Lovely childcare

Ideas for indoor play and physical activities recommended for 1-year-olds

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Around age one, children become much more physically active—walking, running, and greatly expanding their range of movement.

Their curiosity also blossoms, and you’ll see major developmental changes: they begin to speak, express themselves, and assert their opinions.

For teachers wondering, “What should we play today?” with these energetic one-year-olds, this is a must-read!

Here are some recommended play ideas for one-year-olds.

You’ll find plenty of options—from activities like eurhythmics and mat play that let kids move their bodies to the fullest even indoors, to imaginative role-play, sensory play that uses their fingertips, and simple crafts that spark excitement.

Find the perfect activities for your children and have fun together!

Indoor play and exercise ideas recommended for 1-year-olds (31–40)

interactive play

Let's enjoy interactive play (for 1-year-olds)

interactive play

Interactive bonding games that children can enjoy with their caregivers.

Have your child sit on the caregiver’s lap, touch their body while they are lying down, or hold them to build closeness.

When your child is on your lap, keeping time with your feet to the music helps develop their sense of balance.

In touch-based play, let your child enjoy the ticklish sensations.

It’s also recommended to enjoy fingerplay songs while your child remains on your lap.

At first, hold your child’s hands and make the movements together, and gradually transition to having them imitate the caregiver’s actions.

Share plenty of physical affection to enrich their hearts.

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Let’s make a ring.

For 1-year-olds: Let’s make rings

Let's make a ring.

Let’s use unwanted newspapers or scrap paper and some vinyl tape at the preschool to make rings.

There are endless ways to play with the rings! Hang them on hooks, use them like ring toss, or try spinning them by hand… As long as the activity isn’t dangerous, let the children enjoy using their own ideas.

Be especially careful about putting rings around the neck—this is dangerous, so keep a close watch.

If you use vinyl tape in a variety of colors, children can notice color differences and choose their favorites as they play.

It’s also a great idea to prepare rings in intentionally different sizes.

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tag

Playing tag with mom #1year7months #playingtag

tag

Tag games like chase are great practice for moving their feet by walking and running.

You don’t need any special equipment, and it’s an easy way to get some exercise, so it’s recommended.

It works whether the caregiver runs around and the child chases, or the other way around.

If you play while calling out things like “Eek!” or “Wait up!”, your child will enjoy it even more.

When the child catches up to the caregiver, or the caregiver catches the child, pick them up or give them a hug to share some physical affection.

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Copycat game

Let's try it with the teacher! Copycat Game♪

Copycat game

Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.

While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.

You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.

While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!

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Towel play

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

Towel play

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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