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 Family-Fun Ideas (1–10)
Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt game that uses the entire home is something that both children and adults can get completely absorbed in.
For younger children, it can be as simple as searching the room for their favorite toys, while if adults are joining in too, a puzzle-solving style where you crack codes to advance the game can really liven things up.
One advantage of doing it at home is that you’re free to move around as you like.
However, if you’re using the whole house as the field, be sure to put away anything that would be a problem if a child were to break it before you start.
Kashiwa Mochi Concentration
A look back through photos! Let me share an idea for a Kashiwa Mochi Memory Game.
Have you ever played the card game Concentration (Memory)? You collect matching-number cards, and the person with the most cards at the end wins, right? Let’s tweak that game and enjoy a Kashiwa Mochi version! What you’ll need: construction paper cut into kashiwa (oak) leaf shapes, and photos of your kids or family.
Stick the family photos onto the paper kashiwa leaves and play Memory! It’s sure to spark lots of fun storytelling.
Candy fishing
Candy Fishing is a game where you “fish” for treats just like regular fishing! Put the candies in a kiddie pool or a large box, and attach either magnets or looped strings that a hook can catch.
You can use a store‑bought toy fishing rod, or make one yourself by tying twine to a pair of disposable chopsticks.
For younger children, prepare larger candies; for older kids, use smaller, more numerous treats to adjust the difficulty.
Since kids love candy, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Games to Play on Children’s Day: A Collection of Ideas to Hype Up the Whole Family (11–20)
play sword-fighting (make-believe)
Old-fashioned ‘samurai swordplay’ pretend battles! If you’re a boy, you’ve probably played it at least once, right? Many kids enjoy mock battles on a daily basis, but on Children’s Day it would be extra fun to make a paper samurai helmet, put it on, and play! For the sword, rolling up newspaper into a stick is inexpensive and recommended.
If you’d like a sword made for play-fighting, there are commercial options too, so check them out.
Since children can’t always control their strength well, use soft swords to prevent injuries!
Let’s pretend to be koinobori!
“I wonder what feelings the carp streamers have as they swim through the sky.” With that in mind, it’s fun to pretend to be a carp streamer and play! You can imitate a carp streamer’s movements by yourself, line up with friends and copy them together, or combine it with counting games—there are so many ways to enjoy it.
Once Children’s Day is over, you won’t see carp streamers again until the same time next year.
“Let’s all energetically imitate the lively carp streamers again next year!” With that sentiment, why not incorporate it into your play?
Forehead Biscuit
Tilt your head up and place a cookie on your forehead.
Without using your hands, move your facial muscles and mouth to bring the cookie down to your mouth—the first person to finish eating wins.
If you drop the cookie off your face along the way, start over from the forehead.
Also, be careful not to choke if you eat too quickly!
Jagarico Panic
Jagabee, one of Calbee’s most popular snacks.
Of course, it’s delicious as is, but instead of just eating it, why not turn it into a playful experience with Jagabee Panic? Set the Jagabee container into the Jagabee tray, lift the “Jaga-o Head,” and everyone takes turns eating one stick at a time.
Nothing might happen—or a Jagabee stick might suddenly jump out and surprise you! Enjoy easy, heart-pounding excitement at home!
