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

Red Light, Green Light

Red light, green light

There are many similar games across the country where you can only move while someone counts to 10.

In the Kinki region, the version called “Bōsan ga he o koita” is especially famous.

In the Kanto region, it’s called “Indian no fundoshi,” though what exactly is an “Indian fundoshi,” I wonder (haha)? The rules are simple! The person who is ‘it’ presses their face against a wall or pillar and counts to 10.

Only while they’re counting can the others move freely.

You start about 10 meters away from ‘it,’ and if you can manage to touch them in the end, you win.

If you’re spotted moving, you lose.

It’s a game that people of all ages can enjoy, so it’s one I recommend for intergenerational events like Respect for the Aged Day gatherings!

Kick the can

Kick the can

There are games that we somehow know without anyone formally teaching us, aren’t there? Many of them are passed down from grandparents, parents, or older kids in the neighborhood, and then we teach them to younger children when we grow up—traditional Japanese games, so to speak.

“Kankeri” (can kicking) is one of them.

The shared basic rules are: the time you can hide is the time it takes the It (the tagger) to return the kicked can to its original spot; if you’re found and your name is called, you lose.

There are detailed rule variations depending on the region.

A steel can works better than an aluminum one.

If you play in a park, be mindful of your surroundings, and don’t forget to try to put very young children on the hiding side when possible! It’s a fun game that anyone can join, and one we’d love to pass on to the next generation.

Daikon-pulling game

@kidschallengeclub♬ Anyway, Busy – Various Artists & Ken Ito

A game that kids and adults can enjoy! Here are some ideas for the Daikon Pulling Game.

It’s a fun game that works well with both small and large groups! The rules are simple and easy to understand, so anyone—from children to adults—can join in.

Divide into the “daikon” role and the “puller” role, and give it a try.

It gets even more exciting with larger groups, but it’s still plenty of fun with fewer people, making it great for any group size.

Once everyone gets the hang of it, trying team matches and competing for time sounds like a lot of fun!

Bomb game

[Indoor Play] A Game Enjoyable Across Ages [Bomb Game]

The excitement just won’t stop! Here’s a fun idea for a bomb game.

It’s a great way to build concentration and decision-making skills while playing.

All you need is a device that can play music and a ball or balloon.

Have the participants stand in a circle facing each other.

While the music is playing, pass the ball to the person next to you.

When the music stops, whoever is holding the ball loses—simple as that.

It’s sure to be a hit with preschool classes!

Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors

@kidschallengeclub

Introducing Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors! It’s a game where you keep playing rock-paper-scissors with lots of different people and evolve step by step! If you become a god within the time limit, you win! The kids suddenly start imitating grandpas and grandmas, and it’s so authentic I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s that kind of fun game!evolutionEvolution Rock-Paper-ScissorsRock-paper-scissorsRock-Paper-Scissors Gamebaby#GrandmaGodInteresting

Invincibly Cute – Naoki Endo

An amusing game where you evolve by winning rock-paper-scissors: “Evolution Janken.” Aim to become a god within the time limit! Everyone starts as a baby.

Since you’re a baby, you crawl to move and play rock-paper-scissors with people you meet.

If you win, you evolve and can move by hands-and-knees crawling.

If you lose, keep belly-crawling and look for your next opponent.

It goes like this: belly-crawl, hands-and-knees crawl, bear walk, adult, elderly person, and finally, you become a god and the game ends.

Evolve within the time limit!

Bomb Game

[Guaranteed to be a big hit with toddlers] An ultra-easy “Bomb Game” you can play

Here’s a heart-pounding, thrilling bomb game! The word “bomb” might sound scary, but in this game we use a soft rubber ball as a pretend bomb.

The rules are super simple: if you don’t get hit by the ball the teacher throws, you win.

Start with an easy difficulty so anyone can win, and add variations as everyone gets used to it.

If you add a wrist snap to put spin on the ball before throwing, the bounce after it lands becomes unpredictable—guaranteed to get everyone excited!

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Color tag (a children’s chasing game)

Younger Class – Color Tag (Color Oni Game)

It’s a traditional game.

You don’t need any equipment, and even small children can play.

On sunny days, try it outdoors.

The person who is “it” calls out a color—for example, “red.” Everyone else looks for something red and touches it.

While they’re touching it, they’re invincible and can’t be tagged by “it.” Anyone who can’t find the color and gets tagged becomes the next “it.” Good rules for choosing colors include “pick colors everyone knows” and “colors on clothing or shoes don’t count.” A kindergarten or daycare playground is plenty big for this game.

It’s also great for intergenerational activities with older adults who prefer light exercise!