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[List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love

Here’s an article that rounds up games kids absolutely love!

If you’ve ever thought, “A bunch of kids are here—what should we have them do?” or “We always end up doing the same things and it’s getting stale,” this might be helpful.

We’ve included both outdoor and indoor activities, so you can decide based on the weather.

We’re also featuring classic games that have long been beloved in Japan—adults might find them nostalgic, too.

Above all, this is a collection of ideas chosen with the hope that everyone will have a great time!

[List] A Compilation of Games and Recreational Activities Kids Love (61–70)

Balloon Tennis

We played with Anpanman's “Big Balloon Tennis”! ★Anpanman Big Balloon Tennis★
Balloon Tennis

Kids’ smiles bursting with joy! Here are some balloon tennis ideas.

Tennis is usually played with a racket and a tennis ball, right? In the video, they’re using rackets with Anpanman illustrations.

Using larger-than-normal balloons might make it easier to hit with the racket.

Since balloons can easily be carried away by the wind, if you play balloon tennis outdoors, it’s best to choose a spacious area and a day with little wind.

It’s also a fun idea for indoor play.

balloon volleyball

Balloon art fun with balloons! How to play balloon volleyball that even beginners can enjoy easily♪
balloon volleyball

Let’s have fun moving our bodies! Here are some ideas for balloon volleyball.

Volleyball is a sport where two teams face off across a net, hitting the ball back and forth to score points.

This time, all you need is a single balloon.

You can even find them at 100-yen shops these days, so it’s easy to prepare.

The way to play is simple: two or more people face each other and tap the balloon with their hands to keep a rally going.

Once you get used to it, try counting out loud or playing a word-chain game (shiritori) while you rally.

high-jump-style rubber jumping

🧡 [Parent-Child Play / Improving Motor Skills] Nostalgic Showa-Era 'Rubber Band Jump Challenge' — Lots of ways to jump ✌️
high-jump-style rubber jumping

Let’s get into classic Showa-era games! Here’s an idea for rubber jumping, similar to high jump.

Rubber jumping is the game where you hook a rubber band around your legs, stretch it, and jump over it alternately.

It seems to have been popular mainly among girls during the Showa period.

What you need is flat elastic.

Start with the height at your ankles.

As you get used to it, raise it to your calves, knees, thighs, and then your waist.

If you practice every day, your athletic ability will improve, and you’ll likely be able to clear higher levels over time.

Rock-paper-scissors tail tag

[5-year-olds] Rock-Paper-Scissors Tail Tag
Rock-paper-scissors tail tag

A game that combines two popular activities! Here’s an idea for Rock-Paper-Scissors Tail Tag.

First, set up a home base, then go about 20 meters away and play rock-paper-scissors.

The winner runs back to the base, and the loser tries to grab the winner’s tail before they reach it.

Once everyone gets used to playing one-on-one, switching to team matches can make it even more exciting.

Another fun part of this game is planning strategies with friends or teachers and thinking about how to win as you play.

Give it a try!

Don Janken

[Batting Average 100% Class Activity] Don-Janken | It gets so hyped that it’s almost a problem.
Don Janken

A game everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults! Here’s an idea for “Don Janken.” Split into two teams; the team that reaches the opponent’s territory first wins.

When you do rock-paper-scissors, the chant is “Don janken pon!” This idea requires almost no preparation and works great with large groups—that’s the key recommendation.

However, because players can get too fixated on winning, disputes may arise near the territory line, so it’s best for adults to make the final call on wins and losses.

Give it a try!

Growth Janken

[Rock-Paper-Scissors] Let’s have fun from preschoolers to elementary schoolers! Great for large-group indoor play.
Growth Janken

Grow bigger when you win at rock-paper-scissors! Here’s an idea for a Growth Rock-Paper-Scissors game.

Start in a crawling pose like a baby! Each time you win, you “grow”: from a crouching child to a standing adult.

You can play one-on-one, of course, but it’s also great fun with a large group.

To keep it fresh, try tweaking the pose you strike when you level up, or set rules like not playing rock-paper-scissors with the same person consecutively.

That way, everyone can enjoy it without getting bored!

Territory-Janken

Jintori Rock-Paper-Scissors [Elementary School Physical Education • Body-Building Activities]
Territory-Janken

Let’s move our bodies and play! Here’s an idea for a territory-taking rock-paper-scissors game.

Two players face off; if you win, take three steps forward, and if it’s a tie, both take one step, racing toward the goal.

It’s fun to see each person get creative—taking big strides or making big jumps to move ahead! You can also customize the rock-paper-scissors itself, like using your whole body for “body rock-paper-scissors” or using your feet for “foot rock-paper-scissors.” It’s a great way to have fun while inventing ideas together with the kids.