Outdoor games and recreational activities recommended for children
Kids just love playing outside, don’t they?
Even though we think “Nothing beats being active!”, many parents run out of ideas and end up struggling on weekends and during long breaks.
If that sounds like you, this is a must-see!
Here are some games and recreational activities you can do outdoors.
Try them for camping trips, outdoor events, or game time at kids’ clubs.
Traditional games can feel fresh to kids today, so it’s also a great idea for parents to enjoy the games they used to play, together with their children.
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Outdoor games and recreational activities recommended for children (31–40)
Poko-pen
Names like Pokopen or Dorokei vary by region, but it’s a game similar to kick-the-can.
So rather than playing with just two or three people, it’s a great recreational game that doesn’t cost money and can get really exciting when you have a decent number of players.
Parents can join in too.
Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors
Let me introduce Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors, a game where you form a pyramid shape and work your way to the top.
Divide into two teams: Defense and Offense.
Draw horizontal lines to form 1–5 rows in a pyramid shape, and have the Defense team’s kids stand on each line.
The Offense team’s kids start by playing rock-paper-scissors with the player in the first row; if they win, they advance to the second row.
At the end, they face the King at the top of the pyramid—win there and they reach the goal.
If they lose at any point, they return to the start.
It’s a fun game that gets everyone moving and communicating, so give it a try!
Disc golf
While these are videos of actresses from an industry you definitely shouldn’t show to children, this sport—unlike school clubs—doesn’t require any particular practice and can be played right away, so it’s recommended for kids too.
If there’s a place nearby where they can do it, be sure to teach it to them.
Where are you from?
This is a variation of the game “Antagata Dokosa” that you can enjoy around a campfire.
Everyone holds hands and stands in a circle around the fire.
To the rhythm of the song “Antagata Dokosa,” you walk clockwise, but whenever the syllable “sa” appears in the lyrics, you squat down on the spot.
It’s important to listen carefully to avoid mistakes.
Another variation is to switch the walking direction from clockwise to counterclockwise every time you hear “sa,” and then switch back the next time it occurs.
As the tempo speeds up, the confusion and laughter grow, making it a recreation that captivates both children and adults.
Camp Bingo
Let us introduce “Camp Bingo,” a game that uses bingo cards illustrated with camping items like campfires, tents, and lanterns.
Participants check off the items on their cards as they find or experience them at the campsite.
It’s enjoyable for both kids and adults and helps build observational skills in nature.
Because it feels like a game, it easily livens up the atmosphere and gives participants a chance to break the ice.
Preparation is simple, and the charm lies in how everyone can have fun together in a lively, social way.
Outdoor games and recreational activities recommended for children (41–50)
Jump together
As a recreation activity that builds a sense of unity, I’d like to introduce “Jump Together.” First, everyone holds hands and forms a circle.
Then a leader calls out, “All together!”—that’s the starting signal.
Everyone responds in unison.
After that, you jump according to the leader’s directions.
Wondering, “Which direction is next?” adds excitement, and working toward the same goal strengthens your bonds.
As a next stage, it’s also fun to jump in the direction opposite to the call.
Strawberry picking
Although a greenhouse may not strictly fall into the category of the outdoors, fruit farms are just as popular an outing spot as nature parks or barbecues.
Strawberry picking is something we definitely want children to experience, as it also teaches them the importance of food.