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 ideas to enjoy with the family (21–30)
Plastic Bottle Balance Game
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How about a balance game you can enjoy using a familiar scrap material: plastic bottles? Use a utility knife to cut off the top part of a plastic bottle.
To prevent injuries from the cut edge, cover it with tape for protection.
Once that’s done, you’re ready—prepare plenty of bottle caps and start the game.
Do rock-paper-scissors, and in order from the winner, place caps into the bottle turned upside down.
The rule is that the person who makes it lose balance and topple over loses.
Each time you add a cap, it wobbles, making it thrilling! Try incorporating it as a casual game you can enjoy at home.
Koinobori Card Game
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When it comes to Children’s Day, we think of koinobori carp streamers.
How about adding a seasonal touch to your family game time with a “Koinobori Card Game”? The rules are very simple: lay out koinobori cards on the table, and arrange the cards to match the pattern on the card drawn by the questioner.
The person who finishes first wins.
It’s an addictive game that both adults and kids may get competitive about.
If you have your child help make the cards, they’ll likely enjoy it even more.
Since it doesn’t take up much space, it’s an easy idea to incorporate and highly recommended.
Games we want to play on Children's Day: A collection of family-friendly ideas (31–40)
Children’s Day spot-the-difference
Why not enjoy a spot-the-difference game using Children’s Day illustrations? Carp streamers, samurai helmets, Kintaro, and children are perfect motifs for the occasion.
You can use spot-the-difference videos, or take this opportunity to create your own original version.
Besides illustrations, there’s also a fun method where someone stands in front of the participants, briefly hides to change an item or part of their outfit, and the players guess what’s different.
Plan a spot-the-difference activity that everyone can enjoy and have a great time!
Fluttering carp streamer
When it comes to koinobori, they’re a classic motif for Children’s Day, and their graceful swimming in the sky is so striking.
How about a fun koinobori game that recreates that fluttering, dancing motion? Cut out the bottom of a paper cup, then attach an umbrella bag with its bottom cut off.
Use pens and stickers to add eyes and scales to complete your koinobori.
It could be even more exciting if you prepare a target and add a rule to throw them aiming at it! Since it’s easy to launch without much force, it’s a recommended activity that even small children can enjoy safely.
Apple Twist
Let’s try a colorful caterpillar-and-apple board game.
The red apple serves as the game board and is divided into five rotating sections.
The front of each section is labeled with numbers 1 to 5, and the back is labeled with letters A to E.
Choose a challenge from the game guide, then place the three caterpillars—light blue, yellow, and yellow-green—on the board by bending them into position.
There’s only one correct solution, so the sense of accomplishment when you solve it is unbeatable.
It’s fun for both kids and adults, making it perfect for family play.
Marble Paint Play
The marble paint activity, where kids can freely create patterns, is a fun idea that offers wonderful benefits for children.
It’s easy to try because all you need are items you likely already have at home: an empty box, marbles, paints, and a palette.
Put a few colors of your choice on the palette, drop a marble into each color, and coat them with paint.
Place a sheet of drawing paper in the empty box to secure it, add the painted marbles, and roll them around to enjoy making patterns.
By trying to keep the marbles from falling out, children naturally develop spatial awareness, and watching colors blend can help foster their imagination and sense of color.
umbrella-bag koinobori
Umbrella bags that come in handy on rainy days are actually great as play materials too! The umbrella-bag koi nobori is an activity perfect for Children’s Day and a fun idea that lets kids move their bodies a lot indoors.
Inflate the umbrella bag with air and twist and tie the opening.
Secure it firmly with tape as well.
Using round stickers for the eyes and scales makes it adorable.
Once you attach a rolled piece of tape to the tip of the finished koi nobori, you’re done—try tossing it at a target on the wall! Kids will love the fluffy feel of the inflated umbrella bag.
It’s very easy to make, so give it a try.