[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
- Ideas for indoor play, physical activities, and games suited to the development of 2-year-olds
- [Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving
- [Childcare] Let’s all play! A collection of recommended ideas for group play and games
- Indoor activities that 2-year-olds can enjoy. Recommended at-home games that will keep them engaged.
- 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.
[For 2-year-olds] Let’s get moving! A collection of ideas for physical play and games (31–40)
Milk Carton Circuit
@kazenomori.piconursery Super easy! The recipe is in the comments!#Nursery school#HandmadeToysTranslationLifehackChildcareNursery teacher / Childcare worker#Indoor Play#Milk carton#Pico Nursery
Shuwa-shuwa Honey Lemon 350ml – Sharou
Create with familiar materials! Here are some circuit (obstacle course/track) ideas using milk cartons.
All you need is milk cartons and tape.
After cutting the cartons, connect them with accordion folds.
They can be used as course dividers, and it’s also fun to incorporate organza fabric or colorful balls inside the cartons! If there are children with allergies, using juice or tea paper cartons offers peace of mind.
Give it a try!
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!
gomudan
Here’s how to play Gomu-dan (rubber band jumping).
First, prepare a flat elastic band, and have two people hold the ends.
Let’s start with a simple jump-over game.
Hold the band at ankle height and jump over it.
Even if your feet catch on the band, it’s a success as long as you make it through to the other side.
Try different ways of jumping, like two-footed jumps, backward two-footed jumps, and cartwheel jumps! You can also raise the height to increase the difficulty and excitement.
Be sure to keep the band pulled tight—if it’s slack, it can be dangerous.
Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game
Great for group play! Here’s an idea for a “Run Away from the Hula Hoop” game.
All you need is a large hula hoop.
The rules are simple: it’s a game where children try not to get hit by a hula hoop rolled by a parent or teacher.
The key is to move while predicting the hoop’s speed and the direction it will roll.
Once everyone gets used to the game, adding variations to how the hoop moves will keep the kids fully engaged.
Give it a try and include it in your activities!
Penguin Race
Here’s a game where you walk while holding a balloon between your knees.
Since the way you walk looks like a penguin, it’s called the Penguin Race.
If you squeeze too hard, the balloon might slip out from between your knees and float away, making it hard to reach the finish line.
Split into teams and pass the balloon to the next runner like a baton.
You could also skip teams and run it as a tournament or round-robin for extra fun.
It’s a race that can be enjoyed as a parent–child activity too, so give it a try!
[For 2-year-olds] Let’s get moving! A collection of ideas for exercise play and games (41–50)
Newspaper Spiderweb Circuit
Tear it! Stick it! Crawl through and play! Here’s an idea for a newspaper “spiderweb” circuit.
You’ll need ribbon tape (suzuran tape), newspaper, and regular tape.
It’s a great idea when you want to include crawling movements in a circuit.
Some children find tunnels intimidating because they’re dark and long.
By tearing and sticking newspaper as part of everyday play, you can naturally encourage crawling movements! The making process also stimulates children’s creativity—what a lovely idea.
Bomb Game
Heart-pounding and thrilling—the Bomb Game is here! The word “bomb” might sound scary, but in this game we use a soft rubber ball as a pretend bomb.
The rules are super simple: if you don’t get hit by the ball the teacher throws, you win.
Start with an easy level so anyone can win, and add variations as everyone gets used to it.
If you snap your wrist to put spin on the ball before throwing, its bounce after it lands becomes unpredictable—guaranteed to get everyone excited!