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)
Nonexistent three-letter shiritori
Of course, everyone knows shiritori, right? But in the rules of “Three-Letter Nonsense Shiritori,” the middle letter of the three must be n, meaning the words don’t exist in the real world.
That makes it pretty risky, huh? Still, it’s sure to get everyone excited!
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.
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!
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).
Balloon Tape Peeling Game
When it comes to games that are thrilling and suspenseful, nothing beats the “Balloon Tape Peeling Game”! Stick pieces of cellophane tape on an inflated balloon, then take turns peeling them off.
Whoever pops the balloon loses, so you have to peel with the utmost care.
Try mixing short and long pieces of tape when you stick them on.
Balloons are less likely to pop if they’re not fully inflated, so blow them up to a moderate size.
The most nerve-racking moment is right when you first lift the edge of the tape with your fingernail!
Pop-up Pirate
When it comes to games you play at home, this might be the one that comes to mind! It’s a long-selling product enjoyed across generations.
It’s a game where you stick small swords into a barrel with a pirate’s head poking out and enjoy the suspense of whether the pirate will pop out of the barrel or not.
Recently, there are versions that collaborate with popular characters, and even ones where there are five Blackbeards instead of just one.
How about playing this classic game with the whole family, hearts pounding with excitement?
Perfect Drink Game
Pour a drink into a clear cup and mark a line on it with tape at a suitable height.
Then, with your eyes covered, drink from the cup—whoever stops closest to the line wins.
It’s simple, plus you get to enjoy some juice—a fun game, right? You can make it even livelier by using funny face-themed eye masks.
You can even find them at 100-yen shops, so give it a try!
Bingo game
Bingo, a staple at events and parties, is also a great game to enjoy at home on Children’s Day.
If you prepare prizes like foods associated with Boys’ Festival and your kids’ favorite sweets, they’ll get to feel the special spirit of the day.
These days, you can even find packs of bingo cards at 100-yen shops, making preparation easy, which is a nice bonus.
It’s a well-known game with simple rules that can excite everyone from children to adults.