Games to Play on Children’s Day: A Collection of Family-Friendly Ideas
Children’s Day is a day to celebrate and wish for children’s healthy growth.
There are many ways to spend it, such as displaying carp streamers and samurai helmets, or eating kashiwa-mochi.
But since it’s a special occasion, why not try incorporating games that everyone—family and friends—can enjoy together? In this article, we’ve gathered a wide range of game ideas perfect for Children’s Day.
From activities themed around carp streamers and kashiwa-mochi to ones you can enjoy with minimal preparation, they’re all games you can play excitedly indoors.
These are games that both kids and adults can get absorbed in, so be sure to check them out!
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Games to Play on Children’s Day: A Collection of Fun Family Ideas (71–80)
Hide-and-seek in the house
Have you ever watched the video “Moyamoya Hide-and-Seek” uploaded by the YouTubers Fischer’s? It’s a funny video that makes you realize how much fun hide-and-seek can be in a small space.
So let’s all try playing “hide-and-seek at home.” Behind the TV, under the kitchen sink—kids might be able to hide in places that adults would never think of.
But don’t get carried away and hide in dangerous spots.
To keep it fun, set rules beforehand like “the balcony is off-limits” and “no high places.” It also sounds fun to search for the hiding kids while filming with a smartphone!
Adzuki Bean Relay
The azuki bean relay, where you use chopsticks to move azuki beans one by one to another plate, is exciting not only for small children who aren’t yet used to using chopsticks, but also for adults who are supposed to be proficient—because it’s surprisingly difficult.
Holding it every year on Children’s Day would let you enjoy watching your child’s growth.
And since it’s challenging even for adults, turning it into a team competition at year-end or New Year parties is sure to get everyone fired up.
It’s a perfect game for a day that celebrates healthy growth, and something the whole family can enjoy together.
Newspaper Rock-Paper-Scissors
Stand on a single sheet of newspaper spread out on the floor.
Play rock-paper-scissors, and the loser folds the newspaper in half.
The game ends when someone keeps losing and can no longer stand on the newspaper.
You can play with two people, and although it requires a bit of space, it works with a large group too.
You could even make it a tournament.
Pedometer Dance Showdown
We’ll put on pedometers and dance for a set amount of time.
After the dance, the person with the highest step count wins.
Playing music makes it fun and exciting for the audience too.
Drop your inhibitions and go for the win with big, exaggerated moves and steps!
Who am I? Quiz
In this game, you guess the correct answer based on several hints.
For example, you might give hints like, “It’s round,” “The outside is green but the inside is red,” and “Many people eat it in summer,” and the answer would be “watermelon.” Any answer is fine! If you’re playing with children, choose answers that everyone knows.
If you’re playing on Children’s Day, it’s a good idea to pick answers like “koinobori (carp streamers)” or “kabuto (samurai helmet)” and come up with hints for them.
If you make it so the final hint reveals the answer, it won’t be too easy and everyone can still enjoy it!
What’s inside the box?
The “What’s in the Box?” game, a staple at recreational events, stays fun without getting old because the prompts change each time.
If you prepare Child’s Day–themed items—like toys kids love or foods associated with Tango no Sekku—it can work well as an event activity.
However, avoid dangerous items or live creatures like those seen on extreme variety shows, as they may scare children and make them fear the game itself.
It’s a great indoor game for times when you can’t go out, offering a unique way to have fun at home.
No-English Bowling
On Children’s Day, you might go bowling with friends or family.
Just enjoying it as usual is fine, but if you add a rule that English is forbidden, it gets even more exciting.
For starters, “bowling” is out, and there are plenty of other dangerous words lurking around, so be careful! At that point, you won’t have time to worry about your bowling score anymore (lol).