[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] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love (31–40)
5 super fun activities
We’ll be introducing five activities: “Irregular Play,” “Swirly Tail Chase,” “Receive & Catch,” “Ball Rolling Play,” and “Cross Rubber Jump Tail Chase.” They mainly use a ball—putting it into a basket, catching it, and combining movements like hopscotch and forward rolls to get the body moving.
In “Swirly Tail Chase,” attach a jump rope instead of a string and run away from the tagger, changing directions between clockwise and counterclockwise.
For “Cross Rubber Jump Tail Chase,” stretch elastic bands across the room and escape from the tagger while jumping over the bands.
Solo play you can really get into!
A handy item for enjoying a quick game at school is the math blocks.
Many schools probably purchase them in bulk for first graders.
Try a stacking game using those math blocks to see how many you can stack within a time limit.
You could also compete to see how many seconds it takes to stack 10 blocks.
Because it requires fine finger movements and focused engagement, it can also serve as practice for staying calm during lessons.
Just be careful not to lose any blocks if the stack collapses while you play.
Eurhythmics with the children’s song “Matsubokkuri”
Eurhythmics set to the popular children’s song “Matsubokkuri” is perfect for those who want to freely enjoy expressing themselves.
As you walk around the room to the song, clap your hands, touch different parts of your body, and move freely.
Adding facial expressions can spark communication with one another and make it even more exciting.
Eurhythmics, which lets you feel the vibration and comfort of sound, is a rhythm activity everyone can enjoy while moving together.
Give it a try with everyone—from little kids to adults!
7 park games kids can play without equipment
Park games that everyone from small children to adults can enjoy together without any preparation are great because they can be played with whoever happens to be there.
Hopscotch, hand-pushing sumo, number games, playing house, shadow play, and drawing are all familiar activities that don’t require any equipment.
You can also use natural materials like pebbles and sticks, which makes it easy to invent games and come up with original rules with friends.
Let’s make the most of the wide-open space of the park and have fun moving our whole bodies with games that can only be enjoyed in such a setting.
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.
[List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love (41–50)
Dodgeball tag
Ball Tag with a Throw is a high-energy indoor game that’s hugely popular in after-school programs.
The rules are simple: the “it” player chases with a ball and tries to tag the others by hitting them with it.
Despite its simplicity, the speed and thrill make it incredibly exciting! Whoever gets hit by the ball becomes the next “it,” so the game keeps changing rapidly and never gets boring.
Using a soft ball makes it safe for indoor play.
In smaller spaces, you can adjust by setting boundaries or requiring shorter strides.
It’s a perfect game to bring out lots of energy and create a lively, fun time.
Birdcage play
Birdcage Play is a group game for after-school programs that uses flying-disc toys.
The rules are simple: One child plays the “bird” in the center, while the surrounding children form the “cage.” Players outside the cage throw the disc to one another, keeping the passes going while taking care not to hit the bird in the middle.
The bird moves around trying to catch the incoming disc; if they make a catch, they swap places with the thrower.
The game tests reflexes and throwing accuracy, and the possibility of switching roles adds a fun sense of tension.
You can freely adapt it to the number of players and discs available.
By using soft flying discs and other safety measures, kids can enjoy both the thrill and the physical activity of this game.