[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!
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- [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 (41–50)
Shoe-tossing
The game of throwing shoes far, called “kutsu-tobashi,” is fun all by itself.
First, you draw a line on the ground.
Everyone lines up and kicks their foot to send a shoe flying—the person whose shoe goes the farthest wins.
It’s simple, but really fun! There’s also a swing version: you pump the swing and try to fling your shoe as far as possible without getting off.
I think it’s a game that was born from nothing in particular, but the simpler the game, the more exciting it gets! Incidentally, in Wakayama Prefecture there’s even an event where people spit out pickled plum pits and compete to see who can send them the farthest.
kamakura (snow hut/igloo)
Don’t you ever find yourself longing for those snow-made “kamakura” igloos you often see on travel shows? Eating hot pot inside a kamakura is just the best, isn’t it? I always wonder, though—why doesn’t the heat from the hot pot melt the kamakura? If you live in a region with heavy snowfall, how about building a kamakura and playing in it? It can be dangerous for kids to do it alone, so make sure to build it with an adult.
If you live somewhere without snow, try making a kamakura out of cardboard! It might be surprisingly fun!
G Dodgeball
“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.
By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.
Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.
The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.
Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.
Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.
It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.
Bomb Game
Children dash past, laughing, “Run for it!” That’s the thrilling scene of the Bomb Game.
Place mats for the start and finish, and if you make it across while dodging the rolling balls, you succeed.
The rules are simple, but by gradually increasing the balls’ speed, throwing in feints, or changing the timing, it stays fresh and exciting every time.
Each playthrough builds problem-solving—“How should I dodge?”—and trains not only physical ability but also reflexes and concentration.
It’s safe to play indoors, and the easy setup is another big plus.
dodgeball
If there’s a ball around, “Dodgeball first!” is practically the kids’ catchphrase—it’s that popular.
It’s said to have originated in the UK, though there are various theories.
Since the rule is as simple as “you’re out if you get hit by the ball,” it’s hard to pin down its exact origins.
There are official rules, but it can be more fun as a game when the kids present decide things on the fly.
For example, boys might have to use their non-dominant hand, or girls can be hit twice before they’re out—being flexible is one of dodgeball’s charms.
But it’s absolutely not okay to deliberately aim above the face!
Chinese jump rope
It’s an old-fashioned game, isn’t it? It suddenly reminds me of the sight of kids playing in some back alley.
A common version is jumping over or twisting rubber bands to the song “Alps Ichiman-jaku.” Considering how many local rules there are, you could even call it a primal scene of Japanese play.
The game itself is very simple: jump over rubber bands set at different heights, or slip through without touching them.
There are also versions where several bands are combined and kids do a kind of string-figure game with their feet.
Be sure to check out the many games introduced by the Japan Sports Association as well.
Heaven, large, medium, small
It’s one of those classic ball games.
It’s known by various names like “Tenka Otoshi,” “Moto Dai-Chu-Sho,” and more.
What do people call it in your area? Surprisingly, it’s actually quite international—overseas it’s known as “four square”! First, draw a large field on the ground shaped like the character for ‘rice field’ (a big plus sign making four squares).
Assign ranks like 1, 2, 3, and 4 to each square.
Four players take their places and keep a rally going by hitting the ball after a single bounce.
If you mess up, you get demoted to a lower-ranked square.
It’s an outdoor game that starts by drawing lines on the ground—have fun customizing it by changing the size of the four-square field and more!