[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] Indoor Group Games and Craft Activity Ideas (1–10)
Paper cup rocket you can play with indoors
Let’s make a rocket you can play with indoors using a familiar material: paper cups! Since it’s made with paper cups, you don’t have to worry about getting hurt when you launch it.
First, prepare two paper cups and cut four slits into one of them.
Next, cross two rubber bands, tie them together, and attach them to the slits on the paper cup.
Your rocket is ready! Place this ‘rocket’ over the other paper cup and release your hand to make it fly.
It’s also fun to draw freely on the paper cups with markers or decorate them with construction paper and stickers.
ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)
How about exciting children’s hearts with a beanbag toss game? This indoor-friendly activity not only helps develop throwing strength and a sense of distance, but also offers a wonderful chance to learn cooperation with friends.
If you set the basket a bit lower, it’s easier for everyone to join in.
Using color-coded balls naturally builds color recognition and counting skills.
After playing, everyone tidies up together—an uplifting moment to share a sense of accomplishment.
As each child immerses themselves in play, they’re sure to build lovely memories and friendships.
Even indoors, let’s create fun times filled with children’s smiles!
Kendama
Kendama is said to help develop concentration, a sense of achievement, and even balance.
As an easy first step into kendama, how about a handmade version using paper cups and string? Since it’s made by stacking paper cups, it’s oversized—perfect for 4-year-olds.
Another plus is that you can draw any design you like with markers.
Each child’s uniquely personalized kendama will feel special because they made it themselves, which can encourage them to try again and again and take good care of their toy, creating a positive cycle.
[For 4-year-olds] Indoor Group Play and Craft Activity Ideas (11–20)
Ninja Game
This is a “Ninja Game,” a pretend-play activity kids love that also gets them moving, and it can be played indoors.
As ninjas, the children move while staying hidden: they follow closely behind the leading adult, circling around the spot.
When the adult turns around and says, “Who’s there?” the children must quickly crouch down to hide.
And when you think of ninjas, you think of shuriken.
The adult pretends to throw shuriken at the children’s heads and feet, and they try to dodge them: crouch if it’s aimed at the head, and jump if it’s aimed at the feet.
It’s a super exciting game that even younger preschoolers can enjoy.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar painting
This is a creative play activity themed on the classic picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which has been loved by children for many years.
Prepare colored construction paper for the base and pre-cut parts such as the butterfly’s body and face.
The fun part for the four-year-olds is tearing newspaper and painting it with water-thinned paint.
The soft texture of watercolors will feel fresh to the children, and they’re sure to enjoy it.
To finish, cut gold and silver origami into circles and paste them on—the piece will instantly look vivid and crisp.
Cardboard caterpillar
Cardboard pieces joined together transform into a caterpillar you can crawl inside and play with! Just prepare some large cardboard boxes and tape them together for an easy build.
We also recommend making several and holding a relay or race.
Since kids move forward on their knees, dress them in clothing that covers their knees to prevent scrapes and injuries.
And because the child inside can’t see ahead at all, be sure to supervise closely to prevent them from bumping into walls or colliding with other caterpillars.
windmill
Pinwheels that spin round and round in the wind are perfect for 4-year-olds who love moving toys.
You can also expand their interests by chatting as you play: “Have you seen something like this somewhere?” “It looks like a fan.” “What makes it move?” It’s great practice for using scissors and glue, too—cutting round blades from construction paper, sticking them on with glue, and snipping the straw.
Take them along on walks outside the preschool or hold them while running races—there are lots of ways to play and make new variations!