[For 2-year-olds] Let’s get moving! A collection of ideas for physical play and movement games
By the time children are around two years old, they can do a variety of movements and their play becomes more dynamic.
Are there any teachers who want their children to play a lot but are struggling with a limited repertoire of activities?
It would be wonderful if teachers could promote children’s development by playing together with them as they grow each day.
With that in mind, we’ve gathered recommended physical activities and games for two-year-olds.
We’ve included ideas that don’t require equipment and ones you can do indoors, so please use them as a reference.
- No prep needed! Indoor play and game ideas that 2-year-olds will enjoy
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- [Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving
- [Childcare] Let’s all play! A collection of recommended ideas for group play and games
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- For 2-year-olds! Fun craft activities and indoor play ideas
- [Childcare] Recommended play ideas for caring for 2-year-olds
- Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor activities and group game ideas
- Useful for childcare! Today’s recommended recreational activities, including fingerplay and games!
- Toddler-approved fun! DIY toy ideas for 2-year-olds
- Ideas for performances recommended for two-year-olds’ recitals and play events
- Ideas for indoor play and physical activities recommended for 1-year-olds
- No prep needed! Indoor activities for 3-year-olds, including movement play and group games.
[Age 2] Let’s Move Our Bodies! A Collection of Exercise Play and Game Ideas (11–20)
Plastic Bottle Bowling
Let me introduce an easy and fun game: plastic bottle bowling.
Arrange plastic bottles in a bowling pin formation, then throw a ball to knock them down.
It’s a game where you compete to see how many bottles you can topple.
It’s a good idea to adjust the weight of the ball according to the players’ ages.
You can also add a little water to the bottles or try other tweaks to make it more exciting.
Writing point values on the bottles and competing for scores, or playing in teams and competing against each other, can make it even more fun!
footrace
Running games in the playground are perfect for two-year-olds because they move their whole bodies.
It’s also recommended to incorporate various movements—like running slowly or with big motions while imitating animals such as elephants and ducks—to keep the running game engaging.
Drawing circles or other shapes in the running area can help children see where it’s fun to run.
Be sure to check the ground for dangerous stones or uneven spots, and enjoy safely.
Color ball play
Play with colorful balls that children love is so appealing.
When you dump the balls out of the box all at once to make a wave of balls, the kids are thrilled by the movement of the colorful balls.
Using color balls sparks interest in colors and, by tracking them with their eyes, also helps develop eye movement.
Grasping, holding, and throwing the balls stimulates fine motor skills and arm movements.
Counting the color balls out loud together—how many there are—also creates a great opportunity to learn numbers.
Sledding
Here’s an activity that uses everyday towels for a sled game.
Prepare two towels, each big enough for one child to sit on.
Have the child sit on one towel, and hold the other towel with their hands while the teacher pulls them, moving like a sled ride.
Since small children have weaker grip strength, it’s easier and more enjoyable if they hold onto a section of the towel that has been tied once.
Balance is key during the sled game.
Whether the child stands or sits should depend on their developmental stage—choose the safer option for them to enjoy.
Ball tag
Let me introduce a tag game using a soft ball, called “Ball Oni.” Once the tagger (oni) is chosen, the tagger chases the others while holding the ball.
The tagger throws the ball at the players who are running away.
The player who gets hit by the ball becomes the next tagger and they switch roles.
Running and throwing the ball provide full-body exercise.
When playing Ball Oni, be sure to use a soft ball and explain safety rules beforehand, such as not aiming at the head or face.
If you’re in a large area, it might also be good to set boundaries for where players can run.
Animal Role-Playing Game
Let me introduce the Animal Role-Play Game, where you pretend to be animals.
The rules are simple: you become the animal given as the prompt and play by running around cones or avoiding obstacles.
Because you move your whole body, it can really liven up parties and gatherings.
Wearing animal masks or making animal sounds while you play is also recommended.
When you start the game, make sure to secure a spacious area and play safely to avoid injuries!
[Age 2] Let's Get Moving! A Collection of Physical Activity and Game Ideas (21–30)
Ball passing
Let’s try playing “Ball Pass,” a game you can enjoy with just one ball.
First, have the children line up in a single file.
Give the ball to the child at the front and keep passing it along to the next child.
If the ball makes it to the last child without being dropped, you’ve succeeded! It’s fun to change where the ball passes—over the head or under the legs—or split into two teams and turn it into a competition.
Because different passing methods engage different movements, try incorporating it into everyday play.
