Lovely Play & Recreation

[Elementary School] Indoor Games and Recreational Activities Recommended for Upper Primary Grades

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

There are lots of elementary school children who love the internet and online games, right?

Of course, they can build relationships and develop various skills through them, but many parents and educators probably feel, “I’d like them to play something other than games a bit more.”

Kids can learn a lot from new experiences, so we hope they’ll try a variety of activities.

In this article, we’ll introduce fun games and recreational activities suited for upper elementary grades!

All of them can be played indoors, so they’re perfect for days when you can’t go outside!

[Elementary School] Indoor Games and Recreation Activities Recommended for Upper Elementary Grades (1–10)

Ball arranging game

Ball Arrangement Game (3×3, 4×4) [Indoor Physical Activity Example]

Ball arranging game

There’s a game where you draw circles and crosses on paper, and the first to make a straight line wins, right? This is a physical version using balls—the Ball Line-up Game.

Set up spaces to place balls in a 3×3 grid, split into two teams, and each team places balls of a different color.

Each team has three balls.

If neither side forms a line after all three balls are placed, players then pick up one of their team’s balls and move it to a different spot.

It’s important to line up your own balls, but it’s just as important to defend and prevent your opponent from completing a line.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Rock-paper-scissors game

[Rock-Paper-Scissors Game] Build quick reflexes and decision-making skills while having fun! Great for two players or large groups.

Rock-paper-scissors game

A “Rock-Paper-Scissors chase” game where the winner chases the loser.

It’s a very simple game: the winner wins by tagging the loser, and the loser is safe if they reach the wall before being tagged.

Depending on the distance to the wall, it can be played and enjoyed even in a small indoor space.

It also works with larger groups and as a team game.

In that case, the team discusses in advance what they will throw in Rock-Paper-Scissors.

If someone makes the wrong throw by mistake, that team receives a penalty.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Boccia

@deinoa.uru
We teamed up with the Noato Uru staff to try boccia ☺ It’s a sport anyone can play, young or old, and we had some thrilling matches ✨After-school Day Service for Children with Disabilities The children's day care a Children’s Day Uru Recreation practice
♬ Kyoso!Kakekko!Undokai! – Akiyuki Tateyama

Boccia is perfect as an indoor recreational activity.

It’s a game where you throw blue and red balls and try to get them as close as possible to the white jack ball.

The rules are simple, yet the strategy runs deep.

There are many moments that make you think—like coordinating with your team or avoiding your opponent’s balls.

It doesn’t just get you moving; it also builds communication and thinking skills, making it great for children’s development.

It’s fun for parents and kids alike, and ideal for school events.

If you’re looking for a game everyone can get excited about, give boccia a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[Elementary School] Indoor Games and Recreational Activities Recommended for Middle Grades (11–20)

Plastic-bag carpet relay

Plastic Bag Carpet Race from “The Latest and Most Fun Recreation Games”

Plastic-bag carpet relay

A speed-based game played in pairs called the “Plastic-Bag Carpet Relay.” Place a plastic bag on the floor and have one person stand on it.

The other person crouches down and holds both ends of the bag.

At the starting signal, the person standing jumps, and while they’re in the air, the crouching person pulls the plastic bag forward.

If the person on top fails to land on the bag, they’re out and must go back to the start.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Chopstick Game

Chopstick Game: Kids Win

Chopstick Game

Two people face each other and each extends one index finger on both hands.

The starting player touches one of the opponent’s fingers.

The person who was touched then extends a number of fingers so that it equals the sum of the number of the opponent’s touched finger and their own corresponding finger.

Repeat this, and if a hand reaches five or more fingers, that hand is lowered.

The winner is the one who makes both of the opponent’s hands go down.

There are also variations such as splitting after you’re down to one hand, or reviving a lowered hand.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

vinyl cutter

@miyatake_bc
Miyatake Youth Baseball Club Miyatake Elementary School #YouthBaseball Training camp Tamana training camp Recreation
♬ Original Song – Miyatake Youth Baseball Club – Miyatake Youth Baseball Club

All you need is a spacious area and a plastic bag! Want to try the Plastic Bag Drop challenge? In this game, a plastic bag is dropped from a height, and you blow air at it to keep it aloft for as long as possible.

It tests not only your lung capacity but also your quickness and your ability to predict which way the bag will drift.

Experiment with different techniques and compete to see who can keep the bag floating the longest.

There’s also a similar game using a tissue called the Tissue Drop—give that a try if you like.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors

Physical activity play to enhance children's motor skills: 3. Evolutionary Rock-Paper-Scissors

Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors

“Evolution Janken” is a game where you play rock-paper-scissors and evolve as you keep winning.

Everyone starts lying face-down on the floor and plays rock-paper-scissors with someone nearby.

As you continue to win, you can evolve to four-legged walking and then to two-legged walking.

By taking on different postures, you can build muscle strength, and it’s fun to play rock-paper-scissors with many different people.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem