Lovely childcare

No prep needed! Indoor play and game ideas that 2-year-olds will enjoy

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

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 (31–40)

Abuku-tatta

The group game “Abukutatta” is part of the everyday life of the Elephant Class (2-year-olds) at Hachiman Kodomoen (Fukui City)!

Abuku-tatta

Abukutatta, which combines singing with movement, is a perfect indoor game for two-year-olds.

Everyone forms a circle and moves their bodies while singing, so they can enjoy interacting with friends.

When the song ends, the child in the center transforms from a bean into the “oni” (tagger)! With spooky sounds, a game of tag begins.

The sudden turn of events makes the children’s hearts race with excitement.

As they experience surprise and a bit of tension, their senses and motor skills are naturally stimulated.

It’s easy to jump into on rainy days or between activities, so be sure to enjoy it together with the children.

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Sledding

Let's play with towels! Age-based sled play #physicalplay #childcare

Sledding

Here’s a sledding-style activity using everyday towels.

Prepare two towels, each large enough for one child to sit or stand on.

Have the child ride on one towel, and hold the other towel in their hands while the teacher pulls, moving as if it were a sled.

If the towel is tied once and the child holds the tied section, it’s easier to grip even with weaker hand strength.

Balance is key during this sled play.

Whether the child stands or sits should be chosen based on their developmental stage, prioritizing the safer option.

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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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Musical Chairs

Musical chairs for 2-year-olds!

Musical Chairs

Let me introduce a musical game of musical chairs.

There are many variations of the rules, but for this version we’ll focus on two points suited to the age group: “walk while listening to the music” and “sit on a chair when the music stops.” Musical chairs is often thought of as a competitive game, but when playing with two-year-olds, it’s recommended to enjoy it as a movement game in time with the music.

Play songs the children love and get them excited!

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gymnastics

[20 Minutes Nonstop] Upbeat Dance & Exercise Song Medley – 8 Songs Nonstop ~Covered by UtaSuta~

gymnastics

Gymnastics that nurture children’s sense of rhythm and physical abilities are great not only as indoor play but also as active play, since they let kids move their bodies to the fullest! For two-year-olds, many will try to imitate, so definitely consider incorporating them into your childcare activities.

There are plenty of exercise songs for toddlers, but if you want songs the children already know, it’s best to use the exercise songs from NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” or classic favorites that have been around for years.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced ideas for indoor play and games recommended for two-year-olds.

It’s a good idea to keep a stock of plenty of play ideas so you can turn even short free moments into enjoyable time for everyone.

In group play, children’s feelings may clash and lead to conflicts.

It’s helpful if childcare workers can acknowledge each child’s feelings, speak on their behalf, and step in to mediate while teaching them how to interact with friends.

Let’s encourage children to absorb as much as they can through a wide variety of play experiences!