Recommended outdoor games and recreational activities for lower elementary school children

Cops and Robbers

After-school childcare activities (1): Cops and Robbers (Keidoro)

When it comes to classic games that get after-school programs excited, “Keidoro” is a top pick.

As long as you have a large enough space, you can start right away, so prep is easy.

In this game, players split into police and robbers and chase each other, which builds teamwork, quick decision-making, and physical fitness—perfect for kids’ development.

The rules include robbers getting caught and put in “jail,” plus dramatic rescues by teammates, making it a hit across all age groups.

The more players, the more fun, so it’s ideal for group settings like after-school care.

Another appeal is that you can expand the ways to play by tweaking the rules.

It’s a highly recommended game for running around and being active in schoolyards or parks.

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kojifumi

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Plantain sumo

Plantain leaf 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.

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miyabi

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Rock-paper-scissors tail tag

[5-year-olds] 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!

human disentanglement puzzle

Team Communication Game: Human Knot [Sports Recreation Plan]

In this recreation activity, several people stand in a circle, join hands in a complex pattern, and form a human “tangle.” From there, everyone works together to untangle their hands, using teamwork and problem-solving.

It’s a recreation that enhances communication skills and cooperation.

Escape Game

Work together with your group to clear the game! Here are some escape game ideas.

Aiming to clear it with your teammates helps foster cooperation and problem-solving skills! By teaming up to complete challenges like treasure hunts, crosswords, coin drops, and quiz competitions, children can learn the importance of teamwork.

Combining different types of games allows children to develop multifaceted thinking and grow while feeling a sense of achievement.

It’s a great idea for strengthening bonds with peers while improving problem-solving and communication skills.

Copycat game

Chibi-tsudo Rec Piyo-Piyo-chan

It’s a mimic game where you can move your body while having fun.

In the mimic game, you play by imitating the movements of the teacher or your friends.

First, let’s form a large circle so everyone can see each other’s movements.

Then choose one leader to stand in the center of the circle.

The leader sings, “Can you do this? Can you do that?” while doing any movement they like.

The people in the circle then follow by singing, “We can do this, we can do that,” while copying the leader’s movements.

The weirder the movements, the more exciting the game becomes!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Treasure hunt with puzzles to enjoy in the park

Search for a treasure chest in the park! We tried a treasure hunt while solving riddles! 💎 [Includes info on collaboration goods with QuizKnock]

Solve the riddles and find the treasure chest! Here are some ideas for a riddle-solving treasure hunt you can enjoy at the park.

This activity is great for sparking children’s curiosity and creativity! By hiding treasures around a familiar park and crafting clever puzzles, you can help nurture problem-solving skills.

The thrill of searching for hidden items like snacks or toys makes the experience exciting, and the sense of accomplishment at the end is a big draw.

Both the seekers and the planners are sure to have a great time together.