Lovely Play & Recreation

Ideas for games and crafts to enjoy on Children’s Day: a roundup of fun activities

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

As Children’s Day approaches, many of you may be thinking about doing something special to make it exciting for the kids.

Carp streamers, samurai helmets, and kashiwa-mochi—things that evoke Children’s Day—actually make perfect tools for games and crafts, too.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of game and craft ideas that are perfect for Children’s Day and will have parents and kids, as well as friends, completely absorbed.

They’re all easy to incorporate at home, in daycare, or in kindergarten, so use them as tips to make Children’s Day even more fun and colorful!

Ideas for games and crafts to enjoy on Children’s Day: A roundup of exciting activities (51–60)

woodworking helmet

https://www.tiktok.com/@chipa.tiktok/video/7213566447610645761

This is a helmet whose striking features are its three-dimensional presence and sense of power, built by combining wooden parts.

Since it takes skill to carve the rounded portion that fits the head from square lumber, it might be better to use pre-rounded pieces from the start.

Not only are there curves, but the brim flares out and there are decorative elements as well, so it’s important to envision the overall shape first and then consider the balance of each part.

It seems best to create a powerful impression by skillfully alternating between areas you make smooth and areas you intentionally leave sharp.

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Towel play with carp streamers

@hiorietowel
soonChildren's DaySo, with that said, it's easy to do.Towel ArtIntroducing how to make a 'koinobori' (carp streamer) 🎏#NappingArtIt’s also perfect for photos 📷✨ It’s easy to make, so give it a try 😊Life with children Anniversary Recommendation Towel Hospitality Kids will love it
♪ Original Song – Hiorie Towel Direct Shop – Hiorie Towel Direct Shop

This is a fun activity where you make a carp streamer (koinobori) using a hand towel.

Fold the towel into a triangle and adjust it so that both ends come slightly above the center.

Fold the near edge inward about 3 centimeters, flip it over, then roll it three times from the edge to shape it.

Gently pull the inner fabric to naturally form the tail fin.

Finally, add eyes to complete a cute koinobori.

You can hold the finished towel koinobori and move it as if it’s swimming, or line them up for display—perfect for Children’s Day.

All you need is a towel, making it a recommended craft activity that parents and children can enjoy together.

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denim kabuto (samurai helmet made of denim)

[Stylish] How to make a denim kabuto (samurai helmet)

denim kabuto (samurai helmet made of denim)

A kabuto (samurai helmet) crafted from denim fabric that combines a stylish look with durability.

The process is simple—unfolding something folded like origami—but since fabric is thicker than paper, use an iron to press crisp creases.

It’s also important to fold symmetrically left and right; paying close attention here will lead to a more beautiful finish.

Finally, secure the edges with glue, add decorations, and it’s done.

It’s also fun to try fabrics in various colors to see how the overall impression changes.

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A child wearing a helmet

Origami for Children's Day: How to Fold a Child Wearing a Kabuto (Samurai Helmet)

A child wearing a helmet

Let me introduce a child wearing a kabuto (samurai helmet), perfect for the Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Festival).

You will need one sheet of origami paper for the helmet, one for the crest (kuwagata), eye stickers, cheek stickers, a pen, and glue.

If you don’t have stickers, you can draw them with a pen instead.

First, fold the helmet by matching the corners along the diagonal to make a crease, then mark the center point.

Fold along the mark, and use that as a guide for the next folds—it makes the process easier.

The kuwagata involves some small, detailed folds, but if you show an example, your child may be able to make it well.

Try using your favorite colors and drawing different faces to have fun with it.

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Adzuki Bean Relay

Team Competition! Azuki Bean Relay [A Great Game for After-Parties and Year-End Parties]

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.

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Ayatori: Kabuto (string figure: samurai helmet)

[Ayatori] Kabuto (Samurai Helmet)

Ayatori: Kabuto (string figure: samurai helmet)

Here’s an idea for making a kabuto (samurai helmet) with ayatori, the traditional Japanese string game played using both hands.

Take the string with your fingers so that it crosses between both hands, then carefully release and re-take the loops, repeating the motions to gradually shape it.

The key is to make sure the triangular pattern shows clearly on the hand side.

Try adjusting the movements of your fingertips as you create the shape.

Once the kabuto is finished, you can display it as is or try other shapes to expand the ways you play.

It not only develops concentration and finger dexterity, but also deepens connections when you play together with family and friends.

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Squeeze, squeeze, kashiwa mochi.

Let's play with a song♪ Kashiwamochi Gyuggyu

Squeeze, squeeze, kashiwa mochi.

Let’s do a hand play activity to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for “Kashiwa Mochi Gyuu-Gyuu.” What comes to mind when you think of Children’s Day? Things like carp streamers swimming in the sky, cool samurai helmets (kabuto) on display, and kashiwa mochi, which people eat to pray for prosperity and good health.

This time, let’s try a hand play themed around kashiwa mochi! The choreography where you squeeze your hands tightly is adorable and easy to learn, so kids will likely imitate it right away.

Be sure to give it a try!

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Koinobori Matryoshka

Let's make Koinobori Matryoshka dolls! #crafts #koinoboriMaking #childcare #matryoshka #Shorts

Koinobori Matryoshka

This is a cute craft activity that makes use of empty candy boxes in various sizes.

Wrap construction paper around paper cups and decorate them with round stickers to create carp streamer patterns.

By combining large and small paper cups, you can make a nesting structure that stacks like matryoshka dolls.

For the smaller cups, cut the sides and bottom, then tuck the cut edges in to make them compact.

You can stack or line up the finished carp streamers and play with your child.

They’re also great as decorations for Children’s Day, and you can fill them with sweets to give as gifts.

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kite flying

Kite-Flying Gathering for Children's Day

kite flying

People of all ages can join the event! Here are some kite-flying ideas.

Kite flying has long been loved in Japan, and it’s a wonderful event that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or gender.

Wishing for children’s healthy growth, everyone can fly kites together and have a great time with parents, teachers, and friends.

One important note: choose a wide, open area away from traffic.

Keep safety in mind, enjoy flying kites, and make it a day to remember!

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Felt windmill

[Easy] Felt Handmade Pinwheel with Toy Sweets / 100-Yen Shop DIY / Children's Day / Boys' Festival / Small Gift / handmade / craft / pinwheel / toy windmill

Felt windmill

This is a cute craft activity using colorful fabrics.

Cut felt and patterned fabric and glue them together with a hot glue gun.

After attaching a piece of white fabric in the center, cut it into a pinwheel shape and attach a paper straw to the back.

You can also use it as a gift decoration by tying a ribbon to a wire tie and placing sweets in a bag.

The simple steps make it a fun project for kids and parents to make together, resulting in a piece that feels warm and handmade.

The finished pinwheel can be enjoyed as a decoration for Children’s Day or as a gift to hand out along with treats.

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