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

Chinese jump rope

Let's try rubber band jumping!! #1

Rubber-band jumping is a traditional game that lets children enjoy using their flexibility and sense of rhythm.

A looped rubber band is fixed around the legs of two people, and the jumper hops over the band—above, below, and between it—in various rhythms.

The height and movements vary, starting low and then raising the band to waist or shoulder level to increase the difficulty.

Jumping to a song creates a steady tempo, and everyone around joins in by keeping the rhythm.

There’s no single correct way to jump, which fosters creativity and free thinking.

It’s a smile-filled game whose simple movements and sense of achievement when you succeed appeal to a wide range of ages.

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mutō

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Balloon Trampoline

[Balloon Trampoline] Strengthen the core with crawling movements! #indoorplay #developmentalplay #childcare

Only two materials! Here’s an idea for a balloon trampoline.

The bouncy, springy feeling of a trampoline excites both kids and adults, doesn’t it? This time, let’s play with a DIY trampoline.

All you need is a large vacuum/compression storage bag and balloons.

Inflate the balloons and pack them into the storage bag.

Seal the bag, compress it, and you’re done! A balloon-made trampoline is colorful and sure to capture kids’ attention!

Trump Tower

Funabashi City Children's Home “Let’s Play at Home” – Playing Card Tower

A heart-pounding, nerve‑racking card tower where you carefully stack playing cards.

It’s great fun with a crowd using rules like “whoever knocks it down loses,” but you can also enjoy it solo with quiet tension.

Because you can focus entirely on your own world, it naturally nurtures concentration and dexterity.

Even if it collapses, if you don’t give up and try again, you’ll experience the joy of success—“I did it!” The more you find your own tricks and stack it higher, the more fun it becomes.

You can take it slow at your own pace, build confidence, and it’s a perfect recommendation for solo indoor play.

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kepiko

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kickbase

Recommended for upper elementary PE and recreation! Narabikko Kickbase

Kickbase isn’t just a physical game.

Kicking the ball, running, defending—every part is filled with children’s creativity and teamwork.

You’ll hear them calling out, “Who’s up next?” “How should we defend?” as they communicate and share roles.

Because it’s played with the feet, differences in strength matter less, making it fun for kids of different ages to play together on the same field.

They laugh when things don’t go well and high-five when they succeed.

Those small moments build confidence and cooperation.

Kickbase, which nurtures relationships while letting kids move their bodies to the fullest, is a perfect collaborative play activity for after-school programs.

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kojifumi

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G Dodgeball

After-school childcare games (2): G Dodge

“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.

By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.

Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.

The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.

Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.

Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.

It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.

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kojifumi

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Sandwich Game

[Group Play] A Thorough Guide to the Sandwich Game!

Here’s an idea for a “Sandwich Game” that’s a guaranteed hit in after-school care.

Adults holding mattresses play the “bread,” while the kids each become their favorite sandwich “fillings” and run around.

The rules are simple: when you sandwich a child with the mattress, you just say, “I’ll eat you!” And somehow, that’s all it takes to get everyone excited.

Both the chasers and the runners go all-in.

The kids dash around to avoid getting sandwiched, warming up both body and mind.

Even without elaborate setups, the thrill of almost getting caught and the fast pace make it a perfect group game for active days.

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kojifumi

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Trump & Card Game

[Tokai Village] I~MO’s Exciting Channel (23): Karuta & Card Games — “Treasure Hunt Karuta” & “Speed Concentration”

We’d like to introduce card games using playing cards or karuta.

Usually, you play with cards on a desk or on a small space on the floor.

This time, try using a large classroom with desks and chairs pushed aside.

If you’re using playing cards, spread out all the cards to play Concentration; if you’re using karuta, spread out the picture cards around the room.

Because the game takes place in a large space, the children will walk around to look for the cards.

A card game with a wide range of movement is sure to get the kids excited.

Playing in teams is also recommended.

You’ll likely hear teammates calling out hints like, “There’s one over there!”

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Nakajima Junko

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