Lovely Play & Recreation

Recommended outdoor recreation for junior high school students: A roundup of fun outdoor activities

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.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Even in junior high, it’s fun to play in the schoolyard during breaks and get active outside after school or on days off, isn’t it?

There are also plenty of times when everyone needs a bit of recreation, like during homeroom or for outdoor activities as part of class.

So in this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of outdoor games that junior high students can enjoy!

We’ve included not only classic games you’ve been familiar with since elementary school, but also some that are a bit unusual.

Learn the rules and have fun playing together!

Outdoor recreation recommended for junior high school students: A roundup of fun outdoor activities (31–40)

Hide-and-seek

We played serious hide-and-seek at the new Mizutamari House and it was way too fun lol

Hide-and-seek

Hide-and-seek is an exciting game even in middle school.

If you increase the number of seekers or play over a wider area, it gets even more fun.

It’s great because even people who aren’t confident in their stamina can enjoy it.

Just remember to put safety first.

It also helps you get closer with friends, so why not go all out in the schoolyard or a park? Since it’s a game everyone can get into, it’s perfect for homeroom time or outdoor activities.

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Mini Ball Tag

Ideal Play Activity for a Children’s Association Event: “Mini Ball Tag” in Kawaguchi

Mini Ball Tag

If you’re a middle schooler looking for a new game, Mini-Ball Tag is perfect.

It’s recommended for those who are bored with regular tag.

The rules are simple: the tagger throws a ball and tries to hit other players.

But both runners and taggers need to stay sharp.

You might get targeted from far away—but if the throw misses, that’s your chance! In the latter half, the number of taggers increases, making it even more thrilling.

Run around the schoolyard together and you’ll have fun while getting some exercise.

Change the size of the ball to enjoy a different twist on the game.

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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]

Treasure hunt with puzzles to enjoy in the park

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.

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softball

Finally kicking off! “Japan–U.S. Softball 2018”

softball

Softball is a perfect outdoor activity for middle schoolers.

The ball is larger and easier to hit, so even kids who aren’t confident in sports can enjoy it.

Since it’s pitched underhand, it’s easier on the shoulder, too.

It works great with small or large groups, making it ideal for class or club recreation.

Slow-pitch, where teams enjoy lots of hitting, is also popular overseas.

Give softball a try—it’s a fun, active way for everyone to spend time together.

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kickbase

41st Osaka City Inter-Ward Children's Association Friendly Kick Baseball Tournament, Round 2 vs. Daidō-Minami, July 6, 2014

kickbase

It feels like the best of both baseball and soccer.

The pitcher rolls the ball, and you kick it to send it flying.

You can play in a schoolyard or park, so it’s perfect for having fun with everyone.

The rules are simple, so you can start right away.

It’s great for mixed groups, and it fits well into recess or PE class.

If you make it a team competition, it’ll get even more exciting.

To avoid injuries, it’s best to use a soft ball.

Working together to aim for victory is really fun, isn’t it? Let’s make some memories with kickbase!

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