Lovely childcare

Outdoor games for large groups. Fun, exciting games for kids.

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

Here are some outdoor play ideas for large groups that are sure to bring out kids’ smiles!

There are many games where children work together with friends to achieve a goal, so try adapting them based on age.

With games that include a bit of competition, kids can have fun while moving their bodies—and boost their athletic skills, too!

By enjoying activities together, they also learn the joy of cooperation and develop leadership.

Outdoor play is full of new discoveries and adventures.

Get moving, stay active, and make wonderful memories!

We also recommend using these ideas as a base to come up with your own original games.

Outdoor play with a large group: Fun games for kids (1–10)

Dodgeball (line dodgeball)

Coordination Training Junior: Dodgeball (Hit-and-Out)

Dodgeball (line dodgeball)

Here’s an introduction to “Nakaa-te,” a game that’s great fun with a large group.

Many of you may have played it when you were little.

While the finer rules can vary by age and experience, the basic idea is simple: players are divided into those inside and outside a boundary, and the people on the outside throw a ball to try to hit the people on the inside.

You can tweak it endlessly—make the boundary a square or a circle, use a larger or smaller ball, and so on.

If any children are afraid of getting hit, try using a soft ball so it doesn’t hurt.

You can play with as few as three people, so give it a try!

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Cat and Mouse

Physical play to enhance children's motor skills: 4. Cat and Mouse (Mouse Trap)

Cat and Mouse

In some areas, this game is also played under the name “Nezumi-tori” (Mouse Trap).

Since it’s a hand-holding game, it seems perfect for welcoming events with new students.

First, the people who are “cats,” about 6 to 10 of them, join hands to form one large circle.

The people who are “mice,” about 4 to 6, go inside the circle.

The mice win if they can slip through the cats’ circle and get outside.

The cats should stand up and crouch down to keep the mice from getting out.

It’s surprisingly fun even for adults.

Definitely a great one to play outside on a nice day.

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Taki no namida pin ku

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Tree and Squirrel

Tree and Squirrel Game

Tree and Squirrel

A great game for kindergarteners and elementary school students is “Trees and Squirrels.” Form groups of three and divide into “trees” and “squirrels.” Anyone who can’t make a trio becomes the “wolf.” At the signal, the squirrels must move to a different tree.

At the same time, the wolf tries to get into an empty tree.

The squirrel that can’t find a spot in a tree becomes the next wolf—and so on.

The rules are simple, so even young children can learn the game quickly.

Another nice point is that you instantly form trios, so friends don’t get cliquey and everyone can play together.

It’s a recommended game for building class unity or getting to know different people.

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kinoshita ayaka

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Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors

Physical play to improve children's motor skills: 2. Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors

Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors

This is a game called “snake rock-paper-scissors.” You set up two bases at least 10 meters apart and draw a squiggly, snake-like or zigzag line between them.

Players move along the line and play rock-paper-scissors when they meet the opponent at the point they collide.

The loser returns to their base and goes to the back of the line; the winner continues along the line to face the next opponent.

The team that keeps winning and reaches the opponent’s base first wins.

Drawing the line in a twisty, complex way makes it a bit harder and more exciting.

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Don Janken

After-school Children’s Classroom Physical Activity Program: “Don Janken”

Don Janken

Let’s try playing Don-Janken, a quick and exciting game you can enjoy anywhere! The rules are very simple: split into two teams and line up at opposite ends.

At the signal, the first person from each team runs forward, and when they meet, they play rock-paper-scissors.

If you win, you keep going; if you lose, the next teammate starts running.

You continue advancing by playing rock-paper-scissors, aiming to reach the opponent’s side.

It’s called Don-Janken because when you meet, you both stretch your hands forward, touch with a “don!” and stop.

Play carefully to avoid injuries.

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