[Age 5] Exciting and fun! A special feature on ideas for at-home play
By the age of five, more children can enjoy games with rules and have fun competing in games with friends and adults.
In this article, we’ll introduce at-home activities that are perfect for five-year-olds.
We’ve gathered a variety of ideas—from games with easy-to-understand rules, to activities that get kids moving indoors, to crafts that are fun to make—so feel free to use them as a reference and give them a try.
Not only for times when you can’t play outside, but also for those moments when you just feel like staying in, we hope you’ll enjoy these with your family and siblings.
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[Age 5] Exciting and Fun! A Collection of At-Home Play Ideas (51–60)
Rock-Paper-Scissors game
This is a game where you play rock-paper-scissors while doing various actions.
Handling two or more tasks at the same time supports the development of five-year-olds who are starting to learn complex movements.
First is “Pull-out Rock-Paper-Scissors”: the winner pulls on a scarf or cloth, while the loser resists so they don’t get pulled out.
Second is “Balloon Rock-Paper-Scissors,” where you play while keeping a balloon from falling—stay mindful of both the game and the balloon.
Third is “Full-Body Rock-Paper-Scissors,” where you use your whole body to pose rock, paper, or scissors.
It’s a fun at-home activity that also gives kids some exercise while they play.
Perler beads
Iron beads are fused using the heat of an iron after arranging the beads on a dedicated pegboard.
As children make a variety of items—animals, food, and more—this activity lets their creativity shine.
Using their hands or tweezers, they place the beads onto the board one by one.
They can create simple shapes like stars and hearts, or take on more advanced designs like anime characters.
These beads have a cute, pixel-art look and can be used as room decorations or toys.
Try this activity to help nurture a 5-year-old’s thinking skills and concentration.
Block Slider
Block Slider is a toy that lets kids enjoy both building blocks and watching marbles roll.
As they create a three-dimensional structure, they can train their concentration and imagination.
They assemble the base block by block, set up the sliders on top, and roll the marbles.
By taking on the challenge of making something, children can feel a sense of accomplishment when the marbles run.
It’s an ideal activity for five-year-olds who are starting to read instructions and follow rules.
Try it as a great at-home play idea that a child can focus on independently.
indoor horizontal bar
Play using a horizontal bar that lets kids exercise indoors.
It’s sometimes used in PE classes and is perfect exercise for five-year-olds who haven’t started elementary school yet.
Children can enjoy various bar exercises, such as a forward roll by gripping the bar with both hands and rotating forward, or a back hip circle where they lift their body and rotate from below.
When playing at home, make sure it’s safe first—clear the area of objects and check the surroundings.
This activity helps improve physical ability while developing flexible body movements.
Why not try practicing this popular, cross-generational exercise at home?
[Age 5] Exciting and Fun! A Special Collection of At-Home Play Ideas (61–70)
Mystery-Solving Treasure Hunt
This is a game where you create puzzle-solving questions tailored to your child’s age and have them go on a treasure hunt.
Puzzles that require reasoning, observation, and application skills are recommended because kids can enjoy the journey to the treasure itself.
By incorporating your child’s personality, interests, and strengths while adding educational elements, the game also serves as brain training.
However, if the puzzles are too difficult, they may feel discouraged along the way, and if they’re too easy, they may get bored.
So be sure to create challenges that suit each child!
Balloon Catch
These are games using balloons, which are used in a wide range of settings such as interior decor and toys.
The first is Balloon Catch, where you grab a balloon that floats upward at just the right moment—perfect for enjoying the lively motion of a fast-rising balloon.
The second is Balloon Hitting, played with your palm, a fan, or a towel.
It helps children adjust their strength and learn how to handle different objects.
The third is Balloon Basket, where you throw a balloon into a designated spot—timing is key.
Why not try these at-home play ideas that work well from small to large groups?
snack making
Snack-making that you can enjoy with children both when making and eating.
Try making a variety of treats like donuts, cakes, and muffins.
It’s great that you can choose from a wide range of recipes—from those finished using only a microwave to more authentic ones that use an oven.
Reading instructions and going through the process of actually making snacks also contributes to children’s development.
Try creating your own original treats where you can freely customize flavors and decorations.