![[For Kids] Fun Either Way: A Collection of Rock-Paper-Scissors Game Ideas](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/G2U-Smvi9sk/maxresdefault.webp)
[For Kids] Fun Either Way: A Collection of Rock-Paper-Scissors Game Ideas
Rock-paper-scissors is often used to decide order or winners, but this time we’re introducing fun game ideas that use rock-paper-scissors.
Not only “win or lose” matches, but also creative twists on the game itself, plus ideas that get you thinking and moving—like running or solving problems using rock-paper-scissors—so there’s something for everyone.
We’re also featuring nostalgic rock-paper-scissors games from the past!
Since rock-paper-scissors is a game both adults and children can enjoy together, we encourage adults to join in too!
[For Kids] Fun Whether You Win or Lose! Rock-Paper-Scissors Game Ideas (1–10)
The Jizo statue does not move.
We’d like to introduce a “still Janken” (Rock-Paper-Scissors) game.
Pair up in twos and play Janken to the Jizo song.
The loser becomes a Jizo statue and must freeze.
The winner should gently tickle their partner—who has transformed into a Jizo—while singing the song.
If you’re a Jizo, do your best to stay completely still.
Besides Jizo, try transforming into other unmoving things like Tokyo Tower, a bowl of ramen, or a scarecrow and have fun with it.
How many times you can win at Janken will also be a key point!
Psychological rock-paper-scissors
https://www.tiktok.com/@cocoskip/video/7211458679197961473A new twist on invisible rock-paper-scissors! Here’s an idea for psychological rock-paper-scissors.
In this game, you face each other with a wall between you so neither can see the other’s hand.
Talk it out with lines like, “I’m throwing ___,” or “Are you throwing ___?” and try to guess what your opponent is showing.
You can change your throw until the time limit is up.
When time’s up, who’s winning? It’s a thrilling, heart-pounding way to play.
Growth Janken
Grow bigger when you win at rock-paper-scissors! Here’s an idea for a Growth Rock-Paper-Scissors game.
Start in a crawling pose like a baby! Each time you win, you “grow”: from a crouching child to a standing adult.
You can play one-on-one, of course, but it’s also great fun with a large group.
To keep it fresh, try tweaking the pose you strike when you level up, or set rules like not playing rock-paper-scissors with the same person consecutively.
That way, everyone can enjoy it without getting bored!
playing rock-paper-scissors after seeing the opponent’s move (i.e., acting with hindsight/cheating)NEW!
After-the-fact rock-paper-scissors is also good brain training, and its simple rules make it enjoyable for everyone.
Decide on a leader or form pairs, then choose someone to give instructions.
The instructor gives prompts like “Please lose to me” or “Please beat me,” and calls the rock-paper-scissors cadence.
The person receiving the instruction should play accordingly.
This game seems easy but is surprisingly tricky, and increasing the speed makes it even more challenging—and funnier.
Territory-Janken
Let’s move our bodies and play! Here’s an idea for a territory-taking rock-paper-scissors game.
Two players face off; if you win, take three steps forward, and if it’s a tie, both take one step, racing toward the goal.
It’s fun to see each person get creative—taking big strides or making big jumps to move ahead! You can also customize the rock-paper-scissors itself, like using your whole body for “body rock-paper-scissors” or using your feet for “foot rock-paper-scissors.” It’s a great way to have fun while inventing ideas together with the kids.
Rock-paper-scissors tail tag
A game that combines two popular activities! Here’s an idea for Rock-Paper-Scissors Tail Tag.
First, set up a home base, then go about 20 meters away and play rock-paper-scissors.
The winner runs back to the base, and the loser tries to grab the winner’s tail before they reach it.
Once everyone gets used to playing one-on-one, switching to team matches can make it even more exciting.
Another fun part of this game is planning strategies with friends or teachers and thinking about how to win as you play.
Give it a try!
Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors
Let me introduce Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors, a game where you form a pyramid shape and work your way to the top.
Divide into two teams: Defense and Offense.
Draw horizontal lines to form 1–5 rows in a pyramid shape, and have the Defense team’s kids stand on each line.
The Offense team’s kids start by playing rock-paper-scissors with the player in the first row; if they win, they advance to the second row.
At the end, they face the King at the top of the pyramid—win there and they reach the goal.
If they lose at any point, they return to the start.
It’s a fun game that gets everyone moving and communicating, so give it a try!