recreational Activities and Games (31–40)
10-second stopwatch challenge
How accurate is everyone’s internal clock? The second hand on the clocks we casually look at—feeling exactly one second is actually pretty tricky, isn’t it? Using a stopwatch, close your eyes and try to stop it at exactly 10 seconds! It’ll be exciting to give a prize to the person who gets the closest!
human disentanglement puzzle
The human knot is a game where a group of people hold hands and, by stepping over and ducking under each other, tangle themselves up like a puzzle.
Then, at a “ready, go,” everyone works together to untangle the knot back into a single circle.
It looks simple, but it’s surprisingly tricky—perfect as a group recreation activity!
Cup Sushi Treat ♪ Easy to Make
If you want to enjoy a bit of cooking before cherry-blossom viewing, cup sushi is a great option.
All you need are vinegared rice and whatever toppings you like.
If you buy cups at a 100-yen shop, it’s super easy—just add your favorite toppings on the rice.
Making enough for everyone and bringing them as a treat is a lovely idea.
Perfect for cherry blossoms ♪ Easy strawberry pie making
Bringing homemade sweets to a cherry-blossom viewing picnic is a great idea, isn’t it? How about making a springlike strawberry pie? You might think strawberry pie sounds difficult, but it’s very easy if you use frozen puff pastry and strawberry jam.
Just thaw the frozen pastry, cut it, combine it with some cut-out shapes, bake it in the oven, and once it’s done, spoon strawberry jam into the cut-out sections—super simple.
Even small children can help make it.
Snacks you make yourself always taste extra special.
Fun! Bamboo Shoot Nyoki Game
Spring is the season when new shoots grow rapidly.
Have you heard of the game “Takenoko Nyokki,” which is perfect for this time of year? The rules are simple: shout out your favorite number, and if it doesn’t overlap with anyone else on your team, you win.
It’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped! Try playing it together during cherry-blossom viewing.