Great for field trips too! Outdoor recreation and games for elementary school kids: hands-on play
Many people probably imagine that when it comes to how today’s elementary schoolers play, they’re gaming or enjoying their favorite streaming videos.
Even if you want to play outside together or let them experience nature, you might find yourself thinking, “What do elementary school kids actually enjoy?” or “They’ll probably get bored right away…” and struggle to come up with good ideas.
So in this article, we’ve gathered outdoor recreations and games that are recommended for elementary school students and can be enjoyed outside.
There are plenty of activities that let you play using things found in nature, even without balls or special equipment.
Try incorporating them not only into family outings, but also on school field trips and during extracurricular lessons.
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- Recommended outdoor games and recreational activities for lower elementary school children
- Fun nature activities that children will love. Recreational games.
- [Elementary School] Games and Recreational Activities to Enjoy at a Forest School Camp
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- Recommended outdoor games you can enjoy without any equipment
- Recommended outdoor recreation for junior high school students: A roundup of fun outdoor activities
- [Active Outdoors!] A roundup of garden games you can enjoy with your kids
- Get Active! Outdoor Play Ideas for Elementary School Kids
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
- Indoor and outdoor activities that avoid crowding. Enjoyable for students from first to sixth grade.
Great for field trips too! Outdoor recreation and games for elementary school kids: Experiential play (21–30)
Camp Bingo
Let us introduce “Camp Bingo,” a game that uses bingo cards illustrated with camping items like campfires, tents, and lanterns.
Participants check off the items on their cards as they find or experience them at the campsite.
It’s enjoyable for both kids and adults and helps build observational skills in nature.
Because it feels like a game, it easily livens up the atmosphere and gives participants a chance to break the ice.
Preparation is simple, and the charm lies in how everyone can have fun together in a lively, social way.
Cops and Robbers
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.
athletics
There are “athletic” parks all over Japan! These days, there are plenty of facilities that adults can enjoy together with kids, so the whole family can have fun.
Many places offer free admission, making them easy to visit.
Since a lot of them are built in natural settings, they’re perfect leisure spots for children who usually spend most of their time playing video games.
Easter Puzzle Treasure Hunt
Let’s go treasure hunting in a secret base! Here are some ideas for an Easter puzzle treasure hunt.
One day, a challenge letter arrives, instructing you to search for hidden Easter eggs.
Look carefully around the yard and inside the house to find them all! Inside the collected Easter eggs, you’ll find clues—one letter at a time.
Rearrange them to crack the code, and a hidden word will be revealed.
Enjoy the excitement of an Easter event and the fun of a treasure hunt!
Escape Game
Work together with your group to clear the game! Here are some escape game ideas.
Aiming to clear it with your teammates helps foster cooperation and problem-solving skills! By teaming up to complete challenges like treasure hunts, crosswords, coin drops, and quiz competitions, children can learn the importance of teamwork.
Combining different types of games allows children to develop multifaceted thinking and grow while feeling a sense of achievement.
It’s a great idea for strengthening bonds with peers while improving problem-solving and communication skills.
Beetle collecting
Why not head outside and look for rhinoceros beetles that you don’t often see in the city? Go out at night between mid-July and mid-August, the peak season for rhinoceros beetles, and visit areas where sawtooth oak (kunugi) trees grow.
Since you’ll be going out at night, be sure to go with an adult, not just children.
Among kunugi trees, those oozing sap are the best spots for collecting beetles.
When you find one, quickly grab it while being careful of its horn.
It’s also a great idea to keep an observation diary for your summer vacation homework!
dodgeball
The environment surrounding dodgeball is heating up right now! There are many manga that passionately depict kids battling it out in the world of dodgeball, such as “Honō no Tōkyūji Dodge Danpei” and “Ganbare! Dodge Fighters.” The Japan Dodgeball Association is also promoting the idea of approaching dodgeball not just as a pastime, but as a sport.
One of dodgeball’s strengths is that everyone can play as long as there’s a ball.
Since all you need to prepare is a ball, there’s hardly any setup required.
A ball is a must-have for camping trips and excursions!