[For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play
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!
- Outdoor Recreation Popularity Rankings
- [Parent-Child Rec] Recreational activities and games for parents and children to enjoy together—also great for sports days.
- Recommended outdoor games you can enjoy without any equipment
- Recommended outdoor games and recreational activities for lower elementary school children
- Outdoor games and recreational activities recommended for children
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- Outdoor games for large groups. Fun, exciting games for kids.
- Popularity ranking of recreational activities for children
- Fun recreational games that liven up outdoor activities
- Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids
- Fun winter activities: Recreations that children can enjoy
- [Make with Kids] Handmade Outdoor Play Toy Special
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
[For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play (11–20)
kotoro-kotoro (onomatopoeic; a light rattling/rolling sound)
“Kotorokotoro” is one of the outdoor recreation games that kids can enjoy.
Four players line up in a straight line with their hands on the shoulders of the person in front.
The key is for everyone to work together so that the tagger doesn’t touch the last person in line.
While making sure hands don’t come apart, you win if you can keep the line intact within the time limit.
It’s fun both indoors and outdoors, so you’re not limited by location.
Another nice point is that everyone can take turns being the tagger.
It’s also a great chance for parents and teachers to share a nostalgic game with children.
Dribble Relay
A dribble relay is a fun introduction to ball sports.
Split into teams and pass the ball to the next person while bouncing it on the ground.
Because players sync their timing to hand off the ball, it helps children develop cooperation.
If you divide into offense and defense, movement on the field becomes more strategic, creating chances to learn new skills.
By respecting your child’s pace and joining in with a supportive attitude, caregivers can help make it a game that builds both physical ability and communication skills.
Give it a try with family and friends!
Beigoma (spinning top)
Would you like to try playing with a beigoma? It’s a fun game that fosters concentration and dexterity.
You can work out strategies together with your child, and it also helps them develop patience as they wait their turn.
It’s a great opportunity for teachers and guardians to deepen communication with children, too.
One of beigoma’s charms is that everyone can enjoy it as a time of cross-generational interaction.
Try spinning a beigoma in a park or plaza while feeling the breeze—you’re sure to make new discoveries.
Watch over your child’s growth and create fun memories together.
color demon
Tag is a game with so many fun rules, and I’m always impressed by the people who came up with them.
This time, I’ll introduce a popular variation called “Color Tag.” The basics are the same as regular tag, but the key point in Color Tag is that you’re safe as long as you’re touching the specified color.
At the start, the tagger names a color, and everyone scatters to find that color.
Sometimes the color shows up in places you’d never expect, and sometimes it’s nowhere to be found.
It’s a version of tag that lets you play with a wide field of view and keen observation.
I even remember someone calling out “Transparent!” and we all tried touching the air.
draining
This is “mizukiri,” a game you can play by the water where pebbles are scattered, like on riverbanks or lakeshores.
It’s a classic outdoor activity and always fun no matter how many times you do it.
By throwing a stone so that it’s as parallel to the water’s surface as possible, you can make it skip across the water.
If you do it well, it’ll skip many times—sometimes dozens—so try competing to see who can chain the most skips.
Once you get the hang of things like your throwing posture and choosing the right stone, you’ll quickly improve, and that feeling is so satisfying.
It’s also the best way to get everyone cheering when you rack up a ton of skips!
Colored water play
Playing with colored water is a wonderful activity that stimulates children’s sensibilities.
Add color to clear water and enjoy the feel of the water and the changes in color.
First, color a sheet of copy paper with water-based markers.
Next, dip the paper into a cup filled with water, and you’ll see the color gradually spread.
You might even catch the look of surprise on the children’s faces.
Once you’ve made a few different colors, try mixing them to create new ones.
Give colored water play a try—it’s great for nurturing concentration and observational skills.
[For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play (21–30)
Snowball fight
A classic winter pastime in snowy regions is the snowball fight.
Even in areas with little snow, when it does fall, everyone happily heads outside to build snowmen, and when friends gather, they play snowball fights.
Recently, snowball fighting has been gaining quiet attention as a sport, with detailed rules.
Try getting creative—build places to take cover, or place a stuffed toy in each team’s territory and make it a loss condition if yours gets taken.
It’s fun whether you have a small group or a large one.
