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

Tree and Squirrel

Tree and Squirrel Game

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

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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utatane

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Don Janken

After-school Children’s Classroom Physical Activity Program: “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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kotoro-kotoro (onomatopoeic; a light rattling/rolling sound)

kotoro-kotoro (onomatopoeic; a light rattling/rolling sound)

This is a game called “Kotorokotoro,” where four people stand in a single line and protect the child at the very back from the tagger (the “oni”).

The team lines up with each person placing their hands on the shoulders of the person in front, and the person at the front clasps their hands in front of their chest.

At the start signal, they begin moving, trying to protect the person at the back so they don’t get tagged.

If the person at the back gets tagged by the oni within the time limit, or if anyone’s hands come off the shoulders in front, the team is out.

If the line moves too fast, the people in the back can’t keep up and may let go, so the way you move is important.

You can also play with more people in the line!

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Cross Demon

Cross Oni

Draw a cross on the ground, and the tagger can only run along those lines.

Everyone else runs around the cross, and if the tagger touches you, you lose.

If you’re in a park, you can draw the lines with a tree branch, so the great thing is you don’t need any special equipment.

If you prepare string or tape, you can play Cross Tag indoors too, so you can enjoy tag even on rainy days! It’s highly recommended for anyone who’s getting bored of the usual game of tag.

It’s fun for both adults and kids, so try it at school or with your family.

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Cops and Robbers

If adults went all out and played cops-and-robbers using the entire elementary school, it would be insanely fun!!

“Keidoro” is a shortened form of “keiji to dorobō” (cops and robbers), a variation of tag.

In some regions it’s also called “dorokei.” Kids who want to be the cop and those who want to be the thief might have different personality types, don’t you think? Once you set the area where players can run and the location of the “jail” where caught players wait, the police just chase and catch the thieves.

Decide in advance whether rescuing captured players is allowed.

The Fuji TV show Run for Money: Tososu-chū is an entertainment program that seems to be based on this game.

If you play in a large public space, be careful not to bother other people.

Stop

Stop

Place a ball in the center of a circle and decide the leader with rock-paper-scissors.

Then, without letting the leader know, the remaining players assign themselves numbers.

At the signal, everyone except the leader dashes, and they must stop when the leader says “Stop.” The leader throws the ball at the easiest target to hit, and if you’re hit by the ball, you lose.

The person who loses becomes the next leader.

Dodgeball may be the most popular ball game, but this is recommended for those who want to try something different.

The rules are simple, so when you’re playing with a large group, give “Stop” a try.

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