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!
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Fun outdoor recreation games that get everyone excited (21–30)
9-square tag
Nine-Square Tag is a quirky twist on tag played in an area divided into nine squares.
At a cue, everyone on the grid moves one square at the same time.
If the chaser (“it”) lands in the same square as someone else, that person is out.
If the chaser can’t catch anyone within ten turns, they lose.
It’s perfect for camps or indoor gatherings because it works even in small spaces.
Kids and adults can enjoy it, and although simple, it engages both mind and body—great as a lively brain workout.
Give it a try!
late hand in rock-paper-scissors
A normal rock-paper-scissors game is too easy! In that case, try playing “after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors.” The leader plays as usual by saying “Jan-ken-pon” and showing rock, paper, or scissors.
The participants must then respond after seeing it and beat that hand.
Because you have to instantly recognize what the leader showed and choose the winning hand, it’s trickier than it sounds.
A few people will slip up and lose or end in a tie.
Try turning it into a knockout format or speeding it up to increase the difficulty and have fun!
Fun Recreational Games to Liven Up the Outdoors (31–40)
Camp Bingo
When it comes to classic party and event games, bingo is a staple, and it could be a hit at a camping trip as well.
You can buy bingo cards at 100-yen shops, so using store-bought ones is fine, or you can enjoy making them by hand with your kids! Adding camping-themed illustrations will boost the mood even more.
It’s bingo when you complete a line—vertical, horizontal, or diagonal! To get everyone even more excited, consider preparing some lavish prizes, one of the highlights of any bingo game.
Where are you from?
This is a variation of the game “Antagata Dokosa” that you can enjoy around a campfire.
Everyone holds hands and stands in a circle around the fire.
To the rhythm of the song “Antagata Dokosa,” you walk clockwise, but whenever the syllable “sa” appears in the lyrics, you squat down on the spot.
It’s important to listen carefully to avoid mistakes.
Another variation is to switch the walking direction from clockwise to counterclockwise every time you hear “sa,” and then switch back the next time it occurs.
As the tempo speeds up, the confusion and laughter grow, making it a recreation that captivates both children and adults.
Ogostic
Ogostick is played using a stick that looks like a deer’s antler and a hemp ball.
Hook the stick onto the ball’s weave to toss it back and forth, and try to catch it skillfully.
It can be tricky to throw at first, but once you get used to it, it’s easy and fun.
When you throw, think about tossing upward rather than forward.
If you’re looking for a different kind of game to play while camping, try Ogostick for a fresh, new experience.
snack-eating contest
How about a candy-eating race—like the classic bread-eating race—during some downtime at your camp? After the barbecue, when everyone’s relaxing, you could play it as a snack-time game! Preparation is pretty simple: stretch a rope between two trees and clip snacks onto it with clothespins.
This bread-eating-race-style game, a staple of school sports days, can captivate not only kids but also adults who’ll find themselves getting nostalgic and totally into it.
For the treats, consider choosing mostly lightweight snacks like dagashi.
Canoe/Kayak
When you think of camping, you think of rivers.
And when you think of rivers, you think of going downstream—so how about canoeing or kayaking? These boats are often small, and your face is close to the water’s surface, making for an incredibly thrilling experience! They’re also highly maneuverable, so you can slip into small caves and gaps between rocks.