A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment
Many of you may be looking for games that captivate children and are indispensable for the exciting activity time in after-school care.
Group play unique to after-school programs includes plenty of activities—both outdoors and indoors—that get everyone lively and engaged, while naturally nurturing motor skills and communication.
Here, we introduce fun game ideas that spark smiles, such as group shiritori, the telephone game, and DIY archery.
These activities are enjoyable for both small and large groups, so be sure to try them out in your after-school care setting!
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A big hit at after-school childcare! A collection of group play and game ideas you can do without any equipment (11–20)
When, where, and who game
A game called “When, Where, Who, and What Did They Do?” It’s very simple but really lively.
Prepare separate boxes and fill them with lots of slips that say “when,” “where,” “who,” and “what they did” in various situations.
Everyone takes turns drawing slips to complete a sentence, and the impossible twists and nonsensical actions lead to big laughs—making it a great party game.
It also sparks imagination and naturally expands the conversation.
Exercise games you can do without equipment
This is a game where you carefully follow the quizmaster’s instructions, judge your actions correctly, and aim to reach the goal faster than anyone else.
You only jump forward when the signals “tobe,” “jump,” or “tonde” are given; if you jump on a different word, you have to return to the starting position and try again.
People with strong jumping ability can get closer to the goal in fewer jumps, and those with good reflexes can clear the instructions accurately—so the rules let each person’s strengths shine.
It also seems like the quizmaster’s sense of how to give confusing instructions will be put to the test.
Sitting tag
How about trying a seated game of tag that you can play indoors? First, choose who’s “it,” and have everyone—including the tagger—start in a seated position.
It’s best if people are spaced a little apart.
The rule is that everyone must keep their bottoms on the floor even while moving.
Moving while your bottom stays on the floor is tricky and slows you down more than you’d think—that frustrating feeling is what makes it so fun.
Since you can’t move very far, you can enjoy it in a small space.
Give it a try!
Chinese jump rope
Rubber-band jumping is a traditional game that lets children enjoy using their flexibility and sense of rhythm.
A looped rubber band is fixed around the legs of two people, and the jumper hops over the band—above, below, and between it—in various rhythms.
The height and movements vary, starting low and then raising the band to waist or shoulder level to increase the difficulty.
Jumping to a song creates a steady tempo, and everyone around joins in by keeping the rhythm.
There’s no single correct way to jump, which fosters creativity and free thinking.
It’s a smile-filled game whose simple movements and sense of achievement when you succeed appeal to a wide range of ages.
Long Tail Pulling Game
A high-energy, low-contact long tail-tag game.
Each player attaches a long cloth strip or plastic cord to their waist, letting it hang behind them as a “tail.” Once the game starts, everyone runs around trying to grab others’ tails.
Because the tails are long, players can keep their distance while still creating offense and defense, making it fun to strategize without physical contact.
It demands stamina, quick bursts of speed, and keen observation, so younger and older students can compete together on the same field.
The last person whose tail hasn’t been taken is the winner, and despite its simplicity, games often get quite heated.
It’s a cleverly designed activity that balances safety with excitement.
Birthday line
Within the time limit, let’s try lining up in a single row in order of birthdays.
The rule here is that you must not say your exact date of birth.
If everyone clearly knows the others’ birthdates, you can line up smoothly.
But if someone’s is unknown, you’ll have to exchange clues and reason it out as you line up.
It might be tricky to come up with hints that others can understand, like “around the middle of the season.” If you think it through and line up correctly with no mistakes, it should be a big hit.
Having kids from various age groups—not just those born in the same year—will make it both more fun and more challenging.
Big Hits at After-School Care! A Collection of Group Play and Game Ideas You Can Do Without Equipment (21–30)
Three fail-safe activities that are guaranteed to get everyone excited
Here are three games that are guaranteed to get everyone hyped.
First is the “Rhythm Game”! Pick a theme, and only clap twice when you hear a word that matches it.
If you clap after a word that doesn’t fit the theme, you’re out.
Be careful not to clap by mistake in the heat of the moment.
The second game is “San-Ken Hoi!!”.
Everyone shows some fingers, and the first person to correctly call out the total number of fingers wins.
The third game is the “Clan Game.” Choose your own name, then make eye contact with someone and play rock-paper-scissors.
If you win, your name is passed to the person who lost.
In the end, the person who has spread their name to the most people is the winner.
Consider the difficulty level and group size, and pick the perfect game for your crowd!
