For 4-year-olds! Introducing recommended indoor activities, group games, and crafts
At age four, children’s vocabulary grows, they start expressing their feelings and thoughts in words, and they can find their own favorite play activities and things they want to try.
This time, we’ve gathered play ideas that are perfect for the development of four-year-olds.
In addition to easy-to-implement indoor physical activities and group games, we also introduce many DIY toy-making ideas that let children freely enjoy expressing themselves while expanding their imagination.
We’ve collected many activities that, through playing with friends, help children experience the importance of following rules and the joy of sharing feelings.
Use these as a reference to find play ideas that match the children’s interests.
- [For 4-Year-Olds] A Collection of Indoor Play and Game Ideas That Get Everyone Excited
- [For 4-year-olds] Ideas for group games and craft activities that can be done indoors
- For 4-year-olds! A collection of indoor home play ideas that make time inside fun
- Craft activity ideas for 4-year-olds
- Age 4: Simple and Fun! Handmade Toy Ideas
- For 3-Year-Olds! Indoor & Outdoor Physical Play and Game Ideas
- Ideas for indoor activities, games, and group play that 5-year-olds enjoy
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- [Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Play ideas everyone can enjoy
- [Age 5] Exciting and fun! A special feature on ideas for at-home play
- Exciting for 4-year-olds! A collection of sports day event ideas for preschoolers (middle class)
- [Childcare] Fun for October! Craft ideas recommended for 4-year-olds
- Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor activities and group game ideas
For 4-year-olds! Introducing recommended indoor activities, group games, and crafts (71–80)
Stick-pulling sumo
@cocoskip Hello! This is Cocoskip. In today’s video, we’re playing tug-of-war with a stick. It looks like a simple game, but even adults ended up in a pretty heated match 😂#cocoskipSkip hereChild Development SupportAfter-school day serviceExercise Therapy#After-school day service#Child Development Support (Japan)#CocoSkipChallenge#Indoor PlaysimulationPlayShowdownStaff’s Daily LifeTug-of-war sumo#IWantToBeOnTheRecommendationsI love the admins.
Idol – YOASOBI
Here’s an idea for a sumo-style game using a stick.
You’ll need a pool cue, a mat, and a platform.
It’s a fun game that builds strength and balance! Two players hold a single pool cue and pull against each other, trying to either make the opponent step off the platform or let go of the stick.
It also helps develop patience through focused, physical competition.
Since the game starts with the mat and platform setup, it’s a great activity for after-school day services.
Kids can have fun while boosting their fitness and competitive spirit.
Color Play Game
@cocorurueniwa Today's activity is a color play game! Walk only on the specified color and aim for the goal! Make sure to clearly recognize your own color!#Kokoruru Eniwa#Kokorururu SakuramachiEniwa CityAfter-school day serviceAfter-school day serviceActivityColor Play Game#tiktokvalentine
♪ Tetris – Hiiragi Magnetite
A colorful floor makeover! Here are some play game ideas that use colors.
They’re fun activities that nurture color sense and attention.
Cut five colors of tape into short pieces and stick them on the floor; as children look for and step on each specified color, they can develop their ability to distinguish colors and follow rules.
The game is simple yet helps train reflexes and balance, and it’s perfect for group fun.
Try incorporating it as an activity in your after-school day service.
Ring-Collecting Game
@toiro_efilagroup Stimulation for the brain starts with making things 💡Nursery teacher / Childcare workerChildcare WorkerKanagawaAfter-school day service#toiro# developmental support (ryōiku)#Indoor Playwork
♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day
Fun to make! Fun to play! Here’s an idea for a game where you collect rings.
You’ll need origami paper in your favorite colors, scissors, and glue.
First, cut the origami paper into long, thin strips and glue the ends to make rings! Using colorful paper in the making process can stimulate a sense of color and help develop fine motor skills.
Once the rings are ready, give each person a pair of chopsticks or a straw, and enjoy a game of collecting the rings! It’s a great way to build concentration.
balloon volleyball
@bear_kids_official Group developmental support: “Balloon Volleyball.” We use balloon play to develop motor skills and sense of balance. By cooperating as a team, children cultivate social skills and cooperation, while also improving concentration and attention.#BalloonVolleyballChild Development SupportAfter-school day service# developmental support (ryōiku)
♪ Original Song – BEAR KIDS – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support / After-School Day Service
Tap the pom-poms and balloons to build motor skills and balance! Here’s a balloon volleyball idea.
All you need is a net and some balloons.
It’s a fun way to get moving! With this simple game using a net and balloons, kids will try not to let the balloon fall, reacting quickly and working to send it into the opponent’s court.
It not only boosts physical ability, but also serves as a great activity for learning cooperation and teamwork.
Give it a try!
Pasta Twirling Race
Here’s a perfect indoor activity: the Twirling Pasta Race.
Prepare some “pasta” by attaching yarn to a paper plate with tape.
On the free end of the yarn (the side without tape), attach an empty plastic wrap core.
To race, hold the core and twist it to wind the yarn around it.
It’s a fun competition to see who can wind the yarn—pretend pasta—onto the core the fastest.
To make it even more exciting, place a cutout of an animal with its mouth open between the paper plate and the core, and set up a little sign showing it “eating.” You could also time each round to add a competitive element.
Number Touch Game
Let me introduce a number-touch game where you touch numbers posted on the wall.
Prepare by writing numbers on pieces of paper and sticking them randomly on the wall.
Have the children memorize the positions of the numbers on the wall.
The teacher calls out a number, and the children touch that number—this is the game.
It also helps train memory and reaction speed by remembering where the called number is.
Adjust the height of the numbers to match the children’s reach and give it a try.
You can also make the numbers easier to remember by using different colors of paper or other creative touches.
Bug-catching game
Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.
The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.
The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.
The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.
It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.
Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!