For 3-Year-Olds! Indoor & Outdoor Physical Play and Game Ideas

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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Rock-Paper-Scissors Sugoroku

@kidschallengeclub♬ EMA – go!go!vanillas

Turn your room into a sugoroku board! Here’s an idea for a Rock-Paper-Scissors Sugoroku game.

Sugoroku is a traditional Japanese board game where you advance squares using dice.

However, in this version, you don’t use dice—you move forward by playing rock-paper-scissors.

The rules are simple: win to advance, lose and go back to the start.

Kids can join in easily.

Set up items like mats, balance beams, or vaulting boxes in the room to represent the squares.

Ball-grabbing game

Let’s control our actions by following the instructions we hear! Here’s an idea for a ball-grabbing game.

In this game, while touching the body part instructed by a teacher or guardian, you quickly react to the word “ball” and pick up a ball placed on the floor.

Once the players get used to it, you can increase the number of instruction words.

For example, start with three words like “head,” “tummy,” and “bottom,” and feel free to adjust the rules according to the child’s level of understanding and responsiveness.

Newspaper Game

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#SoramameKids#SoramameKids#Therapy Time# developmental support (ryōiku)#HandmadeToys#Indoor Play#KagoshimaRehabilitation#StayHomeTimeLet's play at home#IndoorPlayCorenewspaper (newsprint)Newspaper#Nursery school　child

♬ March-style BGM ideal for athletic meet march – harryfaoki

You only need two things to prepare! Here’s an idea for a newspaper sheet game.

It’s also a great option when you have to switch activities indoors due to sudden bad weather.

With just newspaper and tape, you can start playing right away! Set up a long chain of connected newspaper sheets under a chair.

While sitting on the chair, move both feet left and right to store the newspaper under the chair.

The key is to use the entire sole of your feet, which also makes it perfect for strengthening your core.

Anything Basket

[5-year-olds] Anything Basket!

Listen carefully, think carefully, and move! Here’s an idea for a “Anything Basket” game.

Are you familiar with Fruit Basket? In this game, participants are assigned the names of fruits like apple, banana, and orange.

The facilitator calls out, “○○ fruit!” and the children who have that fruit name quickly move to the seats designated for that fruit.

As a variation of Fruit Basket, let’s try “Anything Basket.” It’s a great way to develop good listening skills!

Bomb game

[Indoor Play] A Game Enjoyable Across Ages [Bomb Game]

The excitement just won’t stop! Here’s a fun idea for a bomb game.

It’s a great way to build concentration and decision-making skills while playing.

All you need is a device that can play music and a ball or balloon.

Have the participants stand in a circle facing each other.

While the music is playing, pass the ball to the person next to you.

When the music stops, whoever is holding the ball loses—simple as that.

It’s sure to be a hit with preschool classes!

chimney game

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

Let’s work hard so we don’t lose to the chimney sweeper! Here’s an idea for a chimney-themed game.

It’s a unique game that uses balls and a mat.

If your center doesn’t have a mat, you can use connected cardboard pieces instead.

Inside the chimney, a teacher transformed into a chimney sweeper will go in.

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

They’ll develop their ability to strategize and be inventive by making plans and watching for the teacher’s openings.

Give it a try!