[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)
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.
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.
jump rope
Isn’t jump rope a game that people of all ages can enjoy? It’s great not only as a children’s pastime but also for building fitness and supporting weight loss! For kids, it can help develop stamina and strength, as well as improve balance, motor skills, and sense of rhythm—so why not incorporate it into everyday play? Be sure to adjust the rope length to match your child’s height.
If it’s too long, feel free to trim it.
Choose the rope material—cotton, beaded, or vinyl—according to your child’s skill level.
Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunts are also great for seasonal events and recreational activities.
Because they feel like a game, they’re perfect for kindergartens, nursery schools, elementary schools, and even at home! A key point is that they’re enjoyable for all ages, both indoors and outdoors.
For younger children, a basic treasure hunt where you hide items and have them search is perfectly fine, but you can also make it more exciting by increasing the difficulty—adding puzzles or specific rules to match their age.
Treasure hunts nurture children’s curiosity and imagination, so why not add them to your usual playtime?
[List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love (21–30)
Fun for elementary school kids! 5 indoor activities
Indoor recreational activities that you can enjoy for short periods of time—such as on rainy days—are perfect for exercising both the mind and body, since the rules and movements vary by game.
Plus, enjoying each game by working together as a team helps energize communication among participants.
Competing with friends and enjoying games also leads to discussing strategies and experiencing the emotions of winning and losing.
Experiencing fun, joy, and even frustration through physical activity is recommended for fostering a positive mindset.
