Recommended outdoor games and recreational activities for lower elementary school children
Here are some recommended outdoor recreation activities for lower elementary school children.
We’ve gathered popular games ranging from easy activities you can play casually in parks and open spaces to group recreation everyone can enjoy during campfires and camping trips.
Some games have more elaborate rules, so if you’re thinking, “I’m getting bored of simple games,” feel free to use these as a reference.
Each game has standard rules, but it’s totally fine to tweak them to suit your own style!
Play plenty outside to not only build physical strength but also strengthen bonds with your friends!
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Outdoor games and recreation recommended for lower elementary school students (21–30)
Esken
It’s a game where you hop on one foot and try to push the opposing team out.
You have to keep hopping the whole time, which is tiring, and since you’re not allowed to put both feet or your hands down, it gets pretty intense.
I think everyone can enjoy it while building stamina.
Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors
Let me introduce Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors, a game where you form a pyramid shape and work your way to the top.
Divide into two teams: Defense and Offense.
Draw horizontal lines to form 1–5 rows in a pyramid shape, and have the Defense team’s kids stand on each line.
The Offense team’s kids start by playing rock-paper-scissors with the player in the first row; if they win, they advance to the second row.
At the end, they face the King at the top of the pyramid—win there and they reach the goal.
If they lose at any point, they return to the start.
It’s a fun game that gets everyone moving and communicating, so give it a try!
Outdoor games and recreational activities recommended for lower elementary school children (31–40)
Plantain sumo
As one of Japan’s traditional pastimes, let us introduce “plantain sumo,” a game played with wildflowers.
Plantain (Plantago) is a common wild plant you often see along roadsides.
It grows in many environments, from highlands to lowlands, so it’s a great recommendation for outdoor recreation! First, pull out a plantain stem with a flower from the base.
Next, intertwine your stem with your opponent’s and pull against each other! The player whose stem snaps first loses.
Since stem thickness affects the outcome, try finding a plantain with a thicker stem and give it a go.
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!
3 fingerplay activities that engage first graders
The first is the classic “after-the-fact Rock-Paper-Scissors.” The leader says “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!” and throws rock, scissors, or paper.
Participants watch and then play after the leader, aiming to win.
The second is a game called “Pachi-Pachi.” You clap only when the leader’s hands overlap.
Adding feints makes it more exciting.
The third is a game called “How Many Fingers?” The leader quickly shows a number with their fingers, then hides their hands behind their back.
Participants answer the number the leader showed.
Ball games you can play with two people!
Balls are very familiar playthings for children, and the ways to enjoy them are limitless! This time, we’re introducing eight ball games for lower-grade students.
In addition to balls, items like hula hoops are used to help kids improve their physical abilities while having fun.
Basically, children pair up in twos and play by throwing or rolling the ball, or dodging a bouncing ball.
There are also games with sport-like elements—such as Copycat Dribble, Hoop Pass Tennis, and Marker Hockey—so we hope even kids who feel uneasy about ball sports will take this opportunity to get interested.
Recommended for elementary school kids! 5 games that make you work up a sweat
“Touch and Dash,” “Feint Tag,” “Marker Tag,” “Math Relay,” and “Rock-Paper-Scissors Race.” All five of these active games involve running and let kids get plenty of movement even indoors.
They also include elements that exercise the mind: for example, in a relay format, players pick up a pinnie and add the number written on it, and once the total reaches 20 or more, they finish; or they use markers to cleverly lure opponents and dash through gaps.
Even children who get bored with simple movements are sure to get hooked.