Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids
Don’t you think kids are truly geniuses at killing time?
During recess or after school, we played all kinds of games every day!
I bet you can instantly think of a few nostalgic games too, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of the games we used to play as kids!
We’ve rounded up nostalgic games that will take you right back to childhood the moment you see them and put a smile on your face.
I’m sure today’s kids would enjoy them too.
You can play together across generations, and we hope this helps you fondly remember those days!
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Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids (31–40)
S-ken (traditional Japanese playground game)
This is a game where you advance toward the treasure located in the opponent’s territory.
Battles in enemy territory are one-on-one hand-pushing sumo while hopping on one foot.
If both hands touch the ground or you step out of the territory, you’re out.
Players who are hopping can escape to islands set up in advance.
Don’t push one person with multiple players or shove from behind, as it can cause injuries.
It’s one of those games kids can get totally absorbed in.
Making mud dumplings
Making mud dumplings was something every kid loved, right? Finding a more clay-like layer in the park was cause for celebration.
You’d carefully adjust the amount of water, then roll it smoothly and firmly into a sphere.
Once you settled on the size and shape, you’d let it dry a little, then sprinkle on fine, evenly sized sand and polish it endlessly.
I think that’s as far as we got as kids, but apparently the advanced makers go on to polish with a cloth, too.
The finish is so good you can hardly believe it’s a mud ball.
Maze making
If you get tired of solving mazes, I’d love for you to try “maze making.” As the name suggests, it’s a game where you create your own maze.
Many of you might have made tricky mazes and enjoyed them with kids back in the day, right? It may seem difficult, but there are videos showing easy methods that anyone can use to make mazes, so be sure to check them out for reference.
Tonton Sumo
The first one to topple after tapping the ring loses! Known as paper sumo, Ton-ton Sumo has long been a beloved game among Japanese children.
You can enjoy it with wrestlers made by drawing on construction paper or cardstock and folding them in half, but making them with origami is also recommended! After creasing along the diagonals, fold each corner to the center, then fold the corners in to the center again.
Flip it over and continue folding; finally, fold it vertically in half and adjust so it stands—your origami wrestler is complete.
Let’s tap and play inside a ring made from cardboard or within a taped-off square on a table using masking tape!
origami chatterbox
If you used to make this with origami and play with it, I’m sure it brings back nostalgic memories.
You can fold it and “chomp” at someone for fun, or write numbers and messages in specific spots to use it as a fortune-teller.
Many of you probably played the fortune-telling game.
Write numbers in the four spots on the outside and the eight spots on the inside.
Write the messages under the inner triangles that you lift up.
Have someone choose numbers on the outside and inside, then reveal their message.
Chinese jump rope
Rubber-band jumping is a traditional game that lets children enjoy using their flexibility and sense of rhythm.
A looped rubber band is fixed around the legs of two people, and the jumper hops over the band—above, below, and between it—in various rhythms.
The height and movements vary, starting low and then raising the band to waist or shoulder level to increase the difficulty.
Jumping to a song creates a steady tempo, and everyone around joins in by keeping the rhythm.
There’s no single correct way to jump, which fosters creativity and free thinking.
It’s a smile-filled game whose simple movements and sense of achievement when you succeed appeal to a wide range of ages.
high-jump-style rubber jumping
Let’s get into classic Showa-era games! Here’s an idea for rubber jumping, similar to high jump.
Rubber jumping is the game where you hook a rubber band around your legs, stretch it, and jump over it alternately.
It seems to have been popular mainly among girls during the Showa period.
What you need is flat elastic.
Start with the height at your ankles.
As you get used to it, raise it to your calves, knees, thighs, and then your waist.
If you practice every day, your athletic ability will improve, and you’ll likely be able to clear higher levels over time.
Long Tail Pulling Game
A high-energy, low-contact long tail-tag game.
Each player attaches a long cloth strip or plastic cord to their waist, letting it hang behind them as a “tail.” Once the game starts, everyone runs around trying to grab others’ tails.
Because the tails are long, players can keep their distance while still creating offense and defense, making it fun to strategize without physical contact.
It demands stamina, quick bursts of speed, and keen observation, so younger and older students can compete together on the same field.
The last person whose tail hasn’t been taken is the winner, and despite its simplicity, games often get quite heated.
It’s a cleverly designed activity that balances safety with excitement.
Big waves, small waves in a long-rope jump
The “big wave and small wave” version of long rope jumping is a game everyone can enjoy that tests timing and teamwork.
Two people turn the rope, moving it up and down rhythmically, and the jumpers enter in time with the rhythm and jump at the right moment.
For the big wave, the rope is swung up and down in large motions; for the small wave, it’s swung lower and faster—this variation is also recommended.
Counting together out loud boosts a sense of unity, and succeeding creates a strong feeling of togetherness.
As you get used to it, you can add changes to the rhythm or speed up the turns for more advanced play, expanding the ways to enjoy it.
It’s a game that fosters solidarity and a sense of achievement.
Donut socks
Everyone, do you remember “donut socks”? For those who don’t know, you roll high socks down toward your shoes, folding them as you go.
If you do it well, they end up looking just like a donut.
I don’t know who started it, but it definitely used to be a trend.
If your dress code calls for high socks and it’s hot out, give it a try.