Lovely Play & Recreation

[For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play

Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Introducing outdoor activities and recreational games that kids will love!

When they’re little, children are happy just riding swings or sliding down slides at the park.

But as they grow, they start wanting games with rules and activities that let them run, jump, and move their bodies to the fullest!

Wondering, “What outdoor play do kids enjoy?” In that case, be sure to check out this article.

You’ll find nostalgic games that moms and dads used to play when they were kids, too!

[For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outside Play (61–70)

Kagome Kagome

♪Kagome Kagome – Kagome Kagome | ♪Kagome, Kagome, the bird in the cage [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Kagome Kagome

This is another game that just about everyone from our grandparents’ generation has played at least once.

Even if you haven’t played it, everyone knows the song, right? The rules aren’t difficult.

First, choose the “it” player (the demon).

The others form a circle around them and walk around in circles while singing the song “Kagome Kagome.” When the song ends, the “it” player, with eyes closed, must guess who is standing directly behind them.

If they guess correctly, the “it” player wins.

I’ve heard the lyrics vary by region.

On rainy days when you can’t play outside, it might be fun to look up the different lyrics!

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Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors

Physical play to improve children's motor skills: 2. Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors

Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors

A game called “Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors” played in two teams.

Set up two bases some distance apart, and create a winding course between them.

At the start signal, players run from their base, follow the wavy course, and when they meet someone from the opposing team, they play rock-paper-scissors.

The loser steps off the course, returns to their base, and lines up at the back; the winner continues along the course and plays rock-paper-scissors with the next opponent.

The team that reaches the opponent’s base first wins.

If you have a large group, try splitting into several teams and setting up multiple courses.

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treasure hunt

Find the legendary key! Gem galore☆ We went gem digging at Crystal River in the Valley of Crystals! Treasure Stone Park! himawari-CH

treasure hunt

In Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, there’s an annual treasure hunt event called “Searching for the Hidden Treasure of the Kumano Navy.” It’s a hugely popular event every year, with travel vouchers, popular game consoles, and many other prizes said to be hidden.

Why not create and enjoy a game like that together? Write numbers on colored balls and take turns hiding them.

Then everyone searches for balls other than their own.

If you attach prizes to the ball numbers, it could be even more exciting! It sounds like a fun activity for birthday parties or sports training camps, too.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced lots of outdoor activities for kids! What did you think? For many adults, the traditional games we mentioned were probably nostalgic.

Games like hide-and-seek and tag are surprisingly timeless—kids love them just as much now as they did in the past.

Try enjoying these well-known games with your family!