Backyard play ideas: Easy ways to have fun with kids! How to make use of your garden

Treasure hunt in the sandbox

Everyday Play: Treasure hunt showdown in a big sandbox!! Maa-chan (5 years old) and Oo-chan (2 years old)

A game where you search for treasures hidden in the sand can be played within a defined area, so even small children are likely to enjoy it.

If you do it in a park, it’s easy to prepare and customize—such as adjusting the depth at which you hide the items based on the participants’ ages—so it’s highly recommended.

Plus, if you prepare sand and a large container like an inflatable pool, you can easily play indoors or in the backyard.

It’s a recreational activity that will likely spark children’s curiosity, as excavating what appears to be an empty spot reveals hidden treasures.

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Hoshino Takashi

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hopscotch

130616 Ken-ken-pa

Kenpa is a game that has been played since long ago, but nowadays many children may have never tried it, partly because it’s considered dangerous to play in the street.

However, this game is said to improve physical abilities: it strengthens the legs and hips, trains the core, develops the ability to switch between standing on one foot and on both feet, and cultivates a sense of rhythm—making it a highly recommended exercise.

It’s easy to set up by linking or drawing rings, drawing squares with chalk, or scoring them with a stick on a playground.

Give it a try and have fun!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Treasure hunt in a ball pit

[Treasure Hunt] A treasure hunt in a giant ball pit with a feast on the line! [At-home play]

A treasure hunt game where you look for a winning ball in a ball pit is simple yet exciting, so it’s highly recommended.

If you prepare enough balls to fill the pit and mark just one with a sticker or similar sign, it becomes harder to find.

A tabletop-sized pool is fun, but for small children, searching through a large inflatable pool filled with balls can be even more enjoyable.

Conversely, you can easily have fun by putting ping-pong balls in a small pool, so try adjusting the setup and rules to suit your participants and location.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Wind play you can do at home

[Play] Fun with Wind You Can Do at Home! Activities for Nursery/Kindergarten

These are wind-play toys recommended for little children who love fluttery or gently swaying things.

First is a simple one: a bag with strands of raffia ribbon (suzuran tape) attached.

It’s very basic, but little kids are fascinated by the colorful ribbons fluttering around.

They’ll enjoy it in their own way—running while holding it or chasing after it.

The other is balloon play.

Just tie a length of kite string to the knotted part of a balloon and use it like a kite, but if you add a face to the balloon, the kids’ reactions change completely.

Be sure to head outside the playground and run around while feeling the wind.

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hiyori

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