Get Active! Outdoor Play Ideas for Elementary School Kids

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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kojifumi

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Chinese jump rope

Let's try rubber band jumping!! #1

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.

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mutō

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G Dodgeball

After-school childcare games (2): G Dodge

“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.

By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.

Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.

The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.

Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.

Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.

It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.

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kojifumi

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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!

Mixed-age dodgeball

A scene of growth in dodgeball with the older and middle classes: “Passing on the play”

Let’s nurture compassion and cooperation! Here are ideas for mixed-age dodgeball.

Younger kids are often curious about and admire the games older kids play, right? This idea is perfect for situations commonly seen in after-school programs! When children of different ages play together, older kids can demonstrate leadership, and younger kids can learn the importance of helping one another.

Emphasizing teamwork, with rules and flow designed so everyone can have fun, will also help improve communication skills through the game.

By playing, children naturally develop the ability to cooperate and deepen their bonds with their peers.

Treasure Hunt for Boosting Motor Skills

[Have fun while boosting your child's athletic ability] 3 treasure hunt games

This is a game that can help improve various motor skills through treasure hunting.

By quickly finding treasures hidden over a wide area and throwing them into a designated goal, players can build running and throwing ability; by dribbling a ball while searching for treasures, they can develop coordination—making it fun to overcome weaknesses.

Of course, things you’re not good at will feel difficult at first, but continuing as play turns it into effective training.

It’s a treasure-hunt game that engages both mind and body, and we encourage not only children but also adults to take on the challenge together.

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Hoshino Takashi

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