Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor activities and group game ideas

Fruits Basket

[Ages 3–4] “Fruit Basket”

By the time children are three years old, they’re able to play while following basic rules.

That’s when “Fruit Basket” is a great activity to introduce.

One of the charms of this game is that it can be enjoyed in a lively, large group.

The rules of Fruit Basket are very simple: the “it” player shouts the name of a specific fruit, and only the people sitting in chairs who belong to that fruit move to a different seat.

During this time, the “it” player tries to take a seat.

It’s ideal if the teacher can really set the mood so that children who are just learning the rules can have fun too!

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Ryo

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Mukkuri Kuma-san

[Group Game] “Mukkuri Kuma-san” | How to Play “Mukkuri Kuma-san”

Let’s enjoy traditional nursery rhymes! Here’s an idea using “Mukkuri Kuma-san.” Warabe-uta are traditional Japanese children’s songs that are fun because adults and kids can sing and play together.

They have a good rhythm, simple lyrics and melodies, and are easy for children to remember.

For Mukkuri Kuma-san, choose one child to be the bear, and have the other children hold hands and walk in a circle around the bear.

When the song ends, the bear chases everyone.

The person tagged by the bear becomes the next bear.

chimney game

Chimney Game! Ball Play (4- and 5-Year-Olds)

Let’s do our best not to lose to the chimney sweeper! Here’s an idea for a chimney game.

This is a unique game that uses balls and mats.

If your center doesn’t have mats, connected cardboard pieces will also work.

A teacher, transformed into a chimney sweeper, goes inside the chimney.

The children try to toss balls into the chimney so they won’t lose to the sweeper.

They can build skills by making strategies and watching for moments when the teacher lets their guard down.

Give it a try! If you have a large group, a key tip is to prepare more balls than the number of participants.

Animal Role-Playing Game

Let's try it! Animal role-play game

Here’s a pretend-play animal game that builds expressive skills.

The teacher tells the children the name of the animal they should transform into.

When the teacher hits the drum once, the children turn into that animal.

There are no set movements, so encourage the children to freely and boldly express the animal’s movements as they imagine them.

When the teacher hits the drum twice, they return to being human.

Repeat this pattern and have everyone enjoy fully becoming the animals.

Listen carefully to the sound of the drum, transform into different animals, and have fun moving your bodies together across mixed age groups.

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mayumi

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Sledding

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

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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mayumi

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Seated tag

[Indoor Active Play] Have Fun with Seated Tag [Elementary School Kids]

“We can’t play outside because of the rain, but I still want to move my body as much as possible today!” In times like these, here’s a childcare-friendly game we recommend: “Seated Tag.” First, the children start in a seated position.

The rule is that they must keep their bottoms on the floor at all times.

Set a time limit, then play tag while staying seated.

Since it doesn’t involve running, it’s safe and fun to play indoors.

It also helps build leg strength as kids move using their legs and bottoms, so be sure to add it to your play repertoire!

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kepiko

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Moving House Game

[For toddlers, simple, movement play] Moving House Game

Let’s move to a distant base! Here’s an idea for a “Moving House” game.

In this game, the cue word is “Moving House,” and children simply move from one mat to another.

Once they get used to it, teachers or guardians can try to interrupt them along the course.

The fun part is seeing whether they can complete the move while avoiding the teachers or guardians! It’s also a great idea for deepening bonds among the children by giving them a shared goal.