[Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students

Birdcage play

Birdcage Game — Using Ringbee and Dodgebee (After-School Care Recreation)

Birdcage Play is a group game for after-school programs that uses flying-disc toys.

The rules are simple: One child plays the “bird” in the center, while the surrounding children form the “cage.” Players outside the cage throw the disc to one another, keeping the passes going while taking care not to hit the bird in the middle.

The bird moves around trying to catch the incoming disc; if they make a catch, they swap places with the thrower.

The game tests reflexes and throwing accuracy, and the possibility of switching roles adds a fun sense of tension.

You can freely adapt it to the number of players and discs available.

By using soft flying discs and other safety measures, kids can enjoy both the thrill and the physical activity of this game.

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Sports Rokumushi

“Sports Rokumushi” promotional video by the Kitani Laboratory, Department of Child Studies

Rokumushi is a game where players move between two circles while carefully avoiding being hit by a ball held by the tagger.

It tests strategies such as how the runners advance toward the next circle and how the tagger blocks their path.

A team-based format is recommended; the more participants there are, the greater the awareness of movement becomes, and the strategies tend to grow more sophisticated.

Since having fewer remaining players is a disadvantage, it might be best for the team to move as a united group.

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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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Sandwich Game

[Group Play] A Thorough Guide to the Sandwich Game!

Here’s an idea for a “Sandwich Game” that’s a guaranteed hit in after-school care.

Adults holding mattresses play the “bread,” while the kids each become their favorite sandwich “fillings” and run around.

The rules are simple: when you sandwich a child with the mattress, you just say, “I’ll eat you!” And somehow, that’s all it takes to get everyone excited.

Both the chasers and the runners go all-in.

The kids dash around to avoid getting sandwiched, warming up both body and mind.

Even without elaborate setups, the thrill of almost getting caught and the fast pace make it a perfect group game for active days.

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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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Reflex Game

[Hand Game Fun for Elementary Kids] Quick Reaction Game

We’d like to introduce an idea for a group game called the “Quick-Reaction Game,” perfect for after-school programs because the rules are simple and you can adapt it freely.

The basic rule is: when the leader meows like a cat (“meow”), the children must immediately raise their hands.

That alone is simple, but by mixing in feints—like a dog’s bark or a wolf’s howl—you add just the right amount of thrill and laughter.

You can also use instruments instead of animal sounds.

For example, the bell sound means correct, while castanets or a tambourine indicate a trick.

Using familiar instruments makes it fun while building focus and reaction speed.

It’s a highly adaptable, recommended game that you can play over and over, adjusting for different ages and group sizes.

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♬ Disney Electrical Parade-like songs – Jun Takahashi

Why not all enjoy a treasure hunt that gives you the real thrill of adventure? The kids set off on a quest for jewels, but before they reach them, a variety of trials await: crawling through tunnels, making their way through the jungle, and crossing a river while watching out for crocodiles.

By tackling the set obstacles one after another, children naturally get moving while soaking up the spirit of adventure.

You can adjust the difficulty of the obstacles to suit the children’s development and age, so a wide range of ages can have fun.

The tougher the trials they overcome, the bigger the joy when they finally get the jewels—no doubt about it! Give it a try with everyone and have fun!