Fun! Spring activities for children: recreation and hands-on play

Go hiking and mountain climbing

Day trip: Oze Marshland & Lake Ozenuma — May 8, 2016

Outdoor activities, especially camping, are gaining attention, and for spring I recommend mountain activities like hiking and trekking.

In spring, various plants sprout and bloom, and you can also spot many kinds of wildlife such as birds and insects.

Some mountains require walking on unpaved trails, while others have well-maintained paths that make them easy to climb, so choose a mountain that suits the age and stamina of the children you’re going with.

The spectacular view from the top after a hard climb is sure to resonate with the kids.

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Hane Keisuke

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Balance Walker

I played on a balance walker ♪ slacklining

A balance walker that lets you walk along a flat tape is perfect for outdoor play in spring.

Start by setting the wide tape at a low height and be sure to take proper precautions to prevent injuries.

Children are good at balancing, but they will still need a bit of practice.

Try playing in a safe area where they won’t get hurt even if they fall, and have fun.

Birdwatching

I went birdwatching!

Spring often draws our attention to plants, but it’s also the season when many kinds of birds become active.

Birds are busy in spring too—seeking flower nectar and chasing small insects.

It’s a pastime that children interested in living creatures are likely to enjoy.

Each species has its own unique song, and it’s fun to listen carefully for them.

With binoculars and a wildlife guidebook, the enjoyment of birdwatching will more than double.

Boccia

Children's Boccia Tournament (with rules explanation)

Have fun using both your head and your body! Here are some ideas for boccia.

Boccia is a sport enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, gender, or disability, where all can compete together.

After throwing the white target ball, two teams compete to see which team can get their balls closer to it.

Each team has six balls, so you can strategically hit other balls to close the distance or push them away—another key point of the game! Try incorporating it into your playtime, too.

bouldering

Kids Bouldering Competition HKC2014

Bouldering is an activity where you grip protrusions on a cliff and steadily climb upward.

It’s become quite a trend recently, and indoor bouldering gyms have been popping up all over.

It’s a refreshing sport that’s fun because you rely solely on your own body—mainly upper body strength—to climb to impressive heights.

Many facilities also accommodate children, so why not try your first bouldering session this spring?

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Murakami Shinpei

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Get on a boat

Spring 2011. Shinobazu Pond. Cherry blossoms. Swan boats.

How about trying a boat ride in spring? In winter it just feels way too cold, so it’s something we tend to avoid.

It’s not only kids—even as adults, we don’t often get to ride boats, and the out-of-the-ordinary experience is sure to get everyone excited! In parks with large ponds, you can often find swan boats or small rowboats to ride.

You could let the kids do the rowing, or mom or dad could show off by rowing the boat in style!

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Hane Keisuke

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Ball Drop Game

Introducing Japan's most entertaining recreation. Easy for everyone from children to seniors.

Let’s work together to reach the goal! Here’s an idea for a ball drop target game.

All you need are two brooms, a bucket, and a ball.

Hold one broom in each hand, roll the ball along the tops of the brooms, then spread your arms at the right moment to drop the ball into the bucket! Communicating and coordinating with each other should boost your success rate.

You can also adapt the idea using a cardboard tube from plastic wrap, a deep bowl, and colorful balls.

Give it a try as a fun spring activity!