[For 4-year-olds] Ideas for group games and craft activities that can be done indoors
Four-year-olds are at a stage of major growth toward independence, developing social skills as they learn to express their feelings and thoughts in words and deepen their relationships with friends.
In this article, we’ll share plenty of indoor play ideas that help promote the development of four-year-olds.
From group games that are fun while following rules with friends to creative projects that let them express themselves freely as their imaginations grow, we’ve gathered lots of activities that children can join with excitement!
Even on days when you can’t go outside, let’s spend fulfilling time with children by incorporating a variety of indoor games.
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[For 4-year-olds] Ideas for group indoor games and craft activities (71–80)
Stacking paper cups
Let me introduce a fun stacking game with paper cups.
Stack 15 paper cups into a pyramid shape, starting from the bottom.
Time each round and compete to see who can finish their pyramid the fastest.
Because you have to think about the best way to stack the cups as you go, it trains both concentration and problem-solving skills at the same time.
Plastic cups are smooth and glossy, so for children, paper cups are recommended.
Give it a try!
Picture shiritori
Let me introduce a drawing shiritori game that gets everyone excited while you draw.
The drawing shiritori game can be enjoyed by two or more people.
First, decide on a theme for the first drawing in turn.
The first person draws a picture on paper based on the theme.
The next person looks at the previous person’s drawing and draws a picture that starts with the last letter of the previous drawing’s word.
Take turns and keep going.
It gets even more fun if you set final rules in advance, such as what happens if a word ends with “n” (which would normally end the game) or if someone can’t draw on their turn.
Have fun and give it a try!
Color Search Game
Let’s look for what colors are hiding around the room! Here are some ideas for a color-finding game.
This activity is appealing thanks to its simple and easy-to-understand rules.
Just color some paper with markers, put the pieces into a paper cup, and you’re ready to play! It feels exciting, like drawing lots.
As you play, it helps improve color recognition, making it a fun and educational activity.
Once you get used to the game, try drawing two pieces of paper and combining the two colors—that sounds fun too.
Give it a try!
[For 4-year-olds] Indoor group play and craft activity ideas (81–90)
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!
Rock-paper-scissors is fun even in the rain
Here are some rock-paper-scissors games you can enjoy indoors with kids even on rainy days.
“American Rock-Paper-Scissors” reverses winning and losing, so it makes you think.
“Body Rock-Paper-Scissors” is a game where you use your whole body to show rock, paper, or scissors.
It’s recommended to decide in advance what movements will represent rock, scissors, and paper before you start.
In “Newspaper Rock-Paper-Scissors,” you stand on a sheet of newspaper while playing; if you lose, you fold your newspaper once and make it smaller each time.
In “Rock-Paper-Scissors Train,” the loser lines up behind the winner, and the train of players gradually grows longer.
Try these and find your favorite rock-paper-scissors game!
Copycat game
Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.
While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.
You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.
While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!
Ball tag
Let me introduce a tag game using a soft ball, called “Ball Oni.” Once the tagger (oni) is chosen, the tagger chases the others while holding the ball.
The tagger throws the ball at the players who are running away.
The player who gets hit by the ball becomes the next tagger and they switch roles.
Running and throwing the ball provide full-body exercise.
When playing Ball Oni, be sure to use a soft ball and explain safety rules beforehand, such as not aiming at the head or face.
If you’re in a large area, it might also be good to set boundaries for where players can run.