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. Includes exciting party games (1–10)
“Children’s Day” Quiz
How about doing a quiz with Children’s Day-themed content that both kids and adults can enjoy? For example, have them fill in the blanks of the lyrics to the “Koinobori” song, or ask simple, cross-age questions like “What do we eat on Children’s Day?”, “When you think of Children’s Day, besides koinobori, what else comes to mind?”, and “What’s another way to say Children’s Day?” Choose questions that are easy to understand and fun for different age groups.
If you read a picture book beforehand that explains Children’s Day well, it might spark their interest and help them enjoy it even more.
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.
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?
Koinobori Tag
This is a game of tag themed around koinobori (carp streamers), which are displayed in gardens and elsewhere when May arrives.
It’s best to try it in a large space like a kindergarten or nursery school yard or a sports field.
First, draw lines on the ground to create a pattern that suggests the silhouette of a koinobori.
Then place the “it” (oni) and the runners on the lines and have them chase each other along them.
If you’re tagged by the oni, crouch down inside the koinobori drawing and become a “scale.” If another child touches a child who’s become a scale, they can come back into the game! If you manage to avoid being caught until the end, you win.
It’s a game that encourages communication as children help one another.
Give this tag game a try to experience the seasonal feeling of May while enjoying the warm spring weather.
Going through a tunnel of carp streamers
Let’s make use of those carp streamers swaying in the wind indoors! Here’s an idea for a carp streamer tunnel activity.
When you take down the koinobori you’ve hung outside, they’re really big, right? Use that big koinobori to create a tunnel for play.
Crawling through the tunnel lets kids move their bodies while having fun, which is a great way to play energetically and joyfully.
It’s sure to become a special memory.
Since it’s an activity you can do inside, give it a try at home!
Chugai Game
Sharpen your judgment and concentration! Here’s an idea for a “inside-outside” game you can play.
Many people find it hard to run at full speed or move vigorously indoors at home, right? This is a great idea for those times.
First, stand in a circle.
Choose a leader, and follow the leader’s instructions with a simple rule: jump between the inside and outside of your standing position.
If you mark each spot with masking tape, it’s easier for children to understand—give it a try!
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!