Model ships were popular before WW2; after WW2, model airplanes, especially rubber band powered airplanes, then fuel (engine) powered model planes became popular. Children also enjoyed collecting scrap metal, knitting and, "spying",
In Germany, children both boys and girls were encouraged to join the Hitler Youth for young German boys 14-18 Girls in Germany were encouraged to join the BDM ages 10-14 In Italy and Japan children...
Children were evacuated from major ports and cities and sent to the countryside, or abroad, to avoid the risk of them being killed or injured during enemy bombing raids on the ports and cities.