A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment

Bamboo Shoot Gnocchi

Takenoko Nyokki (from “The Latest and Most Fun Recreation Games”)

Takenoko Nyokki is a staple of recreation games.

You don’t need any equipment, and it doesn’t depend on place or time, so you can easily play it anywhere.

The great thing about this game is that everyone—from kids to adults—can enjoy it together.

It’s a fun, exciting activity even in mixed-age groups like after-school programs.

It starts with “One nyokki,” and the numbers continue, but if you overlap with someone else or end up being the last one left, you’re out.

Everyone wants to finish early, so people can’t help but overlap, you know? (laughs)

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utatane

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Sinking Game

[For Childcare Workers] Teacher Rio’s Active Play That Gets Kids Excited [The Sinking Game]

Have you heard of the Sinking Game? In a large space like a hall or gym, place several mats around.

These mats become the “boats.” The children split into groups and stand on the mats, while the teacher plays the role of a shark.

When the teacher shouts, “The ship is sinking!” the children must move from their current mat to another one.

If they get caught by the shark while moving, they’re out! If they make it without being caught, they’re safe.

It’s also fun to use other words that start with the “chi” sound instead of “chinbotsu da” (“The ship is sinking!”).

It’s a heart-pounding game that’s perfect for after-school programs.

It can be played indoors on rainy days, so give it a try!

G Dodgeball

After-school childcare games (2): G Dodge

“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.

By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.

Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.

The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.

Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.

Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.

It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.

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kojifumi

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kickbase

Recommended for upper elementary PE and recreation! Narabikko Kickbase

Kickbase isn’t just a physical game.

Kicking the ball, running, defending—every part is filled with children’s creativity and teamwork.

You’ll hear them calling out, “Who’s up next?” “How should we defend?” as they communicate and share roles.

Because it’s played with the feet, differences in strength matter less, making it fun for kids of different ages to play together on the same field.

They laugh when things don’t go well and high-five when they succeed.

Those small moments build confidence and cooperation.

Kickbase, which nurtures relationships while letting kids move their bodies to the fullest, is a perfect collaborative play activity for after-school programs.

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kojifumi

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Cops and Robbers

After-school childcare activities (1): Cops and Robbers (Keidoro)

When it comes to classic games that get after-school programs excited, “Keidoro” is a top pick.

As long as you have a large enough space, you can start right away, so prep is easy.

In this game, players split into police and robbers and chase each other, which builds teamwork, quick decision-making, and physical fitness—perfect for kids’ development.

The rules include robbers getting caught and put in “jail,” plus dramatic rescues by teammates, making it a hit across all age groups.

The more players, the more fun, so it’s ideal for group settings like after-school care.

Another appeal is that you can expand the ways to play by tweaking the rules.

It’s a highly recommended game for running around and being active in schoolyards or parks.

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straw airplane

"Straw Airplane" Flies Like Crazy Outdoors! — From a Magazine by Play Experts in After‑School Care

Popular in after-school care, the “straw airplane” is a fun craft that’s easy to make with a straw and construction paper—and it flies really well.

First, cut off the bendy part of the straw with scissors so it’s straight.

Next, cut two long, narrow strips from the construction paper, roll each into a ring, and tape them to the front and back of the straw.

Using a smaller ring in front and a larger ring in back makes it stable and helps it fly surprisingly far.

Kids are amazed at how it flies differently from a regular paper airplane! You can compete to see whose airplane flies the farthest, try different throwing techniques, and enjoy playing over and over.

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Dodgeball tag

Dodgeball Tag: After-school Childcare Recreation Plan

Ball Tag with a Throw is a high-energy indoor game that’s hugely popular in after-school programs.

The rules are simple: the “it” player chases with a ball and tries to tag the others by hitting them with it.

Despite its simplicity, the speed and thrill make it incredibly exciting! Whoever gets hit by the ball becomes the next “it,” so the game keeps changing rapidly and never gets boring.

Using a soft ball makes it safe for indoor play.

In smaller spaces, you can adjust by setting boundaries or requiring shorter strides.

It’s a perfect game to bring out lots of energy and create a lively, fun time.

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