Recommended outdoor games you can enjoy without any equipment
We were all set to have a blast playing outside, but realized we didn’t have any equipment like balls or rackets! So here are some outdoor games you can enjoy even without any gear.
All you need are the people you’re playing with! You might use things you find in nature or draw lines in the sand, but there’s no need to bring anything from home.
There are games for big groups as well as ones that are fun with just a few people, so if you find something you want to try, give it a go!
Recommended outdoor games you can enjoy without any equipment (1–10)
Mr. Wolf, what time is it now?
It’s a game where kids can move their whole bodies by taking on the roles of the Wolf and the Little Goats.
First, set up a safe zone.
If you’re playing outside, it’s good to draw a big circle or lines in the dirt on the ground.
The children playing the Little Goats ask together, “What time is it, Mr.
Wolf?” If it’s 8 o’clock, they take eight steps forward.
When it reaches midnight—12 o’clock—the hungry wolf comes to eat, so the rule is that everyone has to run away.
Anyone who gets caught switches places and becomes “it.” It’s a game that lets kids feel a sense of unity while enjoying the thrill and excitement.
Hana Ichi Monme
Let me introduce Hanaitaichimonme, a game you play while doing rock-paper-scissors.
Since friends hold hands and play together, it’s fun whether you win or lose.
The part where everyone kicks their feet and steps back is also entertaining.
During the moment when you discuss whom to invite to your team, you listen to others’ opinions and find a good compromise, so it helps build communication and can be a chance to grow closer with your teammates.
If adults join in, the vibe changes and it’s likely to get even more exciting!
Rock-paper-scissors Glico
Here’s an advanced version of the usual rock-paper-scissors.
Let’s play Rock-Paper-Scissors Guriko! First, decide on the start and goal points.
If you’re playing outside, it’s a good idea to draw circles or lines on the ground.
On a cue, play rock-paper-scissors; if you win, move forward the same number of steps as the letters in the word you say: for rock (Goo) say “Guriko,” for paper (Paa) say “Pineapple,” and for scissors (Choki) say “Chocolate.” The cute candy and fruit words make it really exciting! You can expand the game by adding a fun penalty for the loser, too.
Poko-pen
The playfully named game “Poko-pen” is recommended for children.
First, everyone lightly pokes the tagger’s back with a finger while singing.
When the tagger spots a hiding child, they should touch the predesignated base and shout “Poko-pen!” in a loud voice.
The children who are running away need to help each other to avoid being found by the tagger, which builds a sense of unity.
Since the rule requires the tagger to return to the base after finding a runner, it becomes quite a workout.
If you set the base on a slope, it also helps build stamina.
Shadow stepping
Do you know “kage-fumi” (shadow stepping)? Among outdoor games that don’t require any equipment, it’s a really fun one.
On sunny days, everyone tries to step on each other’s shadows.
You protect your own shadow while stepping on your opponent’s.
It looks simple, but it’s actually pretty tricky.
Late afternoon is best—the shadows get longer, and planning your strategy gets more fun.
It engages your brain and your body, so both kids and adults can get hooked.
Another great thing is you can start anytime you feel like it.
On a sunny day, give it a try with friends or family!
kotoro-kotoro (onomatopoeic; a light rattling/rolling sound)
“Kotorokotoro” is a type of tag, but it has a rule where the team protects the child at the end of the line from the “oni” (tagger).
Form a team of about five people: one person is the oni, and the rest are children.
The children stand in a single file, placing both hands on the shoulders of the person in front.
The child at the front crosses their arms and holds them to their chest.
Once the game starts, the oni aims for the child at the very back.
The oni wins if they touch the child at the end or if the line’s hands come apart.
It’s a great game for building teamwork, and even kids who aren’t good at running can enjoy it.
Hand-push sumo
Tepushi-sumo, or “hand-pushing sumo,” is the ultimate classic outdoor game you can enjoy without any equipment! The rules are super simple: stand facing each other and push against your opponent’s hands with both of your hands.
However, you’re not allowed to move your feet.
The person who loses balance and falls loses the game.
Adults are sure to get competitive and fired up! Even if you’re not confident in your physical strength, you can still enjoy it—so why not give it a try with everyone? The excitement builds with how hard you push and how you shift your stance.
It might be the perfect game for a clear, sunny day.