[Parent-Child Rec] Recreational activities and games for parents and children to enjoy together—also great for sports days.
We’re introducing recreations, games, and crafts that are perfect for parent–child activities at sports days and for quality time at home!
If you’re a teacher unsure which parent–child events to include in your sports day, or a parent looking for fun activities to enjoy with your child, please feel free to use this as a reference.
If you’re not fond of active movement or don’t have much space, crafts are a great option.
Crafts also leave you with something tangible, making for a wonderful keepsake.
Work together to take on challenges, or create memorable pieces, and strengthen your bond while enjoying parent–child activities!
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[Parent-Child Rec] Recreations and games for parents and children to enjoy together. Also great for sports festivals (81–90)
Balloon Soccer
Great for first-time soccer players! Here are some balloon soccer ideas.
Many parents may want to enjoy soccer together with their children.
This is a recommended idea when you’re unsure where to start playing soccer.
All you need is a balloon.
First, use the balloon as a stand-in for a ball and get used to the rules.
It’s good to help kids get a feel for body movement and eye coordination through activities like juggling with the thighs or toes and heading with the head.
Shiritori Balance Butt Sumo
This is a recreation game that combines shiritori (a Japanese word-chain game) with a one-legged balance butt-sumo, enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Two players stand back-to-back, lift one leg, and start the shiritori.
As you answer, you also push against each other with your hips as if bumping the opponent away.
If you put your raised foot down, step out of the boundary, or otherwise lose balance, you lose.
Of course, you also lose if your word in shiritori ends with “n.” It trains your core, exercises your mind, and can be played in a small space, so it’s easy to enjoy anywhere!
Rin-rin hammer made from scrap materials
Let’s try playing with a jingling hammer made from scrap materials.
Although its shape is completely different from a hammer throw implement, it would be great if guardians could explain the rules and key points of hammer throw to children.
When throwing, make sure to create a safe environment where it won’t hit furniture or people before giving it a try.
A gymnasium or an open field would allow you to practice with peace of mind.
Another advantage is that it makes a jingling sound when thrown, making it easy to tell where it landed.
Be sure to give it a try!
Balloon Tennis
Kids’ smiles bursting with joy! Here are some balloon tennis ideas.
Tennis is usually played with a racket and a tennis ball, right? In the video, they’re using rackets with Anpanman illustrations.
Using larger-than-normal balloons might make it easier to hit with the racket.
Since balloons can easily be carried away by the wind, if you play balloon tennis outdoors, it’s best to choose a spacious area and a day with little wind.
It’s also a fun idea for indoor play.
Mario Dance
When it comes to video games, it’s all about Mario.
Even moms and dads who aren’t into games have played it at least once, and Mario is a super popular character.
Kids today love him too.
And the Mario theme song is famous across generations, from parents to children.
How about doing a parent-child dance to that Mario theme song? With choreography that matches the melody—jumping, hopping, and using your whole body—you can dance along.
The moves are simple, but it makes for a great full-body workout!
rubbing art
Rubbing art creates unique works by placing leaves, seashells, and other items under paper and rubbing over them.
You can start by going to a park or for a walk and enjoy searching for materials together in nature.
Children love finding those little things.
Adults can also get back in touch with their inner child and take a good look around from a child’s perspective.
You might even make some new discoveries.
[Parent-Child Rec] Recreations and games for parents and children to enjoy together. Also great for sports days (91–100)
Three-legged race
Moving your body together as a parent and child makes for a very fulfilling time.
The three-legged race is one of those great activities.
A parent and child tie their legs together and aim for the finish line while synchronizing their movements.
Matching your steps fosters cooperation and offers a good chance to sense each other’s rhythm.
Plus, laughing together through the game—and even laughing when you occasionally tumble—strengthens the parent-child bond even more.
This activity, which you can enjoy not only at sports days but also in everyday life, may help you discover new sides of each other.