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

koinobori rocket

[★UF Rec] #9 “Carp-Through” — Launch a Koinobori like a rocket! ~Let’s create recreation that everyone can enjoy, from children to seniors~

The rubber-band gun “Carp Through,” which uses a plastic bottle as a carp streamer, is the kind of toy that boys are likely to love.

Since you need to build the device using familiar materials you have at home, like cardboard and plastic bottles, it could be a fun family craft project during Golden Week.

Be careful not to aim or fire it at people or windows, as impacts could cause injury or damage.

Koinobori rhythm play

Koinobori | Rhythm Play, Skit, and Song | Birthday Party | Takashina Kindergarten in Kawagoe and Fujimino

Enjoy rhythm games inspired by koinobori songs! Hold hands and go around together, clap your hands, stomp your feet—let’s make it a fun day with various moves where the children are the stars.

We probably only sing songs related to koinobori and Boys’ Festival (Tango no Sekku) on May 5th itself or in the few days leading up to Children’s Day.

All the more reason to try your usual rhythm and hand-clapping games in a special Children’s Day version—it could feel fresh and fun, don’t you think?

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yuri

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What’s inside the box?

What's in the box? Once again, the kids' reactions were too cute! Part 2

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Flying Koinobori (carp streamers)

Game App "Flying Koinobori" (Made with Unity)

Do you know the game app “Flying Koinobori”? In this game, you control a koinobori (carp streamer).

Glide freely through the vast sky as if you were the koinobori itself, popping red, blue, and yellow balls floating in the air.

Soaring across the wide-open scenery under the blue sky feels exhilarating.

However, people prone to 3D motion sickness may want to be cautious.

Wreath with a samurai helmet and carp streamers

[Children’s Day Decorations] How to Make an Origami Wreath with a Kabuto (Samurai Helmet) and Koinobori (Carp Streamers) – with Audio Commentary ☆ Origami Wreath Tutorial

This is a handmade wreath using motifs that symbolize Children’s Day: carp streamers and samurai helmets.

The wreath features a helmet motif and mini carp streamers.

You’ll make the carp streamer pole and the pinwheel that attaches to the tip of the pole out of origami, then glue all the parts together.

Attach a string for hanging, and it’s done! Each part uses simple folding, so you can make them together with children; for more complex pieces, teachers or guardians can prepare them in advance; or you can prepare all the parts and let the children do the gluing.

Feel free to adapt the process to suit the children.

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yuri

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Fishing game

A toy toddlers can play with! Let’s handcraft a colorful “Fishing Game” ♡

Let’s make our own fish and fishing rods and play! Draw and color any fish you like, and attach a paper clip to the mouth.

For the fishing rod, tie kite string to a pair of chopsticks, fasten a magnet to the end of the string, and secure it with cellophane tape.

The magnet at the tip of the rod sticks to the paper clip so you can “catch” the fish.

If you make the fish into koinobori carp streamers, it’s perfect for Children’s Day!

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utatane

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The Lost Koinobori

Picture-story show: "The Lost Koinobori"

Here’s an introduction to a Children’s Day story perfect for kamishibai or read-aloud time: “The Lost Koinobori.” It’s humorous because the protagonist isn’t a real carp (koi) but an actual koinobori that follows a blimp.

For example, you could make a child’s handmade koinobori the main character and draw pictures or tell a story about it.

With a bit of creativity, this work could be a great way to give children an even more fun impression of koinobori and Children’s Day.

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Murakami Shinpei

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