Recommended games for Children's Day, including party games that really liven things up
May 5th is Children’s Day, celebrated as Tango no Sekku! Many families celebrate Children’s Day to mark their kids’ healthy growth.
In this article, we’ve gathered a bunch of exciting games perfect for Children’s Day! There are probably lots of kids feeling bored because they can’t go anywhere despite the holiday.
And parents may be wondering how to keep their children entertained.
Use the games we introduce here as a guide, and be sure to play together as a family on Children’s Day.
These are games that adults can enjoy too, so the whole family can have a great time!
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [For Kids] Popular party games. Fun games that get everyone excited
- [Childcare] Games and performances that liven up Children's Day
- Games and activities to enjoy on Children’s Day, including crafts
- [For Kids] Fun Indoor Game Ideas for After-School Day Services
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Magic that excites on Children’s Day. Magic that kids can enjoy.
- Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities
- Handmade Lottery Draws Kids Will Love! A Fun Collection of Ideas to Make and Play
- New Year party games that get everyone excited: a fun collection of ideas from classics to DIY
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- Games that get the whole family excited! A collection of ideas you can start right away with no equipment
- Recommended games and activities for five people
Recommended games for Children’s Day: Party games that really liven things up (21–30)
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!
Human Spot-the-Difference Game
It’s a game where you try a human version of “spot the differences,” like comparing two pictures.
The presenter appears with prepared outfits or accessories, and the players memorize their appearance.
Then the presenter returns with changes to their outfit, accessories, or pose, and the players have to identify the differences.
You won’t get it unless you look closely and remember well! It’s a game that works with small or large groups.
Try switching roles between presenter and player, using a point system to compete, and experimenting with different ways to play!
Recommended games for Children's Day: Fun party games too (31–40)
Pose Matching Game
This is a game where someone gives a prompt like “When you think of ◯◯, what comes to mind?” and everyone matches by striking a pose.
For example, if the prompt is “When you think of baseball?”, there are poses like pitcher, batter, catcher, etc.
If everyone picks the same pose, it’s a big success! Can your team become one in spirit and get in sync? It might be a game that tests your everyday chemistry!
Zoo game
Let me introduce a fun zoo game that will fill the room with lively animal sounds.
The rules are super simple! Put on a blindfold and imitate the sound of the animal you’re assigned.
Using only your ears, try to find others making the same animal sound as you.
If you meet someone with the same animal, you win.
Keep making your animal sound until you find your match.
Some children might be scared of wearing a blindfold, so it can also be fun to play without one.
Even just thinking about which animal you want to be makes this game exciting!
Came Alone Game
Let me introduce a game called “I came alone,” which everyone can enjoy.
Participants sit in a circle.
In order—1, 2, 3, 4, 5—when it’s your turn, stand up, raise your hand, and say how many people you came with.
For example, when it’s number 3, three people stand up and say, “We came as three.” Then the next number is 4, so four people stand up and say, “We came as four.” If you take your eyes off what’s happening, you might lose track of which number you are.
It’s a game that requires concentration, observation, and thinking skills.
Pig’s tail
Let me introduce a card game called Pig’s Tail.
Spread the playing cards face down in a circle.
Decide the order of play, then flip cards in turn and place them in the center.
If the same suit appears as the previously placed card, the player who flipped it must take all the cards that have been placed so far.
Then resume the game and repeat the same process.
If a Joker appears, the player who flipped it may return the cards in their hand to the center pile.
Keep drawing until all cards have been played; the player with the fewest cards at the end wins.
Give it a try!
Card-flipping race
Here’s a fun, active card-flipping race.
Prepare 20 to 30 round cards made by sticking white paper on one side and black paper on the other.
Split into two teams—White and Black—with equal numbers of players.
Lay the cards out randomly, then within a set time limit, flip the cards to your team’s color.
Since the goal is to flip as many cards as possible within the time limit, the team that flips more cards wins! You can also increase the number of cards or change the colors to make it even more exciting.