[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!
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- [For Kids] Today's Recommended Recreation Idea Collection
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Popularity ranking of recreational activities for children
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [For Kids] Indoor Games and Activities Recommended for Winter Break
- Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment
- [For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play
- Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games
- [Elementary School Rec] Recommended Games and Performances for a Fun Party
[List] Summary of games and recreational activities kids love (11–20)
Command Game
Let’s try a command game that’s sure to get the kids super excited! The rules are simple: when the teacher says, “Meirei meirei, I will do XX,” you must always follow that command.
Conversely, if the teacher says “Do XX” without prefacing it with “meirei meirei,” the correct response is not to follow that instruction—and if you do follow it, you’re out.
The judgment point is whether you remained completely still.
If you react even slightly to an incorrect instruction, you’re immediately out! Students who are disqualified should take a seat.
It’s a fun game that tests your split-second decision-making skills.
cat’s cradle
Cat’s cradle is a game in which you loop a string or yarn around both wrists and use your fingers to create a variety of shapes.
It offers a different kind of enjoyment from activities like origami, which also involves making various forms.
In addition to classic solo figures—such as Tokyo Tower, shooting star, and broom—two-person string figures are also entertaining to watch.
The way one completed figure flows seamlessly into another evokes the depth of a tradition passed down among children since long ago.
It’s a time-honored game that can captivate not only children but adults as well.
Where are you from?
A traditional game where you bounce a ball to the lyrics of the children’s song “Antagata Dokosa,” which originated in Kumamoto City.
Its appeal is that you can play it both outdoors and indoors.
On the “sa” in the lyrics, you rotate your foot from the inside to the outside while the ball is touching the ground.
It may be difficult at first, but it’s a game that improves whole-body balance and sense of rhythm, so it’s highly recommended for children! Once you get used to it, you can make it more exciting by increasing the difficulty, such as competing for speed.
Ohajiki (traditional Japanese coin-flicking game pieces)
Ohajiki are said to have been introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period, and, with their cute appearance, they have long been loved as a classic children’s pastime.
It’s a game where you compete by counting how many of your pieces you can strike against your opponent’s pieces—its rules are somewhat similar to menko, which boys often play, but because it’s a quieter game, it’s traditionally known as one for girls.
Another selling point is its versatility: beyond the typical way of playing, ohajiki can be used for pretend play or as a tool for learning arithmetic.
With simple rules that even younger children can enjoy, it’s a girl-oriented indoor game.
Red Light, Green Light
In recent years, this game has drawn attention after appearing in the Korean drama “Squid Game.” It proceeds by repeatedly switching between stillness and movement: players try to get as close as possible before the tagger turns around, then must freeze the moment the tagger looks back.
The challenge of switching modes is part of the fun.
While rules vary by generation and region, adults can enjoy it too—for example, the tagger can speed up the phrase “Daruma-san ga koronda” or throw in feints.
It’s a classic outdoor game that works with both small and large groups.
origami
With countless ways to fold it, origami is surely one of Japan’s proud traditional pastimes.
In recent years, it’s become popular with people overseas too! Part of the appeal is that everyone—from small children to adults—can enjoy it.
It’s also great that boys’ favorites like dinosaurs, vehicles, and weapons, as well as girls’ favorites like flowers, ribbons, and hearts, can be made easily.
Beginners should start with simple motifs and, once they get the hang of it, try tackling more advanced folds! It also helps children practice fine motor skills and boost their creativity.
[List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love (21–30)
Paper Airplane Making
Not only can you create pieces as origami, but making paper airplanes lets you compete with friends on performance.
Of course, there’s the trial-and-error of folding, but seeing your finished plane soar into the distance is thrilling too.
While origami often has a girlish image, the tweaks that push a plane to fly farther—beyond the standard folds—might actually excite boys even more.
Also, since you can compete on flight distance with things like shuriken (throwing stars) as well as airplanes, it’s a great activity for kids.