For 1-year-olds! Indoor play ideas that make rainy days fun

Let’s hang balloons and play

How about attaching curling ribbon to balloons and hanging them from above to play? Kids get super excited watching the balloons sway and bounce in the air when they touch them! If you’re incorporating this into childcare, it’s a good idea to prepare several so multiple children can play at the same time.

It’s also important to secure a space that’s large enough to prevent children from bumping into each other while playing.

If they show interest in the curling ribbon, it’s perfectly fine to let them tear it and play with it, too.

This activity provides various sensory stimuli, including visual and tactile.

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tsukada moe

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Let’s become various animals!

Fun From Age 1: Let’s Be Different Animals! Movement Play with Hand Motions

Animal role-play is a recommended activity that lets even one-year-olds move their bodies a lot.

If they pretend to be frogs, they can imitate hopping around, and if they pretend to be rabbits, they’ll put their hands up like ears and do cute little jumps.

It’s heartwarming to see children use their bodies to express the image of each animal.

It’s great that no preparation is needed, and another nice point is that this play lets you see a wide range of expressions on the children’s faces.

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tsukada moe

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Playing with plastic raffia (Suzuran tape)

Suzuran Tape Play for Ages 0–2

Let’s make rainy days fun with Suzuran tape! There are so many ways to play.

First, cut the Suzuran tape into suitable lengths and hand them to the children—you’ll see them freely playing by waving the strips so they flutter or by tearing them into thin strands.

You can put the pieces into a bag with air to make a ball, or bundle several together to create a Suzuran ball—the possibilities are endless! You can also wrap short strips around one long strip to form a tunnel, or turn the tape into pom-poms and do exercises while holding them.

It’s a great way to enjoy full-body movement play!

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hiyoko sensei

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playing camp

[Daichi] Pretend Camping Day 1 #1-year-olds #Hatsukaichi Kujira Nursery School #pretendcamping #pretendplay #Shorts

When it rains and you can’t go outside, kids always look a bit disappointed, don’t they? At times like that, how about having a pretend camping adventure indoors? You can even set up the tent you usually pitch outside right in your living room and create a mini campsite! Just that alone will get the kids super excited.

You can play your usual games inside the tent, but since it’s a camping pretend-play, having snacks or taking a nap inside will feel extra special and a lot of fun.

It’s the kind of activity that makes you look forward to rainy days!

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hiyoko sensei

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Towel play

[At-home play] Make a cute little bear with a towel 🧸 #AtHomePlay #AtHomePlayIdeas #TowelPlay #ParentChildPlay

Actions like tracking a towel with their eyes or trying to grab it are perfectly valid play for one-year-olds.

A compact, long towel like a sports towel works well.

Also, placing towels on the floor for free play can be dangerous because they might wrap around a child’s body, so make sure a teacher is always the one handling the towels.

Kids are thrilled if you put a towel on them like a cape! If possible, try to gather towels in various colors and patterns.

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tsukada moe

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Plastic Bottle Bowling

[Ages 1–2] First-Time Plastic Bottle Bowling!!

Here are some activities you can enjoy indoors.

Playing with round stickers helps build concentration and creativity by using fine motor skills.

Since children can usually start sticking stickers around age one, it’s highly recommended.

Scissors can typically be used by children around ages two to three.

Activities where children cut paper with scissors and paste it with glue expand the joy of creating and boost their motivation to make things—kids love them.

As children grow, the range of play expands; for example, bowling incorporates movements that promote physical development and provides beneficial stimulation.

Be sure to incorporate age-appropriate activities.

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mayumi

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agar play

[STEAM Early Childhood Education] Agar Play: Bringing More STEAM Learning into the Early Years

How about trying agar play, which stimulates children’s senses with its jiggly texture? First, mix 2 g of powdered agar with 250 ml of water in a paper carton.

Add paint or food coloring to tint it.

Heat in a 600W microwave for 3 minutes.

Give it a light stir, then chill it in the refrigerator until set—that’s it.

Preparing agar in various colors makes play even more engaging and fun.

For children who don’t like touching it directly, put the agar in a plastic bag so they can feel it through the bag, or encourage them to use tools like spoons and forks.

In addition to sensory play—pinching, squishing, and mixing colors—setting out cups and plates can turn it into pretend play, too.

Give it a try!