[For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play

soccer

[5-year-olds] Ball play

Speaking of soccer, the whole country gets excited during events like the Olympics and the World Cup, right? Seeing that, many children probably feel like starting soccer or even dream of becoming soccer players in the future.

To enjoy soccer, it might be good to start by simply getting used to kicking the ball and playing around.

Regardless of the rules, there are many fun ways to play—try dribbling the ball to avoid obstacles, aiming a shot at a goal, or passing to a friend.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Hana Ichi Monme

TEAM La Luce Practice Session Extra: Hana Ichimonme

It’s a game that everyone from our grandmothers’ generation knows.

Playing it in narrow alleyways gives it a charming atmosphere.

It’s probably more popular with girls.

You split into two teams, sing the “Hanai-chimonme” song back and forth, and consult about which member of the other team you want.

Both sides announce their choices, then play rock-paper-scissors; the winner gets to take the member they wanted into their team.

The rules vary by region—sometimes the side left with one person loses, for example.

If you’ve got a group of girls together, I’d love for you to try it at least once! By the way, the “monme” in “Hanai-chimonme” is a unit of silver currency.

It’s said that the name comes from an exchange meaning “Please give me flowers worth one monme of silver.”

Rock-paper-scissors Guriko

Rock-paper-scissors Guriko game

Many adults probably played “Janken Guriko” at least once when they were kids.

I remember playing it on the pedestrian overpass on my way home from school.

The rules are simple: you play rock-paper-scissors, and the number of steps you can move depends on the winning hand.

For example, with rock you say “Glico,” with paper “Pineapple,” and with scissors “Chocolate”—these are the common ones.

However, there are local variations depending on the region or school, and you can even make your own original rules, which really expands the ways to play!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

softball

Girls’ Softball Inter-High Final

The equipment you use—like bats and gloves—is almost the same as in baseball, but the shape of first base is different: in softball it’s rectangular, not square.

In Japan, softball tends to have the image of blazing fast pitches like baseball, but in the U.S.

and elsewhere, games are often played under slow-pitch rules.

If you focus on pitching slowly and mainly enjoying hitting, it seems like a great recreational activity for relieving stress.

Since the ball is larger than a baseball, I think it’s easier for kids to hit.

Depending on their age, using a softer ball would let them play without overexertion.

Kagome Kagome

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

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!

Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors

Physical play to improve children's motor skills: 2. 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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

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

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.