Fun recreational games that liven up outdoor activities
If you’re going to the trouble of taking a trip or going camping, you’ll want to use your whole body to enjoy the great outdoors, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce fun outdoor recreation games that are recommended for everyone—kids and adults alike.
We’ve gathered activities ranging from energetic games that get you moving—essential for the outdoors—to slower-paced ones that let you listen to the sounds of nature.
“If we know we’re going out to play but haven’t decided what to do yet!” If that’s you, be sure to use this as a guide.
Let’s make the most of this special time and enjoy it to the fullest!
Fun Outdoor Recreation Games That Get Everyone Excited (1–10)
Russian roulette
We’re going to play with a toy called “Russian Nurette,” a play on Russian roulette.
It has a container attached to a helmet that holds water.
You pour water into it and then pull out the many sticks one by one.
The ‘lucky’ (or unlucky) person triggers the mechanism that makes the water gush out of the container.
You can even use ice water.
It’s a perfect item for hot weather.
Gesture game in the athletic area
When you see a playground obstacle course, it makes you want to relive your childhood, doesn’t it? Especially that one where you can feel like Tarzan—riding a rope down between hills—it’s scary but feels great.
How about adding a twist to that rope activity with a gesture game? While you’re sliding down the rope, you make a gesture, and the people waiting try to guess what you’re doing.
If they don’t get it, you might have to go again and again!
One-Leg Rope Sumo
Stand facing each other and hold a rope with both hands.
You then tug on the rope, but you do it on one leg—this is “one-leg rope sumo.” Since you’re on one leg, your balance is of course very unstable, so although it’s simple, it’s quite a tricky game.
The goal isn’t just to pull; you can also loosen your grip so that your opponent loses balance on their own.
It’s a contest of strategy rather than brute force.
Stacking cardboard boxes
It’s a game where you prepare lots of cardboard boxes, stack them up, and compete on the final height.
You set a time limit and see how high you can stack within that time—a simple game, but once it gets taller than you are, it suddenly becomes much harder.
You’re allowed to throw boxes onto the stack, but be careful: the impact can cause your tower to collapse.
Survival game with water guns
Survival games, commonly known as “sabage.” Normally, players split into teams and use airsoft guns to shoot and eliminate the opposing team.
How about swapping those airsoft guns for water guns and enjoying a summer version? While airsoft guns require careful handling, with water guns even beginners can start without hesitation.
Instead of feeling frustrated when you’re shot, it might actually feel refreshing!
Fishing battle with a 100-yen rod
People who aren’t into fishing don’t usually have a rod, and when a group gets together it can be hard to prepare enough for everyone.
But these days, you can buy fishing rods at 100-yen shops.
They’re simple bamboo rods.
You can also get line, hooks, and lures.
It’s perfect for when you want to say, “Let’s all go fishing and have some fun.” Fishing is enjoyable for adults and kids alike—so let’s compete to see how many we can catch!
Frisbee target practice
Let’s try a classic festival-style target game using a frisbee! Prepare targets like plastic bottles.
The rules are very simple: throw the frisbee and knock down targets set a short distance away.
The materials are easy to gather, too.
Make sure to secure the targets so they don’t fall over in the wind.
It may sound easy, but throwing a frisbee exactly where you want is actually quite challenging.