Let's play with a big group! A collection of fun children's recreational activities

gomudan

Gomdan

Here’s how to play Gomu-dan (rubber band jumping).

First, prepare a flat elastic band, and have two people hold the ends.

Let’s start with a simple jump-over game.

Hold the band at ankle height and jump over it.

Even if your feet catch on the band, it’s a success as long as you make it through to the other side.

Try different ways of jumping, like two-footed jumps, backward two-footed jumps, and cartwheel jumps! You can also raise the height to increase the difficulty and excitement.

Be sure to keep the band pulled tight—if it’s slack, it can be dangerous.

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hiyoko sensei

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Churippu sharippu

tulip sheriff

Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.

There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.

It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.

Be sure to try it in your activities.

Tag game where the number of chasers increases (Infection tag)

We tried playing tag where the number of chasers keeps increasing!

Here’s an introduction to “Fuyashi Oni,” a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat tag game where the number of taggers (oni) keeps increasing.

The rules are very simple: if you’re tagged, you become an oni, so the number of oni steadily grows—making it a game you can play with any number of people.

If you play with 30 people, before you know it there might be 29 oni and you’re the only one still running, surrounded and on pins and needles.

It can even turn into a psychological battle: an oni who’s been tagged might pretend not to notice and act like they’re still a runner, sidling up to someone and tagging them.

You don’t need any special equipment, so give it a try!

Rokumushi

Rokumushi

Are you familiar with the traditional playground game called “Rokumushi”? It has simple rules, but it’s a thrilling, heart-pounding ball game.

Draw a circle at each end of a space about 20 meters apart, and have one person stand inside each circle.

These two are “it.” The other children gather in one of the circles, and while the two “it” players are playing catch with the ball, everyone else tries to run to the other circle.

Each successful crossing counts as “ichimushi” (one), and if you go back and forth until you reach “rokumushi” (six), you win.

If you’re hit by the ball while running back and forth, switch roles and become “it.” Because it’s a folk game, the rules can vary a bit by region, but it sounds like a lot of fun, doesn’t it?

Don Janken

After-school Children’s Classroom Physical Activity Program: “Don Janken”

Let’s try playing Don-Janken, a quick and exciting game you can enjoy anywhere! The rules are very simple: split into two teams and line up at opposite ends.

At the signal, the first person from each team runs forward, and when they meet, they play rock-paper-scissors.

If you win, you keep going; if you lose, the next teammate starts running.

You continue advancing by playing rock-paper-scissors, aiming to reach the opponent’s side.

It’s called Don-Janken because when you meet, you both stretch your hands forward, touch with a “don!” and stop.

Play carefully to avoid injuries.

Handkerchief-snatching game

🧡No.2 [Parent-Child Play / Improve Athletic Ability] “Handkerchief Grab Game” Boosts Reflexes‼️ So fun 😄

The classic indoor game you can play even on rainy days, the “handkerchief grab,” can be enjoyed in many variations depending on the rules.

In this version, players sit on chairs facing each other with knees almost touching, place a handkerchief in the middle, and grab it when the whistle blows.

You can play with many people, or make it a one-on-one tournament where winners advance.

There’s also a high-level version where people around you try to chat with you, and the whistle blows when your attention drifts to the conversation.

It’s a highly recommended game that lets everyone have fun while sharpening their reflexes and coordination!

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hiyori

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Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game

[Group Play] Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game!

Great for group play! Here’s an idea for a “Run from the Hula Hoop” game.

All you need is a large hula hoop.

The rules are simple: children try not to get hit by a hula hoop that a parent or teacher rolls.

The key is to anticipate the hoop’s speed and direction and move accordingly.

Once everyone gets used to the game, adding variety to how the hoop moves will keep the kids engaged and prevent boredom.

Give it a try in your activities!

Plastic Bottle Bowling

[Ages 1–2] First-Time Plastic Bottle Bowling!!

Let us introduce PET bottle bowling, an easy game to enjoy at parties and more.

Line up plastic bottles like bowling pins, then throw a ball and try to knock them down.

Compete by seeing how many bottles you can topple.

It’s a good idea to adjust the weight of the ball according to the players’ ages.

You can also put a little water in the bottles for added challenge and excitement.

Writing point values on the bottles and competing for scores, or playing in teams, can make it even more fun!

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mayumi

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Bomb Game

[Guaranteed to be a big hit with toddlers] An ultra-easy “Bomb Game” you can play

A simple “Bomb Game” you can play with a rubber ball.

The rules are like a preschool version of dodgeball: set up areas in advance using tape lines or mats, and have the children move from mat to mat while avoiding the ball.

First, explain, “The ball is a bomb, so you mustn’t get hit.” Start by tossing the ball gently with an easy arc, then raise the difficulty as they get used to it by changing the ball’s trajectory or throwing faster shots off the wall or floor.

The kids will love the thrill—guaranteed excitement!

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hiyori

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Clapping game until you drop

Let's all compete together! [Applaud until you drop]

It’s a game you can play casually in a compact space, with no special preparations or large area required.

The rules are simple: first, each person takes a sheet of tissue paper and holds it.

Next, raise your hand above your head, drop the tissue, and compete to see how many times you can clap before it falls.

You’ll stretch your body to drop it from as high as possible and move quickly to pick it up, so it becomes a full-body exercise.

The lively clapping sounds fill the room, and it’s great to see everyone smiling and having fun!

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hiyori

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