No prep needed! Indoor play and game ideas that 2-year-olds will enjoy
Two-year-olds can move their bodies a lot by walking and running.
It’s also a time when they become more assertive.
Here, we’ve gathered indoor play ideas that two-year-olds can enjoy!
There are a variety of fun, developmentally appropriate activities, including physical play and games they can enjoy with friends.
We’ve focused on activities that require no preparation, so you can start right away on a sudden rainy day or during spare moments.
Please use these ideas as a reference and get creative with your play.
We hope you have a great time indoors with the children!
No Prep! Indoor Activities and Games for 2-Year-Olds (1–10)
Hand games <10 types>
We’re introducing popular hand-play games from daycare and kindergarten! Hand-play is great even for young infant classes, so it’s perfect for times when all the children gather together.
“Ton ton ton ton Anpanman,” featuring a character kids love, is especially popular—so if you’re unsure what to do, give it a try! Children ages two and up can imitate and enjoy it, and even babies who can’t imitate yet will watch with great interest.
Playing with plastic bags
Versatile for all kinds of play! Here are some ideas for games using plastic bags.
These are unique activities you can enjoy with two-year-olds.
Plastic bags are light and sturdy, making them great for easy, varied play.
In the video, we introduce 10 different ways to play, such as inflating a bag to feel the breeze and making a ball using a bag.
Using familiar materials like plastic bags can help nurture creativity.
Let’s spend time full of smiles with the children!
Moving Game
In the Moving House game, when the teacher calls “Moving house!”, the children move to the opposite side of the classroom.
It’s a game where they try not to get caught by the teacher standing in the middle.
You can enjoy various variations, such as increasing the number of teachers, moving by crawling, or moving quietly.
Another appeal of this game is that it helps improve quick reactions and decision-making skills.
I hope the children play with excitement, thinking, “Can I escape well?”
Handmade musical instruments
Let’s have fun making sounds and playing! Here are some ideas for homemade instruments.
Try playing while getting familiar with music using DIY drums, maracas, and castanets.
You can make instruments like drums, maracas, and castanets using paper plates and paper cups, and by freely decorating them with stickers and pens, you’ll nurture children’s creativity.
As they make sounds and keep the beat, they can experience the joy of playing along with music, which also helps develop fine motor skills and a sense of rhythm.
Cleaning Eurhythmics
Let’s make use of handkerchiefs and organza fabric! Here are some ideas for “cleaning-themed eurhythmics.” Eurhythmics is an educational method that combines music and movement, and it’s said to be especially effective in early childhood.
This time, let’s play with a cleaning theme through cleaning eurhythmics.
By using handkerchiefs, children can move their hands and arms in time with the music.
A nice benefit is that they can develop a sense of force control and rhythm while having fun.
Using light, soft materials also makes them easier for children to handle!
Playing with empty boxes
Let’s make the most of scrap materials and play freely! Here are some ideas for playing with empty boxes.
It’s a wonderful activity to enjoy with two-year-olds while bringing out their creativity.
You can add dividers to a box to roll small balls through it, or stack and line up boxes to make tunnels to play with.
Children will expand their own imaginations and come up with many ways to use the boxes.
Through this activity, they can develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness, while enriching their creativity!
English game
Let’s play using three words! Here are some ideas for English games.
By engaging with English through play, children can deepen their understanding of different cultures and values and broaden their global perspectives.
This time, let’s try playing using three words.
The words are “clap,” “tap,” and “catch,” so it’s a good idea to explain the actions and rules before starting the game.
Helping children feel close to English from an early age can become a great strength in their future lives.