Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor activities and group game ideas
Three-year-olds experience a surge in vocabulary and are characterized by enjoying communication with those around them and showing interest in many things.
They are full of curiosity and eager to say, “I want to try it!”
So this time, we’re introducing ideas for indoor activities and group games that are perfect for the development of three-year-old children.
From games that let them fully move their bodies and discover the joy of interacting with friends, to activities that foster imagination and expressive skills, we’ve gathered a wealth of indoor play ideas that will satisfy three-year-olds!
Please use these as a reference and have fun together!
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Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor play and group game ideas (21–30)
Sinking Game

Recommended when you want to be active and play indoors! Here are some ideas for a “Sinking Game.” The Sinking Game is a fun activity that gets everyone excited while enjoying communication.
Pretend the room is the ocean and create islands using mats and vaulting boxes.
Teachers or guardians play the role of sharks, and the unique rule is that the children run away so they don’t get caught by the sharks! As they play, children can develop listening and decision-making skills, so be sure to incorporate it into your activities!
Churippu sharippu

Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.
There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.
It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.
Be sure to try it in your activities.
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.
Moguradon’snursery rhyme

Let me introduce a mole-themed nursery rhyme game that friends or parents and children can enjoy together.
Everyone forms a circle and holds hands.
One person sits in the center as the mole.
When everyone calls out, “Mole, wake up!” the mole answers, “Okay!” and wakes up.
At the same moment, the people around should try to run away so they don’t get caught by the mole.
The mole chases and tags someone.
Next, the person who was tagged switches roles and becomes the mole.
You can make it even more fun by discussing and changing the lines you say during the game.
Signaling Game

Here’s a traffic-signal game everyone can play.
The rules are: blue = march in place one step, red = crouch quickly, yellow = shake your head and look around, and any other color = do nothing.
Choose one person as the leader.
The leader calls out a signal color, and the other participants perform the corresponding action.
The game gets more exciting if you increase the speed and keep a good rhythm! It’s recommended to start at a slower pace at first.
Crawling tail-chasing game

Let’s introduce a crawling tail-tag game that gets kids excited.
Give each child a “tail” made by braiding plastic ribbon (like florist’s raffia).
The teacher is “it” and chases the children.
At the start signal, the children crawl away to avoid being caught.
If a child gets their tail taken by “it,” they can rejoin the game after doing five jumps and putting the tail back on.
Try swapping who’s “it” or increasing the number of chasers to keep the game fun!
Don Janken

Let’s try playing Don-Janken, a quick and exciting game you can enjoy anywhere! The rules are very simple: split into two teams and line up at opposite ends.
At the signal, the first person from each team runs forward, and when they meet, they play rock-paper-scissors.
If you win, you keep going; if you lose, the next teammate starts running.
You continue advancing by playing rock-paper-scissors, aiming to reach the opponent’s side.
It’s called Don-Janken because when you meet, you both stretch your hands forward, touch with a “don!” and stop.
Play carefully to avoid injuries.


