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!
- Old-time play: fun children's games
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- [For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play
- Fun Indoor Games for Elementary School Kids Without Any Equipment
- A nostalgic toy that was popular in my childhood
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- [For Kids] Today's Recommended Recreation Idea Collection
- [Elementary School Rec] Recommended Games and Performances for a Fun Party
- [List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love
- Traditional Games: Fun Old-Time Play. Popular Activities Useful in Childcare
- [For Kids] Fun Indoor Game Ideas for After-School Day Services
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids (41–50)
Pretending to be Spider-Man by bracing with my hands and feet.

The movie Spider-Man is hugely popular with kids too! Seeing Spider-Man zip around freely using his webs must have been something many boys dreamed of.
Of course, humans don’t have webs like that, but plenty of kids must have thought, “I want to imitate him!” That pure wish likely gave birth to this game, “playing Spider-Man.” You stand between two walls and press your hands and feet against them as you climb up toward the ceiling.
It’s fun, but be careful to play safely and avoid getting hurt.
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.
swing jump

“Swing jumping” can be dangerous depending on how you play it, but it was a hugely popular game among kids.
You pump the swing as high as you can, and when you reach your personal limit, you leap off—jump! If you land safely, you’ve succeeded.
Always make sure no one is in front of you before you jump.
Be careful, as jumping from an unreasonable height can cause injuries.
can stilts

The can stilts, which are similar to traditional stilts, are easy to make by simply threading strings through two empty cans.
The way to play is very simple too: place both feet on the cans and walk while pulling on the strings.
Like regular stilts, they require a sense of balance, but children around three or four years old should be able to play without much difficulty.
It might be tough at first, but once they learn to walk on them, it’s a lot of fun.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced plenty of nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids—were there any you used to enjoy? Even if nothing comes to mind right away, I bet some of them made you think, “Oh, I remember this!” Among the games we featured, the simple ones are surprisingly common across different generations.
It might be fun to try playing them again and relive those memories!


