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 recreation for junior high school students: A roundup of fun outdoor activities
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- 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)
Pocopene (Kick the Can)
I know kick the can, but what is “Pokopen”? Actually, kick the can and Pokopen have almost the same rules—the only difference is whether there’s a can or not.
First, choose one seeker, place a can on the ground, and when someone kicks the can like a kickoff, the game starts.
While the seeker is returning the can to its original spot, everyone else hides.
When the seeker finds someone hiding, they step on the can three times while saying that person’s name.
If someone hiding manages to dash in and kick the can away while the seeker is away from it, the hider wins! It’s more thrilling and fun than regular hide-and-seek!
mountain climbing
When it comes to outdoor recreation, hiking is a true classic.
The sense of accomplishment you feel when you reach the summit is an experience like no other.
On top of that, you get to connect with nature—trees, insects, and more—and if you go with friends, it can be a great way to strengthen your bonds.
Of course, it also builds physical fitness, so for elementary school students, hiking is actually a recreational activity with many benefits.
Also great for field trips! Outdoor recreation and games for elementary school kids: experiential play (31–40)
playing on the rocky shore
The sea offers countless ways to have fun, from swimming to beach volleyball.
Among them, “iso-asobi” (rock-pool exploring) is a leisure activity that doesn’t require a float and can be enjoyed even without a swimsuit as long as you wear clothes that can get wet.
It lets you interact with the creatures living among the rocks and feel nature firsthand—something you could never experience in a concrete jungle! You can collect shells to make a pendant, catch hermit crabs and try raising them—there are many ways to play.
playing in the snow
When it comes to winter outdoor recreation, playing in the snow is popular.
It’s nothing unusual in snowy regions, but in areas where it doesn’t snow much, just a snowfall gets the kids super excited.
“Playing in the snow” covers all kinds of activities—building snowmen, having snowball fights, and more.
Besides the classic ways to play, it’s also fun to come up with your own original snow games.
Eel grabbing
Catching fish by hand is a rare kind of recreation for elementary school kids.
Eels in particular are slippery and hard to grab, which makes it exciting for everyone—highly recommended! Just be aware that if you’re allowed to take them home, mom might have a hard time cooking them afterward…
draining
It’s an old game whose name varies by region, like “kenken” or “kaikai.” If you grew up outside the cities, chances are you’ve tried it at least once.
It’s perfect for outings like camping trips or school excursions to riversides and lakes.
First, look for a flat stone—one that fits comfortably in your hand.
Throw it with a sidearm motion, like in baseball, so it skips across the water.
It’s hard to get the hang of it in just one try, so keep practicing!
Treasure hunt with puzzles to enjoy in the park
Solve the riddles and find the treasure chest! Here are some ideas for a riddle-solving treasure hunt you can enjoy at the park.
This activity is great for sparking children’s curiosity and creativity! By hiding treasures around a familiar park and crafting clever puzzles, you can help nurture problem-solving skills.
The thrill of searching for hidden items like snacks or toys makes the experience exciting, and the sense of accomplishment at the end is a big draw.
Both the seekers and the planners are sure to have a great time together.