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

Let’s have fun with bouncing balloons!

Just add a small twist to a balloon and it becomes fun! Here’s an idea to enjoy a bouncing balloon.

One of the charms of balloons is how they drift on the wind and float down slowly even when tossed high.

This time, let’s add a simple tweak to make a balloon that bounces with a pop-pop and play with it.

All you need is a balloon, vinyl tape, and scissors.

Once you inflate the balloon, wrap vinyl tape around the knot in a spiral—and you’re done! You might even be able to use the bouncy balloon for activities like volleyball, basketball, or other recreational games.

Wiggly Tail Tag

We’d like to introduce a wiggly tail-tag game that also requires some clever footwork while running.

Use triangular red cones or blocks to create a winding path.

When players face each other, the person closer to the winding path is the runner, and the one farther away is the chaser.

Once they’re facing off, if the runner taps the chaser’s hand, the runner starts escaping along the winding path.

Because the path twists and turns, it’s hard to predict how the tail will move—that’s the key point.

It’s fun to focus, watch the tail’s movement, and think about the timing to grab it.

Once you get used to it, you can make the winding path longer to increase the running distance and make the game even more exciting.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

triathlon

Let’s clear the challenges set at each station and aim for the finish! Here’s a triathlon-inspired idea.

A triathlon is a race where you swim, cycle, and run in sequence to reach the goal, right? This time, let’s try playing a game where you aim for the finish by overcoming a series of continuous challenges, just like a triathlon.

In the video, it looks like pairs are cooperating and playing together.

How about incorporating this into your activities with some adaptations?

Hoop Tail Grab

Let me introduce a thrilling hoop tail-tag game.

Attach a tail to your backside and try to escape within a hula hoop so it doesn’t get taken.

If your tail is taken, the game is over.

Since the space inside the hula hoop is limited, the key is to move your body cleverly to avoid having your tail grabbed.

It may be even more exciting if you set a time limit or prepare extra hula hoops.

If you increase the number of hula hoops, it’s also recommended to add more taggers.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

Ball-carrying game

@toiro_efilagroup

Is the guys' team actually doing it seriously? lol#toiroAfter-school day serviceChildcare Worker# developmental support (ryōiku)#Kanagawa PrefectureAndante

♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day

Let’s have fun by combining items you already have at home! Here are some ideas for a ball-carrying game.

Through play, kids can learn the importance—and the challenge—of working together to reach a goal.

The rules are simple: two people hold a towel together to carry a ball and place it into a basket or bag.

It’s great for building concentration and balance.

It’s easy to do indoors, so you can enjoy it with your child or friends and feel a sense of accomplishment together.

Once you get used to it, try customizing the course!

Cooperation-Required Cup Game

@.vs9086

This time it’s a “cooperation-required cup game”! Materials: • 4 strings • 1 rubber band • Paper or plastic cups How to play: • Attach the 4 strings to the rubber band. • Line up the paper cups. • Tug the rubber band from four directions to grip the cup and stack them into a pyramid. This game builds fine hand control and concentration. Plus, one person can take the lead by giving instructions, and the other listens and responds. You can’t do it unless the two of you work together. My second son isn’t very cooperative and hasn’t really had experiences of accomplishing something together with friends, so I hope that, even through play, he can gradually gain experiences of achieving something with someone else. If you have paper cups, you can also branch out into other games like: • Sport stacking • Bowling ————— We share fun brain-boosting activities that elementary schoolers will get more absorbed in than a Switch—and that help grow their talents! Check out the other posts, too! —————Elementary school kids' playBrain-boosting playSTEAM education

♬ Cheap and cute athletic meet classic song(1085557) – Kids Sound

It’s hard to reach goals alone! Here’s a cup game that requires teamwork.

It’s a game idea where you and your friends coordinate your timing to grab and move cups.

Once you tie four strings to a rubber band, you’re ready to go! Two people work in sync to grip a cup.

Try building a pyramid or stacking them high—get creative with different arrangements.

The subtle balance of force and tiny timing mismatches that make the cups not move as you want can be surprisingly addictive!

Treasure-catching game

@kidschallengeclubLupin the Third Theme (High Quality) – Sound Works

Who will win, the police or the thieves? Here’s an idea for a treasure-grabbing game.

Through the roles of thieves and police, players can work with teammates to devise and execute strategies while developing quick decision-making skills—it’s a fun game! The thieves sneak past the police to carry the treasure, while the police run around to catch the thieves.

With a perfect balance of competition and cooperation, kids will burn off energy while getting totally absorbed in play.

The rules are simple, and everyone who joins the game will feel the thrill and excitement!