Popularity ranking of recreational activities for children
We introduce kids’ recreational activities in a ranked list.
From indoor and outdoor play to large-group activities for schools and events, we’ve gathered the most popular options among the kinds of recreation kids love.
If you’re thinking, “There are so many activities that I don’t know which ones are popular,” or “I want to learn lots of different games,” be sure to check out this article.
Research the most popular activities and enjoy a great time with the kids!
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- [Elementary School Rec] Recommended Games and Performances for a Fun Party
- Recreation Popularity Rankings for Elementary School Students
- [For Kids] Today's Recommended Recreation Idea Collection
- A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment
- [For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreational Activities and Games
- Liven up your children’s club event! A collection of ideas everyone can enjoy
- Indoor recreation popularity ranking
- [For Kids] Exciting Class-vs-Class Games: Team Competition Activities
Popular Recreation Ranking for Children (31–40)
Human Othello36rank/position

This is a game called “Human Othello,” which uses the red-and-white reversible caps.
Players split into two teams, red and white.
After the start signal, everyone can move around freely for 10 seconds.
When time is up, play stops; then the teams take turns, one person at a time, moving—but each person can take at most three steps on their turn.
You approach someone on the opposing team, and if you and a teammate can sandwich that person so you’re both within touching distance, you say “Othello,” flip the opponent’s cap to your team’s color, and increase your numbers.
That’s the game.
Tyrannosaurus37rank/position

Even a Tyrannosaurus that looks difficult at first can become a wonderful creation if you fold it step by step.
If you use a large sheet of paper, you’ll get an even more dynamic dinosaur.
By customizing the colors and facial expression, you can make a one-of-a-kind dinosaur.
After you finish folding, there are many ways to enjoy it—display it as decoration or play with it.
Since it uses your fingertips, it can help stimulate the brain and may improve concentration and patience.
Try giving it a go when you get together with friends at home.
Snorlax38rank/position

The relaxed expression is the key point! Here are some Snorlax ideas.
When you think of “Snorlax,” you picture the character from Pokémon that’s loved for its shape and personality.
How about making this popular Pokémon—loved by kids and adults alike—out of origami? All you need is one sheet of green origami paper, a pen, and colored pencils.
Be sure to highlight Snorlax’s soothing, laid-back expression—one of its biggest charms—when you draw the face.
Since some layers of the origami can get thick and require strength, it’s a good idea to try this together with a parent or teacher.
Which of the following is effective when scissors become dull?39rank/position
- Cutting aluminum foil
- apply glue stick
- wet with water
See the answer
Cutting aluminum foil
If you keep using the same scissors, their cutting performance will gradually deteriorate. Dull scissors not only slow down your work, but they can also be dangerous. In such cases, try cutting a crumpled piece of aluminum foil with the scissors! The blades of dull scissors have tiny chips, but cutting aluminum foil helps fill in those chipped areas, restoring their sharpness.
Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors40rank/position

Simple yet exciting! Here’s an idea for “Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors.” If just deciding winners and losers with rock-paper-scissors feels boring, this is a great idea for elementary school students.
You start as a cockroach and, as you play, evolve into a frog, a rabbit, a monkey, and then a human.
The key points are to only play rock-paper-scissors against others in the same evolutionary stage, and to act out the poses and movements of each creature.
Once everyone gets the hang of it, it could be fun to come up with new creatures to evolve into together with the kids.
Recreation Popularity Rankings for Children (41–50)
What is in the middle of Hokkaido?41rank/position

This is a question that those in the know will understand in an instant! Hokkaido is located at the northernmost part of the Japanese archipelago.
It’s known above all for its delicious food.
Ramen, seafood, and the classic souvenir Shiroi Koibito are things many of you have probably tried at least once.
Now, here’s the key to solving the puzzle: first, forget about trying to derive the answer from knowledge like geography or shipment volumes.
You don’t need any of that—if you can read the problem statement, you can answer it.
The hint is to focus on the characters in “Hokkaido” (北海道)!
obstacle course42rank/position

Why not enjoy an obstacle race—one of the classic events at sports festivals—right at home? Come up with different ideas and set up lots of obstacles in your rooms or hallways! You can actually create surprisingly fun obstacles using only easy-to-get materials like paper tape and cardboard.
The great thing about this activity is that kids can join in and have fun from the preparation stage.
Playing with things they’ve made themselves will surely be a valuable experience.


