Ideas for games and crafts to enjoy on Children’s Day: a roundup of fun activities
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!
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Ideas for games and crafts to enjoy on Children’s Day: A roundup of exciting activities (51–60)
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.
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.
Koinobori cracker
The perfect Children’s Day carp streamer cracker is a craft activity using a paper cup.
Decorate the cup with origami paper and round stickers to create a koi-nobori pattern.
Make a small hole in the bottom of the cup, tie a rubber band to a toothpick, and hook it through the hole.
Wrap aluminum foil around the rubber band to create a launching mechanism.
Finally, place small origami decorations inside the cup as the confetti, pull the rubber band, and they’ll burst out colorfully.
The fun part is that you can actually launch the finished cracker.
It’s an ideal craft for a festive Children’s Day event.
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!
Ideas for Games and Crafts to Enjoy on Children’s Day: A Roundup of Exciting Activities (61–70)
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.
sumo
How about spending a fun Children’s Day with sumo, a sport beloved by many as Japan’s national sport? When you think of sumo, the folktale hero Kintaro comes to mind, right? Kintaro is also the model for May dolls, so sumo is the perfect activity for Children’s Day! Set up a suitable ring and try sumo with family and friends.
If Dad is big, it could be fun for all the siblings to team up and try to topple him together! Be careful to avoid injuries, and do your best with all your might like Kintaro.
Koinobori icing cookies
Let’s try making carp streamer icing cookies! Baking is an activity kids love.
Knead the cookie dough together, have them help cut and shape it into carp streamers, and enjoy making cookies as a team! If icing feels too difficult, you can try a simpler variation.
Let’s celebrate Children’s Day with cute icing cookies!